Shelburne Craft School

Explore the color potential of Vermont’s late-summer landscape in this immersive natural dyeing workshop led by Catharina Sikkes and Roelof Boumans. Over two days, participants work hands-on with wild plants gathered in season and learn how to transform them into a vibrant, nuanced palette.

The focus is on accessible, environmentally mindful methods, using alum as the primary mordant and supplementing with plant-based options such as rhubarb-leaf mordanting. By experimenting with multiple dye plants, varied mordanting approaches, and different bath strengths, you’ll see how each variable shapes the final color.

Everyone will create a structured sample portfolio documenting every combination. This becomes both a practical reference for future projects and a beautiful record of what Vermont’s landscape offers at this time of year.

Whether you’re new to natural dyes or looking to deepen your craft, this workshop invites you to experiment, observe, and let the land guide your color work.