The Workshop

Discover the art and science of making inks from plants in this hands-on, experimental workshop with textile artist Fiona Eastwood. Using a selection of plants from the museum’s Dye Garden alongside locally foraged materials, you’ll learn how to prepare and extract vibrant natural inks.

Throughout the day, you’ll experiment with colour modifiers that transform and extend your ink palette, unlocking subtle variations and surprising hues. You’ll also explore different mark-making techniques - practicing drawing and painting with brushes and tools crafted from natural materials.

Whether you’re new to natural dyes or have some experience, this workshop offers a relaxed and supportive environment to deepen your understanding of botanical inks, build practical skills and create your own unique artworks.

All materials and Lunch are included.

About The Artist

Fiona is a weaver and dyer with a BA from Camberwell School of Art and a postgraduate teaching degree from the London Institute for Education. She helps manage the Dye Garden at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, finding deep reward in the process - from growing dye plants to dyeing yarns and using them in her textiles.

Passionate about the unique qualities of plants and the colours they yield, Fiona aims to help others reconnect with nature through foraging and growing dye plants for creative projects. She has led natural dyeing workshops for the National Trust, the Forest School Association, and local artists and schools. Recently, she collaborated with Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings MBE on Drawn to the Light as part of Double Weave: Bourne and Allen Modernist Textiles at the museum.