Amsterdam plants ink workshop with locally foraged species
We are excited to host this master course with the incredible Lucila Kenny
Join us for a two-day workshop (with the option to extend to three days) exploring the hidden colours growing around us. We'll forage for local plants, prepare natural inks, and dive into the science and art of colour. The workshop is split across two sessions: the first day focuses on foraging and plant identification, while the second day is dedicated to cooking, modifying, and testing the inks.
This hands-on course blends fieldwork, botanical knowledge, and experimental ink-making—designed for artists, designers, and curious minds.
Together, we’ll explore the following questions:
What is colour? Where does it come from? How can we observe our surroundings through a different lens—both artistically and scientifically?
Main Workshop: Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 August
To make the workshop accessible, we run two groups each day—a morning and an afternoon session—so everyone can join at a time that works for them!
Optional Extended Session: Friday 29 August
(scroll down to read more)
What can you expect from this workshop?
Tuesday, August 26th
Morning Group: 10:00–13:00
Afternoon Group: 16:00–19:00
In-depth introduction to natural colourants
Foraging walk in the neighbourhood to identify and harvest seasonal flora
Preparing plant material for ink extraction on the second day
Wednesday, August 27th
Morning Group: 10:00–13:00
Afternoon Group: 16:00–19:00
Cooking and extracting colour from the foraged plants
Experimenting with modifiers (like pH shifts) to expand the colour palette
Learning about dye families, their properties, and lightfastness
Testing results on various types of paper and documenting outcomes
This is a unique opportunity to work with locally foraged material, experiment with natural inks, and deepen your understanding of colour—from soil to surface.
Extended Version
Friday, August 29th
One session: 16:00–19:00
Price for 3 days: €180,00
For those who wish to go deeper, the extended session offers time to reflect, document, and personalise your findings.
Each participant will create a personal catalogue including:
Botanical and technical information of each plant used
Recipes and preparation methods for the colours obtained
Swatches and samples, including modified colours
Drawings and observational notes of the plants
This final session allows space to consolidate your learning and take home a meaningful record of your experiments—perfect for future projects or continued natural ink exploration.
Amsterdam plants ink workshop with locally foraged species
Price:
- Main Workshop (2 days): €140,00
- Extended Version (3 days): €180,00
(payment in 2 instalments possible - please send email)
Includes:
- High quality materials
- Step by step guidance
- High quality printing paper
- PDF handout
- Refreshments & snacks
Max 8 people per group
Who is Lucila Kenny?
Lucila Kenny is an Argentinean textile designer and natural dye specialist based in Amsterdam. She runs a studio focused on local plant colourants and collaborates with artist-biologist Naan Rijks on the Painting Plants project, cultivating a dye garden for research and education. Lucila shares her expertise through workshops, seminars, and collaborations with artists, designers, and institutions.
