




















Intro to Indigo and Shibori- WAGONMASTER RANCH RESORT
June 11, 2024
Sept 10, 2024
Indigo is an ancient dye derived from the leaves of plants and surrounded by magic, mystery, and folklore
Discover how the leaves ‘make blue’ by learning about the character and chemistry of the natural indigo vat. The complex chemistry of the indigo vat is fascinating, and students will soon appreciate how rituals have grown around the making and using of a successful vat. The unique ‘attaching’ of indigo to fiber means it is particularly suited to resist dying methods, such as shibori, where portions of cloth are closed off to the dye or the flow of pigment is restricted. Different shades of blue will build on the fabric after several dips, exhibiting the beautiful graded hues typical of indigo.
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES COVERED:
The class will prepare a vat in the morning, and the instructor will explain the essential chemistry required. Using a commercially available chemical, we will use Natural indigo to make the vat. While the vat develops, the instructor will show the students several shibori techniques: a folded and clamped method and a twisted and tied technique. Students can expect to make several napkin-sized samples, a scarf, or a t-shirt ( 1 set of 4 napkins provided)
LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING:
a pair of new rubber gloves (dishwashing long)
a seam-picker or a small pair of sharp scissors
An old shirt or apron – and please wear old clothes.
closed-toe shoe
package of rubber bands
(1) An item of clothing you wish to “upcycle” with your new skills that is not too large as we will be sharing a vat- a natural fiber ( linen, cotton, viscose, silk) t-shirt or linen shirt is excellent! Natural fiber scarves are also acceptable and will be available for purchase from the instructor
PRE-SCOUR ALL Fabrics before bringing them to class (wash in Hot water with mild soap- boil for 20-30 minutes
Each person can dye approximately six items.
Water to stay hydrated as we will be working outside
Please bring a bag of lunch
PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
All supplies to create shibori patterns(1) set of 4 cotton or linen pre-scoured napkins
Scarves and additional napkins are available for purchase from the instructor
Workshop Times: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm with a break for lunch
WORKSHOP LOCATION: WAGONMASTER RANCH RESORT (CAN ENTER IN GOOGLE MAPS FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS)359 ADVENTURE RANCH ROAD MURPHY, NC 2890
CABINS ARE AVAILABLE IF YOU WISH TO SPEND THE NIGHT: HTTPS://WAGONMASTERRANCHRESORT.COM/ (Also available on Murphy Air BB site)
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Suzanne’s teaching experience includes studio and professional practices at institutions throughout the U.S.
These include The Arrowmont School of Art & Craft (Gatlinburg, TN,) River Ridge Retreat Center (Menominee, WI,) Carborro Art Center (Carborro, NC,) Morakami Japanese Museum (Palm Beach County, FL,) Foosaner Museum, (Melbourne, FL,) Lighthouse Art Center, (Tequesta, FL), Appalachian Center for Craft (Smithville, TN), Olives Porch (a John C Campbell outreach center in Murphy, NC) and the Aya Fiber Studio ( Stuart FL and Murphy NC); her studio, where she hosts national and international artists who give workshops to over 500 students from all over the country each year. Suzanne is the Founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild, is a member of SPIN (Silk Painters International), The World Shibori Network, The American Craft Council, and is the South Florida Regional representative for The Surface Design Association. Suzanne also offers Japanese Textile Study Workshops in Japan.
June 11, 2024
Sept 10, 2024
Indigo is an ancient dye derived from the leaves of plants and surrounded by magic, mystery, and folklore
Discover how the leaves ‘make blue’ by learning about the character and chemistry of the natural indigo vat. The complex chemistry of the indigo vat is fascinating, and students will soon appreciate how rituals have grown around the making and using of a successful vat. The unique ‘attaching’ of indigo to fiber means it is particularly suited to resist dying methods, such as shibori, where portions of cloth are closed off to the dye or the flow of pigment is restricted. Different shades of blue will build on the fabric after several dips, exhibiting the beautiful graded hues typical of indigo.
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES COVERED:
The class will prepare a vat in the morning, and the instructor will explain the essential chemistry required. Using a commercially available chemical, we will use Natural indigo to make the vat. While the vat develops, the instructor will show the students several shibori techniques: a folded and clamped method and a twisted and tied technique. Students can expect to make several napkin-sized samples, a scarf, or a t-shirt ( 1 set of 4 napkins provided)
LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING:
a pair of new rubber gloves (dishwashing long)
a seam-picker or a small pair of sharp scissors
An old shirt or apron – and please wear old clothes.
closed-toe shoe
package of rubber bands
(1) An item of clothing you wish to “upcycle” with your new skills that is not too large as we will be sharing a vat- a natural fiber ( linen, cotton, viscose, silk) t-shirt or linen shirt is excellent! Natural fiber scarves are also acceptable and will be available for purchase from the instructor
PRE-SCOUR ALL Fabrics before bringing them to class (wash in Hot water with mild soap- boil for 20-30 minutes
Each person can dye approximately six items.
