Workshops
NAtural Dye Workshops
With over 35 years of experience, Textile Artist and Designer Madda Forcella invites you into her Oaxacan dye kitchen.
Madda’s practice is shaped through decades of research and collaboration with artisans from across Mexico. She approaches dyeing as an empirical and intuitive process, working with plants, bark, flowers and insects to create a nuanced and expansive spectrum of colors, hues and saturation.
Guided by Madda, you’ll explore the quiet alchemy of natural dyes, learning ancient recipes and ancestral techniques through a contemporary lens.
-
Cochineal and indigo are the two natural dyes that are most representative of Oaxaca.
You can choose to learn about:
Cochineal, to create a range of colours from pink to burgundy.
Indigo, to discover deep shades of blue through its oxidation process.
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $4,900 MXN
International visitors: $295 USD
Group price (2 to 5 people):
Mexican nationals: $3,700 MXN per person
International visitors: $215 USD per person
TOTAL: 5 hours
-
By adding the yellow tones of marigold, we enrich our color palette, creating a spectrum ranging from yellow to burgundy.
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $9,400 MXN
International visitors: $550 USD
Group price (2 to 5 people):
Mexican nationals: $6,600 MXN per person
International visitors: $395 USD per person
TOTAL: 10 hours
-
By working with the three primary colors, we can create secondary colors based on color theory.
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $13,900 MXN
International visitors: $825 USD
Group price (2 to 5 people):
Mexican nationals: $9,800 MXN per person
International visitors: $585 USD per person
TOTAL: 15 hours
-
If you are looking for professional-level training and a deep immersion into the practice of natural dyeing, this workshop is for you.
We will cover every step needed to create a complete palette of up to 40 stable colors, applying the principles of color theory, color mixing, overdyeing and the use of modifiers.
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $21,900 MXN
International visitors: $1,295 USD
Group price (2 to 5 people):
Mexican nationals: $15,900 MXN per person
International visitors: $965 USD per person
TOTAL: 25 hours
Our natural dye workshops have been developed by Madda, reflecting her distinct approach to color, material and process.
We offer a curated progression of workshops focused on cochineal, marigold, indigo and logwood, each designed to provide an introductory technical understanding of dye materials while also building a sensitivity to color. Workshops range from one to five days. They can be one-on-one or group sessions (please enquire about pricing for groups of more than five).
At the end of the session, you’ll take home a color sample chart and a detailed guide so you can continue dyeing on your own.
We currently have natural dye workshop dates available during the week commencing 20 July 2026.
weaving workshops
Our pedal loom weaving workshops were developed by Madda in collaboration with master artisans who we have worked with for many years, in order to offer a broad understanding of what can be created on a pedal loom. The workshops range from an introduction to two-pedal flat weaving techniques to more complex four-pedal twill weaving.
We currently have weaving workshop dates available during the week commencing 3 August 2026.
If you are looking to learn the fundamentals of pedal loom weaving, or to deepen your knowledge of this technique in order to create your own fabric or rug, this workshop is for you. The combination of theory and design guidance by Madda, together with master artisans from Teotitlán del Valle (the birthplace of pedal loom weaving in Oaxaca), makes this workshop a deep immersion into both tradition and contemporaneity.
-
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $4,900 MXN
International visitors: $295 USD
Price for 2 people:
Mexican nationals: $3,700 MXN per person
International visitors: $215 USD per person
TOTAL: 5 hours
-
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $9,400 MXN
International visitors: $550 USD
Price for 2 people:
Mexican nationals: $6,600 MXN per person
International visitors: $395 USD per person
TOTAL: 10 hours
-
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $13,900 MXN
International visitors: $825 USD
Price for 2 people:
Mexican nationals: $9,800 MXN per person
International visitors: $585 USD per person
TOTAL: 15 hours
-
You can choose between an in-depth exploration of plain weave and its variations or twill and its variations.
Individual price:
Mexican nationals: $21,900 MXN
International visitors: $1,295 USD
Price for 2 people:
Mexican nationals: $15,900 MXN per person
International visitors: $965 USD per person
TOTAL: 25 hours
Our natural dyeing and pedal loom weaving workshops are run throughout the year. Get in touch to inquire about alternative dates.
Workshop FAQs
-
No, you do not need to have any previous knowledge or experience with natural dyes or weaving. The workshop leader will tailor the session to the skill level of each individual or group.
-
Our languages are delivered in Spanish and/or English.
-
No, you do not need to bring anything, as all materials will be provided during the session. You may wish to bring a notebook and pen if you would like to take personal notes.
-
To reserve your place, you’ll need to pay a 50% deposit in advance.
-
If you cancel more than 15 days before your workshop, you will receive an 80% refund of the total amount paid. Unfortunately, cancellations made within 15 days of the scheduled workshop date are non-refundable.