The river is flowing full and clear, and mushrooms and herbs spring from the damp woodland floor. Rain falls, sun follows, and in the mountains and valleys, life in its entire array of color blooms.
Rain starts a new season in Southern California, and in the warm days which follow, verdant growth unfurls all around—offering us so many sources of vibrant natural color.
Join me along the Ventura River on the first Sunday of spring for What Gifts the Rain Brings, a workshop exploring the natural dyes available to us on this seasonal cusp, between the rainy season and the botanical bounty which it brings.
In the morning, we’ll brew our dyes—from locally harvested mushrooms, flowers, herbs, minerals, and more—and learn to mordant (prepare) textiles for the dye colors which will be ready by the afternoon. Midday, we’ll pause to enjoy a seasonal vegetarian lunch prepared by culinary artist Chef Kylie, who makes food infused with local flavor and love for the earth.
You’ll create up to two completed dye projects—with silk and cotton options provided—and will leave with a handout with recipes and techniques learned in class, and knowledge and inspiration to continue working with this season’s natural dyes on your own.
I hope you’ll join me for this special one-day workshop at beautiful Birdsong Ranch, right on the Ventura River outside of Ojai, California.
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