Water to stay hydrated as we will be working outside
Please bring a bag of lunch
PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
All supplies to create shibori patterns(1) set of 4 cotton or linen pre-scoured napkins
Scarves and additional napkins are available for purchase from the instructor
Workshop Times: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm with a break for lunch
WORKSHOP LOCATION: WAGONMASTER RANCH RESORT (CAN ENTER IN GOOGLE MAPS FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS)359 ADVENTURE RANCH ROAD MURPHY, NC 2890
CABINS ARE AVAILABLE IF YOU WISH TO SPEND THE NIGHT: HTTPS://WAGONMASTERRANCHRESORT.COM/ (Also available on Murphy Air BB site)
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Suzanne’s teaching experience includes studio and professional practices at institutions throughout the U.S.
These include The Arrowmont School of Art & Craft (Gatlinburg, TN,) River Ridge Retreat Center (Menominee, WI,) Carborro Art Center (Carborro, NC,) Morakami Japanese Museum (Palm Beach County, FL,) Foosaner Museum, (Melbourne, FL,) Lighthouse Art Center, (Tequesta, FL), Appalachian Center for Craft (Smithville, TN), Olives Porch (a John C Campbell outreach center in Murphy, NC) and the Aya Fiber Studio ( Stuart FL and Murphy NC); her studio, where she hosts national and international artists who give workshops to over 500 students from all over the country each year. Suzanne is the Founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild, is a member of SPIN (Silk Painters International), The World Shibori Network, The American Craft Council, and is the South Florida Regional representative for The Surface Design Association. Suzanne also offers Japanese Textile Study Workshops in Japan.
June 11, 2024
Sept 10, 2024
Indigo is an ancient dye derived from the leaves of plants and surrounded by magic, mystery, and folklore
Discover how the leaves ‘make blue’ by learning about the character and chemistry of the natural indigo vat. The complex chemistry of the indigo vat is fascinating, and students will soon appreciate how rituals have grown around the making and using of a successful vat. The unique ‘attaching’ of indigo to fiber means it is particularly suited to resist dying methods, such as shibori, where portions of cloth are closed off to the dye or the flow of pigment is restricted. Different shades of blue will build on the fabric after several dips, exhibiting the beautiful graded hues typical of indigo.
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES COVERED:
The class will prepare a vat in the morning, and the instructor will explain the essential chemistry required. Using a commercially available chemical, we will use Natural indigo to make the vat. While the vat develops, the instructor will show the students several shibori techniques: a folded and clamped method and a twisted and tied technique. Students can expect to make several napkin-sized samples, a scarf, or a t-shirt ( 1 set of 4 napkins provided)
LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING:
a pair of new rubber gloves (dishwashing long)
a seam-picker or a small pair of sharp scissors
An old shirt or apron – and please wear old clothes.
closed-toe shoe
package of rubber bands
(1) An item of clothing you wish to “upcycle” with your new skills that is not too large as we will be sharing a vat- a natural fiber ( linen, cotton, viscose, silk) t-shirt or linen shirt is excellent! Natural fiber scarves are also acceptable and will be available for purchase from the instructor
PRE-SCOUR ALL Fabrics before bringing them to class (wash in Hot water with mild soap- boil for 20-30 minutes
Each person can dye approximately six items.
Water to stay hydrated as we will be working outside
Please bring a bag of lunch
PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
All supplies to create shibori patterns(1) set of 4 cotton or linen pre-scoured napkins
Scarves and additional napkins are available for purchase from the instructor
Workshop Times: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm with a break for lunch
WORKSHOP LOCATION: WAGONMASTER RANCH RESORT (CAN ENTER IN GOOGLE MAPS FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS)359 ADVENTURE RANCH ROAD MURPHY, NC 2890
CABINS ARE AVAILABLE IF YOU WISH TO SPEND THE NIGHT: HTTPS://WAGONMASTERRANCHRESORT.COM/ (Also available on Murphy Air BB site)
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Suzanne’s teaching experience includes studio and professional practices at institutions throughout the U.S.
These include The Arrowmont School of Art & Craft (Gatlinburg, TN,) River Ridge Retreat Center (Menominee, WI,) Carborro Art Center (Carborro, NC,) Morakami Japanese Museum (Palm Beach County, FL,) Foosaner Museum, (Melbourne, FL,) Lighthouse Art Center, (Tequesta, FL), Appalachian Center for Craft (Smithville, TN), Olives Porch (a John C Campbell outreach center in Murphy, NC) and the Aya Fiber Studio ( Stuart FL and Murphy NC); her studio, where she hosts national and international artists who give workshops to over 500 students from all over the country each year. Suzanne is the Founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild, is a member of SPIN (Silk Painters International), The World Shibori Network, The American Craft Council, and is the South Florida Regional representative for The Surface Design Association. Suzanne also offers Japanese Textile Study Workshops in Japan.