Connect with the seasonal plants around you through exploration of the art of bundle dyeing - natural colour printing - with foraging walk.

This three-hour guided workshop will take you on an introductory foraging walk of seasonal plants in a permaculture garden setting, and instruct you in the practice of making prints onto textiles using plants, flowers, food waste and metal.

Watch a reel of a previous session here.

Details:

Time: 3 hour session

Cost: £30 (or £55 for two tickets)

Date: Sunday 20th September 2026. 10am-1pm.

Location: The Castle Climbing Centre (garden), Green Lanes N4 2HA

Group Size: maximum 8.

What you will learn:

What bundle dyeing is and how surprising it is!

Appropriate materials and equipment for this practice, including a basic overview of natural pigments

How to mordant and prepare a fabric for bundle dyeing, and fabric recommendations

Composing plant material and fabric wrapping for various dyeing patterns

Seasonal plant signs and introduction to plants found in the session area

Foraging best practice and safety considerations

What you will receive:

Guidance on the art of bundle dyeing for fabric

All materials, including pre-mordanted organic textiles (cotton, linen, bamboo and/or silk), with finished works yours to keep

All required loaned tools (snips, secateurs, gloves) and equipment provided

Additional materials, such as dried petals and food waste

An insight and built connection with the local environment and seasonal planting

Herbal teas as refreshment

A follow-up PDF guide with all covered information and additional resources

About your teacher:

I'm Steph. An organic food grower in a permaculture kitchen garden in North London. I'm trained in fashion design and textile sustainability. My focus is always to look outwards at the inter-relatedness of our systems, yet create a space where we can turn that focus to smaller actions. My nature connection workshops invite you to explore yourself and your surroundings, be present and learn with the seasons, and pick up a crafty technique at the same time.

Schedule:

Make your way to the reception of The Castle Climbing Centre and sign in, then through to the garden where you’ll be awarded with the 1.4 acre permaculture space. Here you’ll receive an introduction to the session.

We’ll start with a playful activity using food waste, and while that steams you’ll be introduced to bundle dyeing including appropriate materials, safety considerations and preparing your fabrics for printing.

You’ll then be introduced to foraging guidelines and best practice, including safety considerations for tools, before being guided through the garden and its available plants suitable for bundle dyeing. You’ll be given some time to forage for your chosen materials for the main activity, keeping in mind what your desired colour palette and patterning effect will be. You’ll also have access to various dried petals and certain food waste.

More time will be given for you to compose, wrap and steam your larger fabric piece. There is a set amount of time dedicated to steaming before the exciting big reveal, so dependent on how quick you are, you may be able to steam an additional small piece - or bring along a washed cotton tote bag, cotton t-shirt, tablecloth or pair of socks to experiment with.

All works are yours to keep. Materials will be provided, and inspiration will be given to help you in presenting/using and storing your work.

Booking:

You will receive a confirmation email with location details and a review of what's covered here.

*I operate a Pay-It-Forward model. This means that you can purchase an additional ticket to support someone on low income or referred through an art therapy route. You can simply make a donation - £5, £10, £15, £20, £30 or £40 - that will be used towards a full ticket cost for future use by someone.

If you are low income and would like to attend the event, but the price point isn't accessible to you, please reach out via hello@stephaniesteele.co.uk for options.

Cancellations:

Weather: If the weather is due to be stormy, then I will email to give updates on required clothing or cancellation. Unfortunately this is a case-by-case basis, but I will aim to give you two days notice. You can then choose to book onto a new date, I’ll create a session especially for the group, or you can receive a full refund.

Personal: If you are unable to attend for personal reasons, please respect that I am a sole business owner and give at least two days notice. If you do not cancel with good reason in time, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Covid: If you contract Covid-19 and have a positive lateral flow or PCR, I can provide a full refund. Please still give notice as this helps me book up the slot.

My cancellations: If a week prior to the event I have had cancellations or less bookings, so will be operating with less than 2 participants, I will cancel. Better that you have more folk to experience this with. I'll offer you a refund or a new

Description supplied by the event organiser.