Try your hand at indigo dyeing

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Courtesy photo A show of hands at the end of a workshop.
Courtesy photo Examples of indigo dyed fabrics.
Courtesy photo Waiho‘olu‘u ola: Living Color Dyery is a creative natural collective started by Justin Cook Tripp and wife, Wai‘ala Ahn.
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Learn the magical process of creating with nature’s oldest natural dye, indigo. In this workshop, you’ll use traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles to create patterns as you explore the alchemy of the beautiful plant pigment, indigo. The Indigo Dyeing Fundamentals workshop will be held 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Learn to dye natural fiber goods in a plant derived indigo vat. Create Shibori resist patterns using folding, wrapping, and clamping techniques, as well as how to control hue density with multiple dyeing submersions. You’ll also learn the basic fundamentals of this historic dyeing process. All dyestuff will be provided and the fabric is natural fiber and sustainable. Each participant will leave with a new skill and understanding of indigo dye as well as their own finished sample pieces.

Participants may bring 1-5 small items of your own to dye, avoiding bulky or heavy pieces (towels, linens, yards of fabric, bedding etc.), as vat space and time are limited. Items must be cotton, linen, hemp, silk, or anything natural — no synthetics, as they accept the color the best. Please pre-wash items for best result.

Class fee is $55, or $50 for VAC members plus a $30 fee, inclusive of supplies. No experience is necessary. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Waiho‘olu‘u ola: Living Color Dyery is a creative natural collective started by husband, Justin Cook Tripp (the alchemist) and wife, Wai‘ala Ahn (the artist), who work together to share the magic and alchemy of natural living color dyes; including indigo, olena, avocado, hibiscus, etc. Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two enjoy sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature.

Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.