Intuitive Indigo
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Registration closes April 13
INTUITIVE Indigo
A relational approach to working with indigo dye
LEARN TO PREPARE, WORK WITH AND UNDERSTAND THE INDIGO VAT -
DEVELOPING BOTH TECHNICAL SKILL AND A MORE INTUITIVE, EMBODIED WAY OF WORKING WITH PLANT COLOUR.
Indigo is often where people begin.
There’s something about the process - the dipping, the waiting, the moment the cloth meets the air and shifts from green to blue - that draws people in.
But over time, many people find themselves wanting more than just a result.
A deeper understanding of the vat.
A way of working that feels more responsive, more grounded, more intuitive.
This course is a space to develop that.
A different way of working with indigo
Most indigo teaching focuses on process: how to prepare a vat, how to dye successfully.
This is part of what we cover.
But alongside this, we explore a more relational way of working.
Learning to:
– read the state of the vat
– notice subtle shifts in colour and behaviour
– develop confidence through observation and practice
Over time, this builds a kind of fluency,
where you begin to trust your eye, your timing, and your decisions.
The nature of indigo
Indigo has been worked with across cultures for centuries.
Often referred to as blue gold,
it has held both practical and symbolic value —
used not only for colour, but for protection.
In parts of the world, indigo-dyed cloth was worn close to the skin,
believed to support healing and guard against infection.
In Japan, indigo garments were traditionally worn by workers and samurai,
valued for their durability and protective qualities.
In ancient Egypt and across Africa, indigo has long been associated with status, ritual, and identity.
But beyond its history, there is something in the experience of working with indigo itself —
The transformation from green to blue,
the rhythm of dipping and oxidising,
the way the vat responds over time.
It invites a different kind of attention.
A slower way of working.
A deeper kind of listening.
For many, it becomes more than a dye —
but a material that teaches.
What you’ll learn
- How to set up and maintain an organic fructose indigo vat
- How to dye cloth and build depth through layering colour
- Shibori techniques for creating resist patterns
- How to recognise and respond to changes in the vat
- How to troubleshoot and adjust your process
- A more intuitive, sensory way of working with indigo
This is where this course differs.
Working with indigo as a relationship
Alongside the technical process, we also explore a quieter, more sensory way of working.
This includes simple practices to:
– Slow down and observe
– Develop awareness through touch, rhythm and repetition
– Begin to experience colour not just visually, but physically
In the course, I also share a tea-based practice for connecting with indigo in a more embodied way.
This isn’t about getting it “right”-
but about opening a different kind of relationship with the plant.
This is for you if:
– You feel drawn to indigo and want to deepen your understanding
– You’re interested in a slower, more attentive way of making
– You want to build real confidence working with the indigo vat
– You’re curious about a more intuitive, embodied approach to colour
Course format
This is an online course you can move through at your own pace.
You’ll receive:
– structured video lessons
– guided practices
– practical demonstrations
– 12 months access
So you can return to the material as your practice develops.
If you feel the pull to begin working with indigo—
Meet Your Instructor,
Babs Behan
Babs Behan is a renowned natural dye artist, author, and the founder of Botanical Inks natural dye house.
With a passion for purist practices and a deep respect for nature, Babs brings years of experience in natural dyeing techniques, guiding students to explore their creativity while fostering a connection with the environment.
What You’ll Need:
- Organic indigo extract powder
- Fructose
- Lime (Calcium hydroxide)
- Natural fiber fabrics (e.g., silk, cotton, wool)
- Basic kitchen equipment: stainless steel pot, thermometer, stirring utensil
A glimpse into the course..
Enhance Your Experience:
Optional 1:1 support
If you’d like additional guidance, you can book a 30-minute private session.
This can be used for troubleshooting, refining your process, or asking more specific questions.
Available as an add-on for £50 (normally £60)
Limited availability
Frequently Asked Questions
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No — this course is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.
If you’re new, you’ll be guided step by step through setting up and working with an indigo vat.
If you’ve worked with dye before, this offers a way to deepen your understanding and develop a more intuitive approach.
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Yes — everything in this course is designed to be done in a home setting with simple equipment.
You don’t need a dedicated studio to begin.
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That’s completely fine.
You can begin with the theory and guidance, and gather materials as you go.
A full materials list is provided inside the course, along with sourcing suggestions.
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You’ll have access to the course for 12 months.
This allows you to return to the material over time, as your practice develops.
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You can move through it at your own pace.
Some people work through it over a few days, others return to it slowly over weeks or months.
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No.
Alongside the technical process, this course explores a more relational way of working — developing awareness, rhythm, and confidence with the material over time.
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Yes — you can book an optional 1:1 session if you’d like personalised support or guidance.