Natural Fabric Dyeing Workshop

Join us in the newly restored Grist Miller’s House on June 29th from 1-4 PM for a natural fabric dyeing workshop hosted by natural dyer and textile artist Rebecca Kelly!

In this colorful, hands-on workshop, participants learn about the methods and ingredients used by 18th-century Moravians to create expertly dyed fabric and clothing. Discover the power of botanical dyes through the process of bundle dyeing and flower pounding, using the same ingredients used by the Moravians more than 200 years ago.

All participants will go home with their own hand-dyed silk scarf; light refreshments are provided.

What you’ll learn

• How fabrics were dyed in the 18th century Moravian Bethlehem
• How to create colors using plants like fustic, logwood and other native plants
• How to extract dyes and create patterns by pounding flowers and bundle dyeing on silk

About the Artist

Rebecca Kelly draws upon her experience as an actor, teacher, and storyteller to create her work as a visual artist. Kelly’s experience in the theater is reflected in dramatic choices of color or at times, lack of color. Her storytelling is apparent in her use of words within her work. Words, phrases and secret codes are incorporated in her sculptures and artist’s books. Themes are hidden, allowing viewers to create their own responses to the work. Kelly’s work has been featured at the Lehigh University Art Galleries and Bucks County Community College ARTMOBILE, and she has had students’ work displayed in the Guggenheim Museum’s Learning Through Art Exhibition. She is an experienced classroom and community teacher, holding a degree in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College, and takes great care in helping to develop young artists.