Audax Textielmuseum Tilburg

Workshop Eco-dying & printing with eucalyptus

Audax Textile Museum Tilburg, together with atelier Zijdelings, regularly organises special and inspiring workshops. These workshops are led by well-known designers, artists and specialist teachers. In October, an inspiring workshop will be held under the auspices of the exhibition reTHINK!

Friday  29 October 2010 from 10.00 to 17.00

ECO DYEING & PRINTING WITH EUCALYPTUS Led by Wieteke Opmeer, designer € 90 per person, excluding materials, including coffee/tea and lunch Suitable for all levels.

Wieteke Opmeer and dying with eucalyptus
Wieteke Opmeer is the designer of the “Leaves Impression” collection consisting of ecological cushions, covers and scarves, which she dyes using the eucalyptus plant. It is interesting that eucalyptus can be used to produce an even colour as well as to create prints and patterns. A wide range of colours and shades from the same dying leaf is possible. The unexpected colours that come from the silver-grey leaves have the extra property that they do not need to be fixed, as the plant-colour itself bonds very strongly. This makes eucalyptus dying very environmentally-friendly. Not only is the use of water and materials very low, but the absence of any toxic additions to the colouring bath means the water used can be replaced into the environment without any danger, and the used plant material is composted. This makes the eucalyptus plant a very versatile and environmentally-friendly alternative for natural dyes that need to be fixed with chemicals.

Structure of the workshop
During this workshop various aspects of dying and printing with eucalyptus will be explored. The day begins with a presentation by Wieteke Opmeer of her own work. Then it will be the turn of the participants themselves as Wieteke Opmeer gives guidance on dying, printing and drawing with the aid of both dried, as well as fresh, eucalyptus. How to prepare various different baths will be demonstrated, illustrating the effects of different metals and other additions on the colour. The teacher will also advise on the (natural) substances that are most suited for dying with eucalyptus and on environmentally-friendly pre-treatment for plant-based textiles, making the eucalyptus dye bond more effectively. During the breaks, there will be a limited time to view the THINK! Exhibition, as well as to view and buy the work of Wieteke Opmeer in the Textile Shop of the museum.

Student reduction
The textile museum invites academy/college[onduidelijk of er een bepaalde academie bedoeld is, beide gebruikt voor bredere decking. ‘College’ kan eventueel weggelaten worden – Susan vertaler] students to take part in this workshop. Each workshop has space for a maximum of 2 students, who will be given a discount of 25% on the workshop fee. This discount does not apply to the materials. The discount will be granted if a copy of the student pass is enclosed with the application.

Registration
To register or for further information, please contact Karina van Vught at atelier Zijdelings. She can be reached by telephone: 013 545 34 56 or by e-mail: kvvught@zijdelings.com. Besides the current workshop, atelier Zijdelings also organises various other workshops on the theme of textiles. The full range can be found on the following web site: www.zijdelings.com