Visiting Asheville and looking for creative art classes? Try tie-dye, batik, shibori and more in our open textile studio.
Classes and workshops at WAXON Studio:
Helene Recovery update: we now have clean running water (after 7 weeks!) and are ready to take your bookings. See our calendar here or by clicking through the types of classes below.
For 1-4 people, book yourself in below. For parties of 5-8 people, just email us at info@waxonstudio.com and we’ll see what we can accommodate! A 20% gratuity is added to groups of 5 or more.
We are making progress on our goals of offering more classes, taking on bigger groups, and hosting multi-day workshops! Stay tuned for more specifics as we develop our plan for the extended workshop space here in West Asheville.
Masking is optional. Thanks for being here!
Can’t get to Asheville? Check out our online course catalogue or Jess’s 2024 teaching schedule.
In-person classes
Ice Dyeing
An incredible new way to use the dyes that results in beyond gorgeous pieces-- you won't believe what the ice can do. Even the simplest patterns are captivating in ice dyeing. Ages 8+, one-hour classes. Options for washout service, BYO item or purchase a blank from us. Click for scheduling information and more details. What can I dye?
Batik
Our absolute favorite thing in the world. The smell of the hot beeswax, the incredible crackle texture, the resists, the layers, the splashes and dribbles… batik is phenomenally beautiful whether you’re a first-timer or a pro. Not appropriate for children under 10, as we will be working with hot wax at an adult-height work table. Click for scheduling information and more details. All materials are provided.
Classic Tie-Dye
Our most popular class type for couples, families, and groups! Kid-friendly, and great for beginning dyers. We teach you about the dye chemistry, how the patterns are made, how to fold them up and bind them, and how to dye them. Whether you choose to BYO item to dye or if you need an item to dye from our stash (we stock plenty!), this is a fun and affordable class for all. Ages 6+ please. (What can I bring to dye?)
Shibori Dyeing
Shibori– traditional Japanese style tie-dye– is simple, pleasing to the eye, and a lot more varied than you think! We clamp, bind, fold, or wrap the fabric to achieve dozens of patterns. Experiment with a traditional one-color effect or go crazy with multicolor projects. We teach you about the dye chemistry, the patterns you can make, how to fold them up and bind them, and how to dye them. Appropriate for ages 8+. BYO dyeable item or purchase one from us.
Online classes
Batik Online 2-Session Class
Join me in my studio for two evenings of the basics of batik. In the 1st class, I’ll give an overview of the tools & materials needed for this type of batik, discuss the principles of applying beeswax to cloth, demonstrate Indonesian tjanting tools, Malaysian metal stamps, Indian woodblock stamps, and show how to make an immersion dye bath w/ fiber reactive dyes. For the 2nd class, we’ll examine a dried piece to which we'll add a 2nd layer of wax & dye, and have a thorough demonstration of removing wax using the boil-out method. Plenty of time for Q&A, plus a multipage .pdf with shopable links for setting up your own batik station at home!
Intro to Ice Dyeing Online
With the magic of applying dry dye powders over ice, results are ethereal, intricate, and never the same twice. As the colors split and fissure due to the slowly melting water, your fabric takes on watercolor-like effects that can be subtle or psychedelic!
Tie-Dye Basics Online
Our most popular class type for couples, families, and groups! Kid-friendly, and great for beginning dyers. We teach you about the dye chemistry, how the patterns are made, how to fold them up and bind them, and how to dye them. Whether you choose to BYO item to dye or if you need an item to dye from our stash (we stock plenty!), this is a fun and affordable class for all. Ages 6+ please. (What can I bring to dye?)
Shibori Dyeing
Shibori– traditional Japanese style tie-dye– is simple, easy, very pleasing to the eye, and can be a lot more varied than you think! Learn how to clamp, bind, fold, or wrap the fabric to achieve endless pattern variations. Traditionally done in an indigo vat, this class opens up a whole new world of color possibilities with low-impact Fiber Reactive Dyes. Great for creating custom hand-dyed fabrics and pre-sewn garments.
Explore our new online class catalogue
We’ve been working hard to film, edit, organize, and supplement our courses with plenty of photo galleries, lists, helpful links, and armfuls of tips & tricks to make sure you get the best in online dyeing classes.
What real people are saying:
