Upcoming Learning Opportunities

From Plant to Pigment: Introduction to Lake Pigments

Catskill Weaving School
Catskill, New York
December 7, 10:00 - 4:00

For those of us seeking sustainability and ecological connection in our creative practices, the chemically pure colors of today’s art suppliers are very far removed from nature. Join Natalie Stopka, author of From Plant to Pigment, for an introduction to lake pigments. This process of transmuting fragile botanical dyes to durable pigments extends the artistic applications of dye colors into expanded media including paint, ink, and pastel. Inspired by the history and craft of color-making, Natalie will share her master recipe for creating handmade, homegrown, and local pigments. Participants will leave with three different pigment colors, an overview of paint-making, and the knowledge to continue exploring lake pigments in their own studios.

Natalie’s studio recipe book From Plant to Pigment: How to make your own vibrant inks, pastels and paints launches October 14! Participants may wish to purchase a copy at our workshop, or bring a copy to be signed by the author.

Printing & Painting on Textiles

With Natural Colour
A yearlong series hosted by Plants & Colour
starting in January, 2026

Learn a wealth of different approaches to printmaking and painting on textiles using natural colour in this new yearlong, online series. Taught by Natalie Stopka, Greta Facchinato, Caroline Ross, Julie Beeler, Winona Quigley, and Jacqui Symons, sharing different techniques for making patterns and prints on fabric that are light-fast and wash-fast. Sessions include:

  • Making a Start: orientation, studio setup & intention setting

  • Soya for Dyeing and Mordant Painting

  • Soya Binder or Topcoat for use with pigments

  • Making a Printing Ink Paste from natural dyes

  • Making a Printing Ink Paste from pigment/extract

  • Screen Printing Pattern with natural ink

  • Applying Ochre Glue Paint & Tannin Inks for fabric and leather surfaces

  • Fabric Printing with Mushroom Paints

  • Mordant Printing: Create color & pattern in a single dye pot

  • Mordant Painting with Mushroom Dyes

  • Natural Black Mordant for printing, painting & eco printing

  • Resist Pastes for immersion dyeing & direct print paste for semi-resist effects

  • Reflections & Sharing

Learn more about the instructors, format, optional study groups and mentoring through the link below!

Lake Pigment Making

Deep Dive
A yearlong series hosted by Plants & Colour
starting in January, 2026

A new year-long online programme exploring the concepts and chemistry of lake pigments following a historical trajectory from ancient Egyptian recipes, to medieval approaches, and modern-day techniques. Taught by Natalie Stopka, Lucy Mayes, and Julie Beeler in monthly live online sessions delving into different perspectives and processes.

  • Historical & contemporary practices With Lucy Mayes

  • Flowers of the Field With Natalie Stopka

  • Sustainability With Lucy Mayes

  • Making Laking Reagents With Lucy Mayes

  • Buckthorn Lakes With Natalie Stopka

  • Mushroom Lakes with Modifiers With Julie Beeler

  • Indigo and other non-laked colourants With Natalie Stopka with Lucy Mayes contributing

  • Madder Root Lakes With Natalie Stopka

  • Fungi Alkali Extractions With Julie Beeler

  • Creating a Palette of Colours With Lucy Mayes

Contact Natalie with queries about remote private instruction on intermediate and advanced topics.