Foraging and Natural Dye Workshop with Wild Plants

Join Colorado forager and creative educator Constance Wilde (Rachel) for an immersive natural dye workshop exploring wild plants, botanical pigments, sustainable textile practices, and traditional color-making techniques inspired by the Rocky Mountains.

These workshops are designed to reconnect participants with the natural world through guided outdoor exploration, hands-on crafting, seasonal observation, and traditional creative techniques. Each workshop combines foraging, plant identification, shared meals, and hands-on project work in a relaxed and community-oriented environment welcoming both beginners and experienced participants.

This workshop focuses on natural dyeing using locally gathered plants, flowers, kitchen dyes, and botanical mordants. Participants will explore bundle dyeing, immersion dye techniques, fabric preparation, color extraction, and botanical pigment processes while creating naturally dyed textiles and fabric samples to take home.

Participants are encouraged to bring a garment or textile that could use a fresh new life.

• 10:00 AM – Introduction to natural dye plants and materials
• 10:30 AM – Foraging for dye materials and preparing dye baths
• 12:00 PM – Fabric preparation and mordanting techniques
• 1:00 PM – Shared seasonal lunch
• 2:00 PM – Bundle dyeing and immersion dye workshop
• 2:30 PM – Discussion of colorfastness and care
• 3:00 PM – Final rinse and take-home materials

Most workshops begin with introductions, tea, and an overview of the day before transitioning into a guided outdoor walk focused on foraging, seasonal observation, plant identification, harvesting techniques, and local ecology. After the outdoor portion, participants return for a shared seasonal lunch followed by afternoon crafting and hands-on project work.

All classes include an outdoor walk of approximately 1 mile and may involve uneven terrain, mountain trails, moderate hiking, or off-trail conditions depending on the season and workshop type.

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Layers for changing temperatures
• Light rain jacket or waterproof outer layer
• Clothing that can get stained
• Water bottle
• Small backpack or day bag
• Fabric item or garment to dye (optional)

Please check the weather forecast near Nederland, Colorado the day before your workshop for the most accurate estimate of conditions.

Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially during summer afternoons. Rain, wind, lightning, colder temperatures, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Front Range and alpine environments.

Workshops generally continue in light or moderate weather conditions, and indoor activities or modified programming may be substituted when appropriate. In cases of severe weather, workshops may be rescheduled or class credit may be issued.

Refunds are not available for last-minute cancellations, missed classes, or weather-related schedule changes.

Please notify the instructor of any dietary restrictions at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Boulder County, 615 Mountain Meadows Rd, Boulder, United States

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