Japanese Dye Workshop: Shikon
– Available to book on request
Explore the rich purple hues of Shikon, the traditional Japanese root dye, in a hands-on workshop at Modja Modja House. Learn the techniques of natural dyeing, experiment with colour shifts, and create your own textile piece.
About the Workshop
Shikon (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) has been treasured in Japan for centuries for its vibrant violet pigment. In this workshop, you’ll explore traditional methods of extracting and applying Shikon dye, working with linen and cotton to experiment with tone, texture, and layering.
Whether you are new to natural dyeing or have some experience, this workshop offers a chance to learn, experiment, and take home a unique dyed textile of your own.
Workshop Schedule
10:30 – 12:00: Introduction to Japanese colours, fabrics, and mordants. Preparing materials for dyeing.
12:00 – 13:00: Working with the Alum lactate mordant and “dung” solution; fabrics soak over lunch.
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch (participants are welcome to go out locally).
14:00 – 16:30: Create Shikon dye pot, experiment with gradients and modifiers, and begin your Furoshiki wrap.
Note: Exact times and sequence may vary slightly depending on the group and materials.
Bespoke Bookings
If you can’t wait for the scheduled dates, book a bespoke session for you and your friends or family. Bespoke workshops are available on weekdays or weekends, with options for a full-day experience or an overnight retreat at Modja Modja House.
Workshop only: Full-day, hands-on dyeing session, create one finished piece (typical timings: 10:30 – 16:30).
Workshop + Overnight stay: Combine your workshop with an immersive stay in our Japanese-inspired B&B
Location: Modja Modja House, Margate (kitchen and dining areas)
Max participants: 4 (small group ensures individual attention)
Refreshments: Tea and coffee provided. Participants are welcome to go out for lunch.
About the Tutor
The workshop is led by Amy Croft, visual artist, curator, and founder of Modja Modja House in Margate. Trained in Fine Art in Vienna, her practice has gradually moved into textiles, combining hands-on making with design-led research. Her approach is grounded in learning directly from specialist craftspeople working in natural dye, both in the UK and Japan.
Central to her work is a fascination with the subtlety and intelligence of Japanese colour palettes. This began with A Dictionary of Color Combinations by Sanzo Wada and expanded into in-depth research into the historical origins of these colours through plant-based dyeing practices, drawing on sources from The Tale of Genji (11th century) to the colour research of dyer Sachio Yoshioka.
This knowledge underpins the natural dye workshops at Modja Modja House, a small collection of handmade Japanese noren and workwear designed and crafted by Amy, alongside her client-based commissions.
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