The center of attention during this beginning-of-fall workshop is the “flower of the sun,” Helianthus, the sunflower.
A Nebraska favorite and grown for centuries for its beauty, food, medicinal purposes, pigments and for paper making, the sunflower has a fabulous story. It symbolizes a world free of nuclear weapons, is the national flower of both Russia and Ukraine, was worshipped by the Incas, celebrated in Greek mythology and is a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture.
During this 4.5-hour hands-on workshop, we’re using sunflowers, their natural pigments and those of other “kitchen” natural dyes to make an all-natural cotton fabric wall hanging. Although the sunflower is the center of the show, we’re also making eco-printed silk scarves and eco-printed paper using other fresh flowers and goodness from Mother Nature.
Participants should bring fresh sunflowers and other fresh flowers (if available), work apron, gloves and a couple of old towels or rags. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Please bring a sack lunch.
Instructor Calandra Cooper is a multidisciplined artist and natural dyer based in Omaha. Of her many interests, she mostly enjoys extracting color from natural sources to create natural dyes to use on textiles, in printing and in other forms of art.
CODE: 22/NC AVOR 6000 DCE11