This class will explore a unique process that combines letterpress printing with natural dyes: mordant printing! Mordants are chemicals which facilitate the bonding of natural dyes to textile fibers. In Part 1 we'll set single words or short phrases in wood type, then print our text onto bandannas using mordant pastes (alum or iron) on the hand press. Once dried, we'll dye the bandannas with natural, plant-based dyes in the Part 2 workshop to reveal our prints in full color!

 This is a 2-part class, but you are welcome to sign up for just one or the other if you can't make both. If you can't come to Part 2, we'll dye your printed fabric for you and you can pick it up at a later date.

Registration opens on 4/5/25 at noon. Register here: https://libcal.dartmouth.edu/event/14348042

If you are a community member coming from off campus, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can find parking and pay your fee at the circulation desk before making your way downstairs to the Book Arts Workshop.