Natural Dyes for Bookbinding

In this class we will create materials for future bookbinding projects. Diving in on day one with natural dyeing for book cloth, and linen threads for stitching exposed bindings, then transforming our dye baths into stable lake pigments for paste paper and inks. Students will leave with bottled inks, painted paste papers, paper backed book cloth, dyed papers, and linen threads. Enough materials will be made for several books.

We will include earth pigments both foraged and purchased, to extend the palette when making paste papers. * This is a materials making course rather than a binding course.

Iris Sullivan Daire is an artist and naturalist dyer who uses site specific pigments and dyes to add new layers of meaning to the narrative of her work. She relishes using science, metaphor and story to bring the materials to life while teaching.

Iris lives with her family next to the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon. She grows traditional dye plants and has been quietly mapping the hidden colors contained within the native and invasive plants of the North Oregon Coast. She holds a BFA in fiber arts from University of Oregon and has been teaching for over 20 years.

Apron

Notebook and writing tools

2-10 pieces of paper with good wet strength for making pastepapers (Mohawk superfine for example. Old maps or navigation charts are also wonderful - paste once dry will strengthen papers.)

Optional:

Paste brushes, favorite tools for mark making

Dip pens

Exacto knife

Comprehensive packet with room for samples

Natural dyes & earth pigments

Prepared linen and hemp fabrics for book cloth

Paper for backing book cloth

Prepared linen thread

Limited papers for dyeing and pastepaper samples

Tools for mark making

Ink making supplies

Bottles for ink