Discover the art of natural dyeing with Henderson County’s bounty grown at Bullington
Gardens
Join us for the enchanting Plant-Powered Color workshop with Robert Smith at
Bullington Gardens! Over two immersive afternoons, you’ll discover how Henderson
County’s local flora—from marigolds to red Thai roselle—can create a vibrant array of
natural dyes. Gain hands-on experience in every step of the dyeing process, from
preparing wool yarn to achieving the perfect rinse. This personalized experience fosters a
deeper connection with nature and nurtures your creativity. With limited space available,
pre-registration is essential. Don’t miss the chance to take home your own beautifully
dyed yarn samples!
What will be provided:
Dried plant material, dye pots, thermometers, mordents, vinegar, scale, sieves, spoons
and sticks for stirring.
What you should bring:
Paper and a writing instrument for taking notes, around 10 index cards, whole puncher,
scissors, tape measure, undyed white/cream colored wool yarn (around 50 yards more or
less, if you already have different thicknesses/diameters of yarn, that is fine), around 2
yards of cotton twine, rubber gloves, an apron or lab coat (if you want), 5 to 10
recycled, clear plastic bags (you can also use sandwich sized plastic bags), several small to
medium sized recycled glass jars with tops.
What to Expect:
· Guidance and instruction from an experienced teacher
· Preparing wool yarn using mordanting techniques to ensure optimal color
absorption
· Methods for extracting color from plant materials.
· Immersion dyeing techniques
· Rinsing techniques
Discussions to share experiences and insights gained during the workshop
Participants will leave with practical skills, a deeper connection to the local environment,
and their own samples of naturally dyed yarns
* Robert Smith’s artistic journey began at the North Carolina School of the Arts University,
High School Visual Arts Program, culminating in a fashion design degree from the Fashion
Institute of Technology State University of New York. His extensive experience in the
clothing industry spans across India, Mexico, and the USA.
Alongside his industry work, Smith has devoted many years to education, serving as the
director of the Textile Design Program at the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla. In this
role, he had the privilege of collaborating with various indigenous textile artisans who
specialized in traditional textile production. His commitment to education extends
internationally, having partnered with universities in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Spain and
the USA.
Originally from North Carolina, Smith now resides in Puebla, Puebla, Mexico, where he
focuses on his visual arts projects. He collaborates closely with his spouse, José Bayro C.,
also a visual artist, in the development of international projects. Together, they continue
to explore and push the boundaries of their respective creative endeavors.
This is a two day course. January 12-January 13, 2026. 12:00-3:00pm.