Wild Color: A Week of Natural Dye and Creative Renewal

Discover the art of creating color sourced directly from the land. In this immersive workshop, participants explore plant-based dyeing through mindful foraging, wildcrafting, and creative practice inspired by Esalen’s gardens and landscape.

Each day begins with a grounding meditation to connect with the earth and awaken creative flow. Through hands-on exploration of resist techniques, surface design, and natural dyes, participants learn to transform whole plants into living color on fabric. One full day focuses on indigo dyeing and clay paste resist to create patterns on cloth. The following days delve into harvesting and preparing dye baths in hues of yellow, orange, and red, resulting in a full spectrum of color from nature.

By slowing down and engaging the senses, these practices invite us to listen deeply, restore balance, and cultivate a renewed connection between self and nature. Participants leave with hand-dyed textiles, new skills, and simple rituals to carry creativity and mindfulness into everyday life.

Bring new life to natural fiber textiles and your own clothing! Plan to pack at least two yards of natural fiber, such as cotton, linen, hemp, rayon, silk, or wool.

Recommended Reading: Art and Science of Natural Dyes by Catharine Ellis and Joy Boutrup

This workshop includes an additional $45 in material fee.