Living Color: Intro to Natural Dying

Instructor - Maia Shelby Hay

Maia Shelby Hay is a visual and emerging public artist based in Massachusetts. Deeply inspired by the resilience and interconnectedness of natural systems, she experiments with alternative processes and reimagined materials to reveal the beauty and significance of natural pigments. A dedicated environmental educator and avid beekeeper, Maia’s practice celebrates plants, soils, and stones as creative collaborators. Her workshops invite participants to engage directly with the living world through the art of natural dyeing and ecological awareness.

Class Description

This workshop is designed for anyone curious about color, craft, and connection to the natural world—perfect for beginners and seasoned makers alike. Together we’ll explore bundle dyeing and plant-based color as a way to reconnect with local landscapes, using botanicals, garden-grown plants, and foraged materials. The class invites participants to slow down, experiment, and learn sustainable dyeing methods that highlight the beauty of ethical sourcing and ecological awareness. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of botanical color, practical dyeing techniques, and uniquely patterned textiles to continue creating with at home.

Material Fee

The materials fee for this class is $30. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts payments in Venmo.

Class Goals

• Learn how to identify, source, and prepare plant-based dye materials from everyday and foraged sources.
• Explore different methods of mordanting and understand how they affect color and material.
• Gain awareness of ethical and sustainable sourcing practices for natural dyeing.
• Experiment with bundle dyeing techniques to create one-of-a-kind patterns and hues.
• Embrace the shifting, unpredictable nature of botanical color — learning to relinquish control and appreciate impermanence.
• Reflect on how color, time, and transformation connect to broader ecological cycles.
• Leave with hand-dyed textiles, a printed resource guide, and the confidence to continue exploring plant-based color at home.

Material Supplied

• Pre-mordanted and scoured cellulose fabrics (cotton, hemp, wool or linen)
• A variety of plant-based dye materials, including:
• Onion skins
• Dried coreopsis, scabiosa, and other seasonal flowers from Maia’s garden
• Bundle dyeing materials (wraps, string, and tools)
• Drying rack and double burner for dye processing
• Informational handout with key techniques, recipes, and additional resources for continued exploration

Students Should Bring

Closed-toe shoes and pen and paper to write any notes they would like to take. The Instructor will provide a written hand out.

Prerequisites

Age Limit: Participants must be 18 years or older.

Skill Level: Open to all levels — no prior dyeing or art experience required.

Required Skills or Knowledge: A willingness to experiment, get hands-on, and engage with natural materials.

Prerequisite Courses: None required — this workshop is designed for beginners as well as those looking to deepen their creative or ecological art practice.

Class Policies

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies Here.

Please email education@artisansasylum.com with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.