Out of the Blue: An Intro to Japanese Shibori & Indigo Dyeing with Suzanne Connors
Indigo is an ancient dye derived from the leaves of plants and surrounded by magic, mystery, and folklore. Discover how the leaves “make blue” by learning about the character and chemistry of the natural indigo vat. The complex chemistry of the indigo vat is fascinating, and students will soon appreciate how rituals have grown around the making and using of a successful vat. The unique “attaching” of indigo to fiber means it is particularly suited to resist methods of dying, such as shibori, where portions of cloth are closed off to the dye or where the flow of dye is restricted. Different shades of blue build on the fabric after several dips, exhibiting the beautiful, graded hues, which are so typical of indigo.
Students will initially learn how an indigo vat is made. A vat will be prepared in the morning and the basic chemistry explained. The natural indigo powder will be used, and the vat will be “reduced” using a commercially available chemical. While the vat develops, students will be shown several shibori techniques: a folded and clamped method, and a twisted and tied technique. Students can expect to dye a set of four napkins in this workshop.
Please bring with you: a pair of new dishwashing-long rubber gloves, a seam-ripper or a small pair of sharp scissors, old towels, and a plastic bag to take wet items home. Please wear an old shirt or apron, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Registration Information
Skill Level:
- Intermediate & Advanced
Session Length & Date:
- 1 Day Session
- August 23, 2025
- 10:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Instructor Name:
- Suzanne Connors
Class Fee:
- $140.00 non-members + $45.00 Supply Fee
- $126.00 BRMAA members + $45.00 Supply Fee
About the Instructor
Suzanne Connors
Formerly an interior designer, a construction project manager and then Fine Art Gallery Owner and Director, Suzanne Connors has always loved art and textiles. Suzanne has maintained an active fiber art studio since 2008.
Her academic background in architecture and design lays the groundwork for her practice using traditional shibori techniques. Creating a body of detail design, establishing order, combining simple techniques, textures and using design repetition are foundations of her work. Suzanne enjoys sharing her passion for texture, color, and pattern through her artwork and while teaching workshops.
Suzanne’s teaching experience includes studio and professional practices at institutions throughout the U.S. These include The Arrowmont School of Art & Craft in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, River Ridge Retreat Center in Menominee, Wisconsin, Carborro Art Center in Carborro, North Carolina, Morakami Japanese Museum in Palm Beach County, Florida, Foosaner Museum in Melbourne, Florida, Lighthouse Art Center in Tequesta, Florida, Olive’s Porch in Murphy, North Carolina, and the Aya Fiber Studio, which are her own studio’s in Stuart, Florida and Murphy, North Carolina, where she hosts national and international artists who give workshops to over 500 students from all over the country each year. Suzanne is the founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild and is also president of Florida SPIN (Silk Painters International) and South Florida Regional representative for Surface Design Association.
Call (706) 632-2144 for questions regarding this course and registration. Payment is required to register for BRMAA courses. You may pay via PayPal above, over the phone, or visit The Art Center located at 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 to pay in person.
