Introduction to The Dye Lab: Beginner Basics Bundle Dye with Kelly Lane

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Time: 10am – 1pm

Description: The Fibers Studio at Contemporary Craft is thrilled to introduce you to the Beth Wainwright Dye Lab, an exciting new resource in our suite of studios!

Natural Dyeing is the process of extracting color from plant, mineral, and sometimes other (like lichen, mushroom, and insect!) sources to create a broad and colorful palette.

Bundle Dyeing is a fabulous and fun entry point into the world of natural dyeing. Bundle dyeing is a fun, simple and sustainable technique to transform fabrics made with natural fibers that is water-efficient and easy to replicate at home with kitchen scraps and materials gathered from your backyard or neighborhood.

We’ll start the session with a short discussion on the process of working with natural dyes, talking about our materials, and a demonstration of bundle dyeing before you get to try out the techniques for yourself on two pre-mordanted cotton bandanas. (not to worry, this workshop will also cover what it means for something to be “pre-mordanted”!!!!!!)

We’ll learn about the importance of fabric and fiber preparation, discuss and work with a variety of botanicals including kitchen scraps, and explore how different folding and binding techniques will create different one-of-kind results. We’ll discuss different techniques and materials for post-dye modifiers as well as how to care for your naturally dyed pieces.

You’ll leave the class with two bundle dyed cotton bandanas and a resources to help guide you through your future natural dye experiments and adventures.

This workshop is part of our First Time, First Saturdays Beginner Basics Suite of offerings. Upon registration, you will receive a code for 10% off future registrations for other Beginner Basics workshops in the fibers studio! (you will find the code in your confirmation notice)

This process is beginner friendly and is a great first step into natural dye processes!

All materials included and supplied.

Tuition: $65+ $15 materials fee

Note: We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class.

Please fill out the application here! You can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks.

If you have any questions, email Jamie Boyle, Fibers Program Manager, at jboyle@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for them at 412-465-1628.

Materials: All materials provided.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Beth Wainwright Dye Lab, which is located on the second floor of the Timmons Studio building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

• One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the second floor from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 32 stairs to ascend.

• One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. There is a lift inside the building to access the second floor.

If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything you would like us to know before you arrive, please feel free to call Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

About the artist: Kelly is a natural dye and mixed media artist and educator. Her work is inspired by our innate connection to the natural world and the wellspring of wisdom that surfaces when we slow down and tune in to our surroundings. As an artist, she taps into this connection to create work that is an intermingled reflection of landscapes within and without.

For each project, Kelly thoughtfully forages plants to create botanical palettes that imbue both formal beauty and conceptual depth. In addition to plant-based dyes, she also incorporates sustainable or rescued textiles in her work. With over 15 years of experience as a sustainable clothing designer, Kelly has a deep appreciation for natural fibers and the warmth they radiate.

In addition to her artistic practice, Kelly loves sharing her passion for creating color with plants through teaching natural dye and ink-making workshops.