From Leaf to Print: Featuring Madder Root, Logwood, Weld, and Marigold

Step into the timeless art of natural dyeing and botanical printing in this immersive, hands-on class designed for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Using the vibrant hues of madder root, logwood, weld, and marigold, participants will learn how to create stunning, nature-inspired prints on natural fibers — from soft golden yellows to rich coral reds and earthy greens, purples and oranges.

This class is for artists, designers, fiber enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to reconnect with nature’s palette. No prior experience required — just curiosity and a love of color. Whether you’re completely new to natural dyes or looking to refine and deepen your practice, this class will guide you through every stage of the process, blending science, craft, and creativity.

What You’ll Learn:

🌱 Beginner Level: Foundations of Natural Dyeing
  • Introduction to natural dye history and plant-based color theory
  • Preparing fabrics and fibers for dyeing (washing, scouring, and mordanting)
  • Understanding how madder root, weld, logwood and marigold behave on protein based natural fibers (silk & wool)
  • Basic dye extraction and safe studio practices
  • Simple immersion dyeing and layering colors
🍂 Intermediate Level: Botanical Printing & Pattern Design
  • Eco-printing techniques with fresh and dried plant materials
  • Bundling and steaming methods for transferring natural pigments
  • Creating compositions using leaves, petals, and resists
  • Experimenting with multiple dyes for tone variation and depth
🔥 Advanced Level: Artistry, Permanence & Innovation
  • Advanced color layering and over-dyeing for complex botanical effects
  • Modifying colors with pH shifts and natural mordants
  • Creating repeatable color recipes and botanical pattern studies
  • Troubleshooting and refining dye results for professional projects
  • Designing your own collection — scarves, art panels, or fabric yardage

Participants will take home:

  • A personalized color sample book pages that you can put into a binder
  • Hand-dyed and printed textiles
  • A step-by-step dyeing guide and recipes
  • Confidence and skill to continue exploring natural dyes independently

 

Materials:

Teacher will provide:
  • All natural dye materials (madder root, weld, logwood, marigold, oak gallnut, alum mordant)
  • Base fabrics (silk noil for sampling and a silk scarf)
Students will bring:
  • Shirt/Sweater to print- must be silk or wool, white or pale colored. (Sleeveless is easiest, next is short-sleeved, no ruffles or pleats please!)
  • A flannel sheet or 4 yds of cotton flannel- these will be cut up and used as carrier blankets. These must be pre-washed without any scented fabric softener
  • Fabric scissors
  • Pruning shears
  • Ribbon or lace snippets to identify your pieces
  • Folding table to work on (optional)
  • Pop-up canopy for sun/rain protection, with sides or a tarp to block wind (optional)

Materials Fee: $50 (paid to teacher)

Anna Zell

Based in Oregon, Anna Zell is a fiber artist and educator who specializes in botanical printing and dyeing.

The colors, textures and shapes found in nature have always filled me with appreciation and delight. The discovery of botanical printing back in 2013 was the perfect fit for me. It combines my background in apparel design and love of textiles with my interest in gardening. I don’t go anywhere without my pruning shears these days!

See Anna’s work on Facebook at Anna Zell Designs