Level of experience: Beginner and beyond. 

We will be exploring Emandal's secret colors of summer. During this creative retreat, we will discuss various methods for mordanting cellulose and protein fabrics/fibers using tannins and metal salts. We will forage, gather, and process a range of dye plants. We will document our findings in a dye journal. I will provide cellulose and protein fabric samples mordanted using various methods, allowing you to observe the resulting differences and determine which mordanting method you prefer. I also have tips and tricks for reducing friction in your creative practice, as well as a simple method for keeping track of dye experiments, making it easy to document your dye discoveries. We will not be mordanting any fabric during the retreat, but I’m happy to discuss the different processes and answer any questions.

I will teach you the “folk method” process of natural dyeing. This intuitive dye method is based on general proportions. There is no difficult math involved. You don’t need to weigh everything meticulously. This is the perfect method to use when foraging and experimenting with natural dye plants. You’ll also receive a downloadable PDF with all the information you need to continue your exploration of plants and color. You are welcome to bring containers to take home any leftover dye. Depending on the time, we may be able to modify samples with iron, acid, and alkali after baths. 

Depending on time, if you would like to dye more than just the fabric samples included in the materials fee, you are most welcome. Anything you bring must be prepped for dye, clean, washed, and mordanted. You are welcome to bring your pre-mordanted fabric, small accessories such as handkerchiefs or bandannas, and yarn to dye with the leftover dye materials. Some dyes we will be using are high in tannin and do not require mordanting. We can also create larger dye baths using plants that are abundant. Fabric should be no larger than 20”-26” square. All yarn needs to be skeined in hanks so it can be dyed. NO GARMENTS. Please limit it to one or two small items. Please note that this is a bonus activity, and we may not have time.

I’m bringing my dye journals so you can look through them and we can decide what seasonal plants to explore. 

Last year, we documented 18 plant species. We can comfortably test 5-7 plants per day.  In 2024 and 2025 I taught this class in September. We will have access to different plants in June.

Depending on how everyone is feeling, we will meet on Wednesday and briefly discuss matters and review the basic itinerary for each day. I want everyone to have plenty of time to get settled into their rooms and do a little exploring if they haven’t been to Emandal before. If you have specific native or naturalized plants you are curious about, I encourage you to make a list, and we can see if they are available in the landscape.

This is a hands-on workshop. We will walk, collect, and process plants. If you have mobility limitations, difficulty lifting more than 15 lb, or any other physical limitations, please let me know.

There will be downtime. Emandal is one of those magickal places. There is no internet access. Phones can be used to take pictures, set timers for dye baths, and record notes. Being unplugged from the external world and surrounded by an abundance of nature is a gift. This is one of my favorite places, and I want everyone to have a chance to explore and relax. I love staying at the cabins up in the woods of Douglas Firs, mighty oaks, and majestic Madrone trees. It’s a leisurely 10-minute walk to the main house.

Materials fee of $25 payable to the instructor. 

What You Need To Bring

• Apron to protect your clothes or wear clothes you’re ok with getting messy

• Household Rubber Gloves 

• Small Pruners or Garden Scissors

• Garden Gloves if you are prone to getting rashes when touching plants

• Journal/notebook(dye journal) If you don’t already have one and are wondering what to get please email me.

• Watercolors, colored pencils or drawing supplies if you want to sketch or illustrate any of the plants.

• Pen or Pencil

• Sun Hat

• Sun Block

• Optional: If you want to make Homemade Iron Water, please bring a mason jar, lid, and a handful of rusty objects.

If you are flying and have questions about transportation and places to stop and get supplies, please let me know. I’m happy to answer any questions.

I will have copies of my book for sale. If you already have a copy and would like me to sign it, please bring it with you. 

If you have any questions, please contact me at honeyfolkclothing@gmail.com

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and exploring plant magick together. I’ll be adding a photo library at the end of January/beginning of February. Plus a video.

June Art Stays Workshops: Song-writing, Natural Dyes, Oak Woodlands, Nature Journaling, Memoir Writing, Pine Needle Baskets, Art on your Own.

What is Emandal Art Stays? A 4 night/5 day retreat for adults dedicated to creative endeavors in writing, music, and multiple disciplines of arts and crafts, 16 miles NE of Willits, California, at a farm on the Eel River.  This is a restful, internet-free opportunity to focus on your passions, be pampered by authentic farm-to-table meals, revel in community, and enjoy swims in the beautiful, wild, and scenic Eel River. Beginning at $925 all inclusive. I’ve included links below to all the housing options. I love staying in the Cabins.