This workshop will introduce you to a range of flowers and plants that can be used to make natural fabric dyes. You will be surprised to learn that various well-known flowers and plants can be used to make beautiful colours. Many of these flowers can be easily grown, found and foraged. There will be a walk around the stunning gardens at Toolerstone House with Simon the Head Gardener and Melanie will demonstrate the dyeing process on an open fire in our outdoor teaching space. The hands-on crafting experience will take place in the cosy Brew Shed. This workshop offers a fantastic creative experience, allowing you time to connect and create with nature.

A bit more detail

Join us for a day of nature inspired creativity. This workshop encompasses elements of foraging, nature connection and crafting. It is suitable for complete beginners and for those who have experience of plant dyes and crafting.

Using a selection of naturally dyed Pre-felt you will construct and embellish a fabric pouch, purse or mobile phone holder. The pouch will be made using needle felting, decorative embroidery and stitch techniques.

We allow plenty of time for our students to enjoy the gardens and create their work. You will be provided with an exciting range of top-quality materials and resources to take home with you. We will take good care of you during your time with us, serving seasonal treats and refreshments as well as a delicious lunch.

About the tutor

Melanie runs Crafts in the Valley delivering creative art and craft workshops from her studio in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
As an artist and craftsperson, Melanie enjoys experimenting with fused glass and textiles. She is inspired by the array of colour and texture found in nature. The wonders and beauty of the natural environment influence her work. She loves learning new creative processes and sharing her skills with others.

Melanie studied Fashion and Textiles at university and spent 16 years working as an Art Techer in secondary schools. Since 2019 she has been running her business full time and pursuing her interests in art, crafts, gardening and nature.

Melanie shares Toolerstone’s ethos, and believes attending creative classes can have a huge benefit on people’s well-being and happiness. She encourages her students to feel confident and relaxed and allows for artistic self-expression. Her aim is to help people enjoy the creative process without putting pressure on oneself to create perfection.

Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & bacon butties.
10:00 An introduction to the workshop space and time spent in the garden looking for inspiration.
10:45 Tea and Coffee served around the fire pit (weather permiting!).
11:00 An introduction and demonstration of the dyeing process, heating up the dye pot over a fire.
12:30 Delicious homemade, organic lunch.
13:30 Making time, creating the felted pouches using needle felting, decorative embroidery and blanket stitch.
16:30 Workshop ends but, your love of colour, textiles and the outdoors will continue.

What is included?

• All drinks, refreshments and a delicious lunch are included in your day.
• All materials you need and an apron will be provided
• Free onsite car parking.

What do I need to bring?

A positive, have a go attitude and a smile! You can also bring any special buttons, or yarn to embellish your pouch if you so wish.
Wellies and a waterproof as we cannot predict the English weather!

Experience Level

We welcome all levels of expertise from curious beginners to the accomplished.