Tannin Dyeing Workshop

Ever wondered how plants can become colour? This workshop is the perfect place to find out.

If you are curious about natural dyeing, then tannins are a great place to start - they are the naturally occurring compounds found in plants like bark, leaves and galls that allow colour to bind to fabric. And once you know how to work with them, a whole world of colour opens up.

Explore the possibilities with contemporary colourwoman Helen Coleman, in this fun, hands-on workshop.

Over the three hours, Helen will guide you through:

• Preparing cotton cloth for natural dyeing

• Extracting and testing tannins from local plants

• Expanding your colour palette using safe mordants

• Adding unique designs with mark-making techniques

This workshop is perfect for complete beginners - no experience needed. You'll take home two tannin-dyed cotton bandanas decorated with your own artwork.

All materials are supplied - just bring a notebook, pen and your water bottle.

Meet Helen

As a contemporary colourwoman, with an art practice devoted to process and scientific experimentation, Helen delights in unlocking the colours hidden in the natural world around us. 

Tapping into a thirty-year career in botany and chemistry, she explores the artistic potential of local plant and earth materials, blending ancient and contemporary techniques to create unique dyes, pigments, inks and paints. Currently completing a PhD at Curtin University on the natural dye properties of Corymbia calophylla kino (Marri gum), Helen shares her research through exhibitions, workshops and residencies, inspiring artists and the broader community to connect more deeply with the natural environment through the creation of art made with local, natural materials. 

Find out more about Helen and her works here.

Our weekly Farmer's Market will be happening during your workshop, so bring your shopping bags and pick up some fresh, organic produce from local growers while you're there. 

About Perth City Farm

Perth City Farm is a community urban farm that supports connected, sustainable communities. Established on a former industrial site in East Perth, this polluted site has been lovingly rehabilitated by volunteers to become a Western Australian icon for environmental sustainability and community engagement. We provide space and opportunities to build community connections, and educate and enable people to live sustainably.