Tannin: Adventures into the dark -Printing with oak galls

Create a range of printed fabric samples using oak gall printing paste. Tannin is present in many natural dyes (some of these colour sources are coloured whilst others are light in colour) and is also frequently used on its own as a mordant especially for cellulosic fibres, when tannins are combined with iron (such as rust or iron sulphate) these materials react strongly and shift the colour into deep greys and blacks. It is this adventure into these darker shades available for fabric and paper which form the base for this series of workshops. Join me during 2027 on a journey into understanding how tannin can be used in combination with iron to create a range of dark and leaden shades. We will investigate, experiment and explore the wide range of uses for tannin including dyeing fabrics and clothing, different styles of printing and also using it to create ink to draw and print. Participants can join for just one, several or even all of our workshops to find out the range of diverse uses for tannin as a means of creating colour and, dyed textiles and art. Each of the workshop sessions will investigate a different use and aspect of tannin; from eco printing to immersion dyeing and even using tannin from food waste and foraged items for making artists media such as inks. Participants will also have the opportunity to forage for their own tannin rich materials to use in these workshops. Printing with oak galls, in this workshop you will have chance to create a range of printed fabric samples using oak gall printing paste. The workshop will include: - Making oak gall printing paste - Creating stencils for printing - Discovering methods and techniques for printing using oak gall printing paste - Health and safety requirements when using oak gall printing paste.