RACHEL DENBOW
SHIBORI INDIGO DYEING
Welcome to an exploration in traditional indigo dyeing with artist Rachel Denbow. In this workshop we’ll be exploring the binding, folding, twisting and compression methods of shibori, a richly cultural cloth dyeing method that originated in Japan in the 8th century. This resist-dyeing technique uses pressure to reveal a pattern within carefully dyed indigo fabric. Every detail of shibori represents a thoughtful and intentional action made by an artist’s hands. And that resulting indigo dye color, its stunning!
Rachel works with the techniques of indigo dyeing and shibori on a regular basis to create beautiful works of art. She shares that she has long been fascinated with the extraction and application of organic colors from the natural world onto textiles such as wool, silk, linen and cotton. She enjoys both the control it offers over color selection when designing a project, as well as being part of the intimate process of changing a textile from its raw state to something beautiful that can be enjoyed in the home. She is inspired by the rich history and utilitarian use of indigo in countries like Japan where there are still dye houses that grow and process indigo in dye vats that have been active for decades. These houses take great pride in educating younger generations on this ancient craft.
The Curated Kit of Tools & Materials
This workshop includes:
- Tools and materials to create six dyed cloth napkins
- A detailed, digital workshop by Rachel Denbow
- An in-depth shibori booklet illustrating various types of patterns and how to achieve them
The tools & materials included in this kit:
- Mineral compounds and reduced traditional indigo plant dye for a 2 gallon indigo vat
- Bind and resist tools for different shibori techniques:
- Clamps, cut acrylic shapes
- Rubber bands
- Six raw cotton cloth napkins
- Protective gloves
- Face mask
Customize Your Subscription
We’re offering a swap option this month. If you would like to opt Into the swap, be sure to add the $0 swap product to your cart and complete the checkout process. We will include it in your subscription box.
Swap: Silk & Cotton Shibori Bundle
$0
Instead of six napkins (included in this month's subscription box), we are sending in the swap option: 1 yd of silk, 1 yd of 100% cotton fabric, and 1 skein of fingering yarn.
Add-On Kits for More Exploration
Indigo Dye Materials
$16
Add more dye materials to build a second or larger home indigo vat, which may be required to dye larger pieces of fabric such as clothing, table cloths, picnic blankets, etc.
Cotton Napkins
$30
Create six more indigo dyed 100% cotton cloth napkins. Cotton is a natural, sustainable resource that takes indigo dye (and all natural dyes) so beautifully.
Silk Scarf
$24
Considering shibori dyeing on this beautiful 25"x25" soft and silky crepe silk scarf – perfect for gifting or framing.
Silk & Cotton Shibori Bundle
$36
More materials for dyeing - 1 yd of silk, 1 yd of 100% cotton fabric, and 1 skein of fingering yarn.
Indigo & Starry Night
Shibori Dyed Quilting Kit
$72–96
Blending together two incredible workshops, we invite you to try your hand at indigo dyeing a beautiful ‘starry nights’ linen quilt. Choose between our original lap-sized quilt or move up to a larger bed quilt.
About the Artist: Rachel Denbow
Calling Missouri home, Rachel is a fiber artist and creative skills teacher that offers instruction and inspiration under her brand, Smile and Wave. She travels the country teaching workshops, writes creative skills e-courses on the regular, and is the author of the best-selling weaving book, DIY Woven Art.
Currently, Rachel creates her work in her backyard dye shed which she built out of salvaged pallets and uses her dyed textiles to create beautiful weavings in the upstairs studio of the 100 year old home she shares with her husband and three kids.
We can’t wait to see how you are inspired to create using this technique. Be sure to share with us by tagging @thecraftersbox, our featured artist @smileandwave, and using #thecraftersbox so all can see your work.
