Botanical Printing
Dates: Aug 16-21, 2026
Instructor: Sharon Mansfield
Fee: $640.00 + meals and accommodations fees
Term: Summer 2026
Workshop Description
Botanical dyeing is the process of using leaves and natural dyes to create permanent prints onto textiles. In this 5 day extensive workshop, expert dyer and Sierra County resident, Sharon Mansfield will dive into the art of botanical dyeing. Students will benefit from Sharon’s 15 years of dyeing and teaching experience and learn everything from basic ideas to honed techniques only gleaned from years of trial and error. Students in this hands-on class will start by identifying and collecting local flora, learning about fabrics, the process of preparing their fabric for dyeing (mordanting), steaming, how to create a dye pot and troubleshooting methods. Drawing from her popular book, “Lasting Impressions”, the class will be encouraged to experiment, ask questions and leave with the knowledge to create prints on their own at home. Join us in the lovely Sierras for this rare opportunity!
Instructor Bio
Sharon Mansfield grew up spending as much time as she could in her grandfather’s woodworking shop. As a master craftsman from Norway, he created tables and cabinets as well as gorgeous pen and ink drawings. Inspired to create, Sharon started working with needle and thread at a very young age. As a young adult she studied weaving, spinning, basket making, knitting, crocheting, quilting, natural dyeing and other creative fiber endeavors. Sharon opened a store, The Tin Thimble, in 2007 with her daughters, and they are proud to still operate it today. Since then, she has developed her love and talent for felting, sewing and natural dyeing. In 2022 she published a book, Lasting Impressions, a practical guide to botanical dyeing. She believes that everyone is an artist and feels extremely privileged to be able to teach and share her work with others.
Workshop Details
Workshop Schedule
Day 1: Introductions, plant collecting, fabric discussion.
Day 2: Discussion of mordants, prep fabric for dyeing, leaf layout, discuss ‘blanket technique’, make dye baths.
Day 3: Roll and steam first round of bundles. While bundles steam we’ll talk in depth about pipes, safety precautions, tools and equipment, collecting etiquette, etc., end the day with revealing our bundles.
Day 4: Layout second set of bundles and steam. While bundles steam we’ll discuss recipes for mordants, and dye baths, plus troubleshooting techniques when prints don’t turn out as expected.
Day 5: Use our samples to create a book or to embellish a gathering bag, project choice is up to the student. We’ll wrap up the day by answering any last questions, cleaning up the dye space and saying our goodbyes!
Workshop Supplies List
Supplies will be provided and are included in the cost of the workshop.
Lodging and Camping Supplies
Camping gear if you are staying on campus:
- tent and sleeping pad (unless you are staying in our tent with a cot provided)
- warm sleeping bag
- pillow, toiletries, and towel
- flashlight and lantern
- alarm clock
Field gear for everyone:
- day pack
- sunscreen
- insect repellant
- water bottles
- plastic containers for packed lunches
- sense of humor
You might also want to bring:
- camera
- binoculars
- hand lens
- camp chair
Clothing:
The weather in the Sierra Nevada can vary greatly, even in a single day. Be prepared for chilly temperatures at night, even below freezing early in the summer. Rain is a possibility any time, whether forecast or not. Variable weather clothing that can be layered is best: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather and/or night activities. And, if you come later in the season, bring your swimsuit for afternoon dips in the lakes!