Natural Printing Silk Scarves - Prairie Ecology Bus
Staff of the Prairie Ecology bus presented a program on how to use natural dyes to create wearable pieces of art. They focused on the use of natural plant materials, or in some cases materials found in the kitchen, such as spices, that can be used to create colorful dyes. Participants learn which fabrics to use with natural dyes, processes for making their own dyes, setting the dye, and care of the dyed material. Each participant is allowed to dye two silk scarves, using two different techniques, to create two distinctly different pieces of wearable art.
12 participated
1. Participants will learn about natural dyes--which plants produce what colors, processes for creating the dyes, and care of dyed material.
2. Participants will "hands on" learn two different techniques to use in creating their dyed scarves--skills they can take home and experiment with to create a wide variety of wearable art.
3. Participants will learn a little of the history of natural dyes and their uses in past societies.
3. Participants will see the library as a place that promotes learning with hands on activities that are fun and engaging. Anecdotal responses will be collected.
1. Participants learned two different dying methods--using bleeding tissue paper to create dyes, and using natural material such as fruits, vegetables, flower, leaves and spices to create dyes.
2. Participants were allowed to dye two silk scarves, using the different methods. They were able to experiment with different colors, patterns, and ways to use the dying materials.
3. During the program participants interacted with other participants, allowing them to view others methods for creating colors and patterns on the scarves.
4. Participants learned a little on the histories of the dying process, how man has long turned to natural dying methods to color fabrics.
5. Participants saw the library as a place to come together and engage with others in a creative process.
Ivanhoe Community Center