Using Rust and Iron

Rust Dyeing Course - 2 weeks - 7 hours

Rust dyeing is a wonderful way to print onto cloth and paper using either found objects or ferrous sulphate powder. There are a surprising amount of ways to create prints and then alter these with over dyeing with a natural dye bath. Due to the method of rust printing there needs to be a week long gap between preparing the prints and then revealing and over dyeing.

You are welcome to bring your own rusty objects to the class and some natural fibre fabric or item of clothing to work with.

All these methods will be covered in this 2 week 7 hour course.

Methods covered:

Ferrous Sulphate rusting

Bound rusting

Pole wrapping

Direct rust patterning

You will also learn how to scour and prepare fabric for printing, creating a rust solution and when to use, different rusting methods, and how to create direct prints.

This course is limited to 5 people to ensure enough space, time and equipment is available for you to get the most from your time.

Basic fabrics will be supplied for use during the class - others can be bought on request either pre-prepared or for you to scour yourself in 1/2m increments. All fabrics will be white or a light ivory.

Materials available to buy include:

Cotton velvet 140cm wide £55 p/m Scoured £40 p/m

Heavy weight linen 150cm wide £16 p/m Scoured £22 p/m

Organic Calico 160cm wide £10 p/m Scoured £16 p/m

Wool Serge 150cm wide £56 p/m Scoured £64 p/m

Bamboo/Silk Satin 140cm wide £33 p/m Scoured £30 p/m

UK Peace Silk 120cm wide on request

All refreshments and cake will be provided - please bring a light lunch and water bottle. Do let us know of any dietary requirements.