Unlike other historical skill building workshops, our Intro to Indigo Workshop for Kids is designed to delve into the world of natural dye via indigo and prove that historical techniques are still relevant to our modern lives. Plus the fine art of it all is such an extraordianry bonus!
This summer I had the pleasure of leading an introductory indigo workshop on site for the members of Historic Exchange Place’s Junior Apprentice program in Jonesborough, TN.
During the first half of the day, we explored the history of indigo and traced its origins from Asia, India, and Africa into South Carolina. We discussed the rise and fall of the American indigo trade and how it was used in mid 19th century Appalachia. I brought one of my Japanese indigo plants we grow right here on our Tennessee farm and we learned about the etymology of the plant. (Sadly, we are too cool in SE TN to grow the South Carolina variety of indigo.)
We explored surface design techniques and I did a demonstration using 3 ancient pattern making techniques. The kids learned to identify each process by pattern (as they would need to remember this later!)
Next we built a simple indigo vat and talked about the chemical processes that create color. I explained what a vat is and we speculated how our ancestors might have processed indigo long before science explained it to us.
Finally, I turned the kids loose to put into action all they had learned in the first half of the workshop. Each attendee made a minimum of 3 textiles with their choice of techniques learned earlier in the day. They were also encouraged to bring prepared textiles from home to independently explore the indigo vat. Of course, I was on hand to answer any questions!
For more information about our Intro to Indigo Workshop for Kids or any of our other hands on workshops, check out our complete catalog or feel free to reach out!
