Shadows & Contrast: Exploring Tannins and Iron on Cloth
About the Workshop
Experience the alchemy of cloth transformation. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how plant-based tannins and iron mordants interact to create striking shades of grey, charcoal, and black. With brushes, sponges, and stamps, you’ll design bold patterns and subtle washes as the magic of oxidation unfolds before your eyes.
No experience is needed — all materials are provided, including pre-prepared fabrics and ready-to-use tannin and iron solutions. You’ll leave with 2-4 unique textile pieces and the know-how to continue exploring at home.
✨ A perfect workshop for anyone curious about natural processes, textile arts, and the dramatic beauty of shadow and contrast.
Location: Sacramento, CA or Somerset, CA
Duration: 4 hours
Fee: $150 (includes all materials)
Minimum Participants: (2) - Please note, if only 1 participant you will be charged the fee for 2 (300.00 total)
Maximum Participants: (10) - Spaces are limited to keep the workshop intimate and interactive!
What You’ll Learn
How tannins (such as gallnut and myrobalan) prepare fabric for dyeing.
How iron (ferrous sulfate) transforms tannin-treated cloth into deep greys, charcoals, and blacks.
Techniques for painting, stamping, and printing with iron for expressive and patterned effects.
How to safely handle and store iron solutions.
Tips for combining tannins and iron with other natural dyeing methods at home.
Materials Provided
Pre-scoured and tannin-prepared cotton and linen fabric squares (ready to use).
Iron solution (ferrous sulfate).
Application tools: brushes, sponges, stencils, and block stamps.
Printed handout with recipes, safety notes, and step-by-step instructions to continue experimenting at home.
Please reach out to check available dates and book your workshop.
Please include your number of participants and requested dates/location.
Workshops are hosted at either of our studios in Somerset or Sacramento California.
Workshops can be hosted at galleries, craft studios, guilds, or educational spaces. For inquiries, collaborations, or private bookings, contact: grey@breuwen.com