Learn to transform the liquid hues of natural dyes into vibrant pigments with Natalie Stopka, author of From Plant to Pigment. This workshop delves into the history, chemistry, and hands-on practice of ink making with lake pigments. Utilizing three botanical and one insect colour source, together we’ll concoct a mini palette: four bottles of liquid gouache for use with a brush or dip pen. We’ll also mull over the history of color, with snippets from the artist’s studio, monastic scriptorium, and alchemist’s laboratory. Participants will leave with a set of handmade inks and the knowledge to continue expanding their rainbow of homemade hues. Every shade in our palette tells a story through its rich, characterful, botanical color.
Date
Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Time
12:00-4:00 pm ET
Location
Tatter Textile Library: 505 Carroll Street, #2B, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Class Materials
All materials are included with ticket purchase.
Cost
$200
Our Teacher
Natalie Stopka is an artist and educator focused on the material history of color and sustainable studio practice. She captures material and elemental interactions in her experimental printmaking practice, incorporating a seasonally changing vocabulary of plant dyes and natural pigments. Natalie’s studio and dye garden are located in Yonkers, New York. Her teaching experience includes Penland, Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Textile Arts Center, SUNY New Paltz, and Rhode Island School of Design. She is the author of From Plant to Pigment (Skittledog, 2025).
@nataliestopka