Colour Alchemy Workshop

Creating your own natural eco pigments with Helen De Saram at this unique workshop in Sherborne.



4.5 hours Class size 1 to 8 guests    

  £95 - £125 (Earlybird price of £95 applies if you book into a public session 28+ days ahead) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)
South West Activities
welcome introduction

Welcome Introduction

We start with some tea/ coffee and a chat about what we will learn and the objectives for the workshop.


Eco colour wheels

Eco Colour Wheels

We learn how to make an Eco pigment colour wheel and how tints and tones can be produced using sustainable pigments


Sustainable print making

Sustainable Print Making

Josie will give a demonstration on how to make a sustainable Ink and attendees will get to try out the process and print a selection of lino designs onto cards to take home for goody bags. While we wait for the prints to dry we take a break for some lunch.


Mix your own colours from pigments

Mix Your Own Colours from Pigments

In this step you are encouraged to 'play' and experiment in making your own colour schemes and make marks using the pigments sourced, your own ground pigment recipes and then label the swatches of colour as a guide you can refer back to - lots of fun!


Mixing binders with pigments

Mixing Binders with Pigments

In this step we explore the role of binders (the glue that holds pigment particles together and fixes them to a surface once dry such as gum Arabic, egg yolk and oil. Whilst working with your hands Helen takes you on a journey into how traditional pigments have been used across centuries and in different cultures.


Evaluate what we learnt about Eco pigment making

Evaluate What We Learnt About Eco Pigment Making

In the final step of the workshop we come together to evaluate what we learnt during the workshop, provide feedback and take home our goody bags full of our pigments and creations from the day. (Tea and cake is usually shared again at this stage!)


Join Helen for a hands-on natural pigments workshop in Bishops Caundle, Dorset, and discover how vibrant colours can be created from earth, minerals and plants. You'll explore traditional colour-making techniques as you transform raw materials into beautiful pigments and paints, uncovering the fascinating history behind natural colour along the way.
This workshop is perfect for artists, makers, gardeners, crafters and anyone curious about where colour comes from – no previous experience is needed. Throughout the day, you'll:
  • Create and experiment with your own natural pigments
  • Learn traditional colour-making techniques
  • Explore the history and magic of natural colour
  • Take home your creations, plus plenty of newfound knowledge
As part of the day, artist and tutor Josie Reay of Class Creative Studios will demonstrate how to make an eco-friendly printing ink using natural pigments, and will be on hand throughout to support you and help things run smoothly.
Here's what you need to know:
  • Date: Sunday, 11th October 2026, 10:00am – 2:30pm
  • Location: Class Creative Studios, Tut Hill Farm, Bishops Caundle, Dorset
  • Hot drinks and light refreshments are provided throughout the day – please bring your own packed lunch
  • Early bird price: £95 (until 11th September); standard price £125
  • Places are limited, so advance booking is essential
Class Creative Studios runs a year-round programme of specialist creative workshops, from painting and lino printing to sculpture, textiles and eco-pigment making.

money_off
Save £30 per guest, when you book 28+ days before a session
What you'll get
  • By the end of the workshop, you will take home a goody bag filled with your own eco pigments you created during the workshop, along with supporting information to aid your pigment-making practice at home. Leave with that and a new perspective on the colours surrounding you and how to become a more sustainable artist.
  • We will provide all materials and aprons, along with hot drinks and light refreshments.
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly - all levels welcome.
What to bring
A packed lunch.
Location

Class Creative Studios, Tut Hill Farm - Flock View, Tut Hill Farm, Bishops Caundle, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5JG

Our Studio is a 3 minute drive from Murco fuel station in Bishops Caundle

Colour Alchemy Workshop location
More info

This class is new, and is covered by ClassBento's money-back guarantee.

Your teacher

Class Creative Studios
Class Creative Studios

female Women-owned

I'm a PGCE-qualified art teacher who's been teaching since 2013, having worked with hundreds of students across schools, care homes, and community settings in the South West. I hold a 2:1 degree in Interior Design and now run Class Creative Studios, my own farm-based art studio and gallery in Dorset — set on the former estate of sculptor Elisabeth Frink, where my late stepfather once lived and worked.
I teach acrylic painting, lino printing, and home education art sessions, alongside visiting specialist tutors covering everything from stone carving to gold leaf gilding.
What I love most is working with people to ignite their creative spark and build their creative confidence. Outside the studio, you'll find me walking in nature or working on my own art — it's how I stay inspired.

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