IF YOU’RE INTERESTED
Please click on the purchase button to be added to the one-year course-specific mailing list (Natural Dyers & Growers Academy Gazette).
ABOUT THE COURSE
Hosted at The Dyers Academy, with free community spaces and Co~Lab rooms at
https://the-natural-dyers-academy.mn.co/
You’ll find 2024 student testimonials at the bottom of this description.
TO LEARN MORE
Check out these blog posts (updated regularly) for insights on what the course covers and how it’s structured:
Natural Dyeing Course ~ What to expect
The Natural Dye Academy ~ Here we are!
Module 1: Fibres & Textiles
Module 2 (Part 1): Mordanting with Alum
Module 2 (Part 2 & 3): Iron & Other Mordants
Module 3: Tannin
Module 4: Yellows
Module 5: Reds
Module 6: Indigo
Module 7: Purples
Module 8: Creating Secondary Colours
THE COURSE
Fully online and accessible worldwide. Spanning 12 modules over 12 months, starting mid-January each year. Spaces are limited, so booking opens every September for the following year.
HOW IT RUNS
Each module unlocks after the review meeting, giving you written and illustrated material, plus a quiz and project that build your personal dye portfolio.
THE STRUCTURE
• 1–2 weeks to read each module and get comfortable with its topic.
• First Live Session: Recap the material and prepare for your monthly project.
• Second Live Session: Review your portfolio work, consolidate your knowledge, and clarify any questions.
• All Sessions Recorded: Perfect if you can’t attend live.
• Group Times: Tuesday at 11am or 4pm (two groups, same content).
• Collaborative Exchange Spaces: Post creations, ask questions, and connect with peers.
• Final Project Work: Includes a 20-minute 1:1 session with the instructor.
THE CONTENT (12 MODULES)
- Fibres & Differences (Jan)
- All About Mordanting (Feb)
- Using Tannins (Mar)
- Creating Yellows (Apr)
- Creating Reds (May)
- Creating Blues (Jun)
- Creating Secondary Colours (Jul)
- More Secondary Colours (Aug)
- Lake Making & Other Processes (Sep)
- Printing & Other Techniques (Oct)
- Industry Standards / Personal Project (Nov)
- Personal Projects & Presentations (Nov/Dec)
THE SPECIAL ADDITION
Option to join 5 online sessions led by organic gardener & seedsaver Tristan Lienhard—covering Woad, Persicaria, Weld, Madder, and other dye plants. Learn organic principles of sowing, harvesting, seed saving, etc.
We also offer an optional 4-day in-person event in summer at the dye house: meet fellow students, share portfolio work, and dive deeper into specific topics.
THE CELEBRATION
In the final 2 weeks, you’ll present your projects. The course ends in early December with a live session and the awarding of your AppleOak FibreWorks Natural Dye Academy certificate.
TIME REQUIRED
Plan for 12–32 hours per month (reading, live sessions, and hands-on portfolio work). Course material stays available for 12 months after the course ends.
THE CERTIFICATES
• Certificate of Completion: Issued if you finish the required portfolio and final project.
• Certificate of Attendance: For those who attend and read all materials but haven’t completed all practical work yet. (You can submit your final portfolio later to upgrade to Certificate of Completion.)
We aim to have this course officially recognised in the future.
COURSE OUTCOME
After completion, you’ll be equipped to:
• Start a professional dye practice or join an existing natural dye house.
• Incorporate natural dyeing into your art or crafting business.
• Teach others, refine your skills further, or simply become a highly skilled home/hobby dyer.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a big space?
A: Not at all! A kitchen setup works fine—just ensure you have a window for ventilation. You’ll need a cupboard to store equipment and a place to leave vats/dye liquor overnight.
Q: Poisonous ingredients?
A: No. We avoid harsh chemicals. Some tannins can irritate if you’re sensitive—use a mask for fine powders if needed.
Q: Equipment?
A: Yes, you’ll need dedicated dye equipment and a spot to store it.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The year-long course is €1,350 (or €125/month for 12 months).
Q: Is it mainly theoretical?
A: Definitely not! Every module includes hands-on project work. The reading is your foundation for practical experimentation and building a recipe portfolio.
Q: I live in the US—does it make sense for me?
A: Absolutely! We cover worldwide sources of dyes and tailor ingredient lists based on your location.
Q: How about ingredients?
A: We can supply a box of dye materials, or you can source them locally. (We can’t ship plant material to Australia, so students there must buy locally.)
Q: Is the portfolio included?
A: You’ll need to source your own A3 or A4 sketchbook. We recommend:
A3 Elements Wirebound Sketchbook, or
Black Paper Cartridge 180g, A3 Portrait (Daler Rowney)
MATERIAL LIST
Estimates for the year (quantities may vary based on sample sizes). We do not include organic laundry liquid, organic washing-up liquid, or white vinegar.
Mordants/Modifiers:
1kg Alum, 1kg Soda Ash, 300g Cream of Tartar, 500g Sodium Acetate, 1kg Chalk, 1kg Ferrous, 1kg Tara, 500g Lime, 1kg Wheat Bran, 250g Fruit Sugar, 125g Tartaric Acid, 125g Citric Acid, 25g Fuller’s Earth, 25g Guar Gum
Dyes:
1kg Oak Gall (ground), 250g Pomegranate Peel (ground), 250g Catechu, 250g Rhubarb Root (ground), 250g Natural Indigo, 100g Cochineal, 1kg Madder (ground), 1kg Weld, 1kg Dyer’s Broom, 1kg Sage Leaves (cut), 100g Logwood (ground)
Fabric & Fibre:
• 2.5m Liona Linen (white, 190g/msq) or similar linen/hemp
• 2.5m Liolina Linen (natural beige, 280g/msq) or similar linen/hemp
• 5m Pongee Silk (approx. 0.5) or silk of choice
• 5m Organic Bubble Cotton or cotton of choice
• 1kg Stockholm yarn (or another protein-based yarn)
TESTIMONIALS FROM 2024 STUDENTS
“[Valeria Q. - Ireland]: The Natural Dye Course offered by Apple Oak has been wonderful—part history, part science, and fully supportive. Jennifer provides excellent guidance and problem-solving. The platform is easy to navigate, even with my reading challenges. Highly recommend it!”
“[Caroline B. - Switzerland]: Really worthwhile! Jennifer is knowledgeable, helpful, and patient. At first, the portfolio work seemed a bit overwhelming, but once I got into it, I loved it. Seeing colour emerge from tannin and iron is amazing!”
“[Louise G. - Ireland]: I was a total beginner but decided to give it a whirl. I’m almost 5 months in and loving it. It’s a lot covered so far, but Jennifer and Tristan have been very supportive. Highly recommended—just pace yourself.”
“[Joanmarie S. - USA]: I’ve been dyeing for years but learned so much from The Natural Dyers Academy. Each module adds something new, and the community is incredibly encouraging. Jennifer has created a nurturing, hands-on learning environment.”
READY TO JOIN?
Click on the purchase button to get on the one-year course mailing list—spaces are limited!
Any questions? Feel free to email me directly.
Best wishes,
Jennifer
