Natural Fabric Dyeing & Batik Retreat

This is a one off workshop that is also offered as a retreat for 1 to 4 participants who would like to live close to the studio and are willing to share a beautiful 19th century house... and save on accommodation costs.

Retreat Higlights:

1. Accommodation at the Grapevine House 

Nestled amidst the vineyards and pistachio trees the Grapevine House is a charming haven that provides a serene, relaxing and inspiring backdrop for the retreat-workshop. The house sleeps 1 to 4 in two bedrooms - one wiht a double bed, the other one with two single beds, shared kitfhen and bathroom,  communal indoors and outdoors space.  A home that fosters a sense of community among fellow participants. 

2. Natural fabric dyeing techniques and batik workshop:  For more on the workshop check our workshops page.

An introduction to Batik & Natural Dyeing techniques with a hike to gather plants, flowers, tree barks and many hours in the workshop, learning about these fascinating traditions and practicing by actually making our own pieces. 

Natural dyeing is a constant  exploration, full of experimentation and pleasant surprises. Batik is a wax-resist technique that developed in Indonesia, using small  copper tools called tjantings to draw on fabric.

This 3day workshop will be a balanced mix of theory and practical work.  We will go through some of the history and tradition of Batik as it is  practiced in Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam. We will also talk about the  history and tradition of Natural Dyeing as it is done in Greece. We will  learn about natural materials (linen, cotton, silk), how to use  different batik tools from Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam, and how to take  off wax residue from the fabrics. We will combine natural dyeing and  batik techniques to make our pieces. We will also talk about organic materials and what fabrics/yarns to use  for natural dyeing, about the scouring and mordanting process using  Aluminium & Iron preparations, and how to take care of naturally  dyed items, sustainability and the benefits of natural dyeing for our  skin and the environment. We will use 4 plants and create 8 colours, using plants that we will  collect on our hike as well as the following: - Madder roots - one of the most famous dye plants, was cultivated for  dyeing in Greece, now can be found growing wild, - Acorn Cupules - a plant that was used for natural dyeing in Greece,  - Chamomile flowers - traditionally used for natural dyeing in Greece, - Onion Skins - kitchen waste that was collected for natural dyeing in  Greece. Each student will batik on 3 small fabrics (20cm x20cm) of silk, cotton  and linen to use as samples and try out the different tools, and two  large pieces of fabric (50cm x 50cm), one cotton and one linen.  Included in the workshop: Lunch/Snacks/Materials

3. Culinary Delights

Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional Greek cuisine with a complimentary daily breakfast at the Grapevine House. Experience for free the authentic taste of Greece with a takeaway lunch daily from a local tavern, ensuring you stay energized and nourished throughout your artistic journey.

4. Day Trip Excursions

A hike on the second day is included, to go pick up flowers, plants and tree barks that we will use to dye our fabrics. A great way to also discover a little more of the island.

5. Sustainable Surprise Gift

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to creativity and sustainability, each participant will receive a surprise gift. Unwrap a package filled with freshness, showcasing the finest local and traditionally produced natural olive oil soap