Step back in time to explore the intersection of nature, chemistry, and early American craftsmanship at the “Natural State, Natural Dyes” workshop on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hosted at the Rogers Historical Museum, this free, hands-on masterclass will dive deep into the rich heritage and scientific techniques behind the traditional fiber arts that shaped early Arkansas communities.
Textiles in early America and the Ozark region were born out of necessity, creativity, and a deep reliance on the land. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this workshop highlights how early settlers utilized the natural abundance of the “Natural State” to sustain their households. Without access to synthetic colorants, historical spinners and weavers looked to local flora to transform raw, handspun wool and cotton into vibrant, functional art. This event honors that resourcefulness, connecting modern participants to centuries-old regional traditions. Led by master spinner Eddon Boyd of the Brick Street Handspinners Club, participants will move past basic crafting into the true science of heritage dyeing. The workshop will cover critical, authentic techniques including:
• Pigment Foraging: Identifying native Arkansas plants, roots, and barks historically prized for color output.
• The Mordanting Process: Understanding the chemistry of metallic salts used to fix dyes to raw fibers for
lasting wash-fastness.
• Vat Preparation & Temperature Control: Mastering the delicate thermal boundaries required to extract
pure pigments without damaging handspun threads.
• Fiber Interaction: Exploring how different organic materials, such as sheep’s wool versus plant-based
cotton, absorb natural elements uniquely.
• Hands-on Dyeing: Attendees will dye wool yarn in three natural colors: yellow with onion skins, brown
with walnut shells, and blue with indigo.
While the workshop is free and open to the public, space is limited and advance registration is required. Recommended for ages 16+. Attendees are asked to dress in casual, comfortable clothing that they don’t mind getting messy or permanently stained. To secure a spot, register at rogershistoricalmuseum.org/events.
