Guilded, Module 1: Foundations & Module 2: Colour
This is the most comprehensive natural dye study program available.
This modular online training program is for anyone serious about learning proper natural dye techniques.
The courses draw on the extensive historic record of natural dye practices from around the world, as well as on contemporary science to illuminate the hows and whys of effective natural dyeing.
Presented in a highly accessible way, these comprehensive online courses empower the natural dye enthusiast to begin to master effective natural dye techniques for beautiful, colourfast results.
Students create over 200 samples, gaining insight and control over the many variables that influence fastness and final colour.
“Courses from Mamie’s Schoolhouse are top notch. Whether you’re new to natural dyeing or want to deepen your knowledge, these courses are in-depth and science-based. I’ve been natural dyeing for years, and have taken workshops from many of the big names. Mamie’s Schoolhouse Guilded courses are by far the best I’ve taken. Why? Because she goes deep into the history and science of what we’re doing. Knowing the history and the science behind what I’m doing makes me a better dyer. Stop wondering if you should sign up. Just do it. You will not regret it and you will gain so much!”
— JEAN HALEY
Core Modules:
Each module is delivered weekly, over eight weeks. Students have two years’ access, from the course start date, to all course materials.
65 hands-on tutorial videos (30 in Module 1, 35 in Module 2)
165+ pages of detailed, downloadable exercise instructions and context (95 in Module 1, 70 in Module 2).
In Module 1: Foundations - learn 6 scouring methods and 30 mordanting and binder methods.
In Module 2: Colour - using just 6 classic dyes, learn 30 recipes to create over 200 dyed samples representing the full colour spectrum, as a rich reference library for your practice
Additional downloadable materials include a 6 page hyperlinked list of global suppliers, guides on safety, natural dye terminology, basic natural dye science, record keeping templates for your samples, how to calculate WOF, mordant calculator spreadsheet (Module 1), bibliography of recommended further reading, and a special podcast (Module 2).
Questions and discussion are enabled through a comment function in the course, which also supports image uploads, periodic Zoom sessions, and dedicated Facebook groups.
In these courses, supplies costs are kept to a minimum, as the focus is on building a comprehensive library of reference samples to serve you for decades to come as you scale up to your own preferred production quantities and fibres.
Click on the course image for full details of the individual Module.
Lessons commence January 1.
Lessons commence April 1.
Your Instructor…
Taught by Mel Sweetnam, a professional fibre artist and natural dye educator with over thirty years of natural dye experience. In addition to her life-long passion for natural dyes, and fibre arts in general, Mel spent over twenty years developing public science policy for a range of governments and non-governmental organizations in Canada and overseas. Drawing on her post-secondary science education, and her previous career supporting evidence-based research, these courses are grounded in facts - not myths - about what works, and why. Mel is adept at making the basic natural chemistry of dye materials and processes accessible and fun, and teaches you how to discern accurate information on natural dye methods from widespread online misinformation. Mel is the admin of the global Natural Dye Education Facebook Group.
bundle pricing & registration…
Special Canada Day 2024 three for one deal, includes Module 1: Foundations + Module 2: Colour + Module 4: Natural Inks, Paints, and Stains
Students with a billing address inside of Canada must register through this link, where the relevant tax for the student’s jurisdiction (if any) is automatically collected and remitted.
Students with a billing address outside of Canada must register through this link, where the relevant tax for the student’s jurisdiction (if any) is automatically collected and remitted.