The Power of RED

Coming up on Friday 1st August 2025 is our RED workshop. Natural dyeing has been around for at least 5,000 years.

Since starting our dye garden at Tescstiliau in 2021 we have grown Japanese Indigo, Dyers Chamomile, Madder, Tansey, Yarrow, Dyers Greenweed, Coreopsis, Calendula, Cosmos, Woad, and Weld.

We use the flowers, leaves, and roots depending on the plant. To modify the colours we use other substances like iron, ammonia, and tannins from plant materials, for example tree bark.

Workshop tutor and Tesctiliau co-founder Sarah Key says, “Red dyes are powerful!”

“In this workshop we will be working with Madder, Cochineal and Lac, derived naturally from roots and insects. These make possible different shades of red including light pink, magenta, burgundy and a classic deep ruby red.”

Natural dyes have many benefits. They cause less damage to our environment and are better for our skin.

This will be a small group workshop, with a maximum of six places, so you will get individual support in a supportive and social environment, to help build your confidence.

Though natural dyeing is derived from natural sources it is still a chemical process and care must be taken at all times to work safely. Tescstiliau is a safe and well-equipped space, perfect for this kind of workshop.

The RED workshop is Friday 1st August 2025 from midday to 4pm. Book your spot now and come explore the magic world of natural dyes.

Book into one of our upcoming workshops here