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  Over the years that our natural dyeing and natural inks and paints workshops in Mere have been running, some people have come a long way to attend, so for those that want to make a weekend of it, we thought it would be good to tell you a bit about our small town and some of the best things to see and do in the area. Mere is situated just off the A303, in the beautiful Blackmore Vale, where the borders of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset meet. The rich history of this Wiltshire town dates back to prehistoric times,...

NATURAL DYEING WITH BROWN ONION SKINS At this time of year, while I’m waiting for spring to bring forth fresh nettles and a carpet of dandelions for my natural dyeing, I turn to the kitchen for inspiration.  My first choice is definitely brown onion skins which I save up over the weeks - or rummage for in the bottom of an unguarded box.   Onion skins are rich in tannins and classed as a ‘direct’ (or substantive) natural dye, meaning they can be used without a ‘mordant’ - see Basic Terminology at the end of this blog for more information....

Your chance to be part of a local green initiative, supporting the wellbeing and education of our children through outdoor learning.  What are our plans? At Kings Somborne Primary School in Hampshire we are in the process of transforming the largely unused outdoor garden area into a multifunctional space for outdoor learning. We aim to create a legacy for our future children by designing a space that will support children’s development now and in years to come. Alongside the development of the physical space, we will be building an online learning hub which will grow with the garden, providing a...

One of the beauties of off-loom weaving is its simplicity. You can, of course, choose to make it more complex, but there is much satisfaction to be had from keeping it simple and immersing yourself in the rhythm and repetition of weaving in its most basic form.

NATURAL DYEING WITH BLACK WALNUTS  (Juglans nigra)     The Black Walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is a large, broadleaf tree that can grow to 30 or 40 metres in height.  A native of North America it was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, and in Britain is most likely to be found in the warmer conditions of the south.  Its name refers to the dark outer bark and the Black Walnut tree is a valuable source of hardwood for furniture and flooring. I came across this very beautiful Black Walnut tree in a vicarage garden not far from my home...