Intro to Bio Textile Design with Olivia Cueva

Curious about the future of sustainable material innovation? This hands-on workshop will be led by material designer, technologist, and researcher Olivia Cueva at the Fibershed Learning Center.

Step into our hands-on Intro to Bio-Textiles workshop and learn to transform everyday biopolymers—like gelatin and algae—into regenerative textiles. Over the course of this immersive, in-person session, you’ll explore the principles, tools, and techniques behind bioplastic textiles, design and cast your own eco-friendly samples, and leave with a one-of-a-kind creation made from the materials you’ve developed.

Every ingredient we use is people-safe, planet-safe, and fully biodegradable, giving you a solid foundation for experimenting with any biodegradable material in the future. Bio textiles like these can be made into anything from wallets and footwear, to garments and even press-on nails!

Whether you’re a designer, maker, or simply passionate about circular practices, this workshop is your gateway to crafting textiles that will safely return to the earth.

This course will feature:

• Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience in designing and working with bio-based textiles.
• Regenerative Materials: Work with natural, biodegradable materials that can safely return to the earth, including natural dyes.
• Material Traceability: Learn where your materials come from—tracing their journey from land to textile.
• Creative Exploration: Experiment, play, and push the boundaries of sustainable textile design.
• Handmade Bio Textiles Takeaways: Students will have the opportunity to experiment with what kind of object they want their naturally-dyed bio textile creations to become and take home their own piece.

Don’t miss this chance to explore the intersection of sustainability, design, and innovation. Join us in shaping the future of material design!

Participants must bring: Personal snacks, lunch and beverages. A notebook and pen for note taking is encouraged. All other materials will be provided.

Maximum 12 students.

Instructor Bio:

Olivia Cueva is a material designer, technologist, and researcher. Her biotextile work has been showcased globally, including the Future Fabrics Expo in London and WGSN’s Consumer Tech Materials Forecast for 2026. With over a decade of teaching students of all ages, she is the former Director of the David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center in East Oakland and the Co-Founder of Oakland Style Lab. Olivia holds a Master’s in Interactive Technology & Communications from NYU’s ITP program and a postgraduate degree from Fabricademy Textile & Technology Academy at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.

Website: https://oliviacueva.co/ | Instagram: @oliviacueva.co

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Fibershed Scholarship Program

Fibershed is offering one scholarship per workshop. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship recipient, please see our Scholarship Application. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential.

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Cancellation Policy: Refunds (minus Eventbrite fees) are available up to 7 days before the event. If you cancel after 7 days before the event, we are unable to provide refunds unless we can fill your space from the waitlist. (**Please note that this is not common.**)If someone is waitlisted and is able to purchase your space, we will refund your ticket, minus the Eventbrite fees. Otherwise, there will be no refunds. You are also welcome to transfer your ticket to someone who wishes to purchase it directly from you, or let us know if someone is coming in lieu of your name.

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There is livestock onsite, so we ask that visitors please keep their pets at home. Service dogs are permitted.

You can now support the Fibershed Education Fund by selecting an optional donation amount during ticket registration, or email us at learningcenter@fibershed.org for alternative donation methods.