FOBA 2026 - Casey Newman - Indigo Dyeing Paper

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Rosemary Rae
Festival Flag Book - Saturday June 27, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

Workshop Description:

In this workshop students will create and use an indigo dye vat to dye paper beautiful shades of blue. Students will learn how to create an indigo dye vat and see what depth of shade can be created through dip-dyeing paper. This technique can create both solid and layered/ombre designs. Students will learn ways to fold and bend paper to create different designs and will be able to try numerous techniques. In the afternoon we’ll explore some unconventional ways to use the liquid from the indigo vat to paint and write on paper, as well as try out more conventional natural indigo paint. Some paper of
various types and sizes will be provided. Please also bring favorite papers to dye and paint on. Paper needs to be suitable for wet media, including—but not limited to—watercolor, printmaking, and washi paper.

At the end of this fun day, students will go home with a stack of beautiful hand-dyed paper to use in future projects.

Materials/equipment to be provided by students:

• Wear clothes that can get a little messy or bring an apron
• Waterproof gloves, like dishwashing gloves or similar
• Paper to dip dye and/or paint; five or more pieces in various sizes (students can dye/paint as much paper as time allows)

Optional:

• Craft and/or watercolor paint brushes