Dyeing to calm the mind & make connections
Hello, my name is Carin
Master Dyer, Mama, and Founder of Dye on the Side.
I spent years in the high-pressure world of corporate fashion, chasing success in an industry that often ignored the impact it had on people and the planet. When I became a mom at the start of the pandemic, everything shifted. The burnout hit hard. The disconnect from my creativity, my body, my truth, it was undeniable.
That’s when I returned to my roots of natural dyeing.
Dyeing with nature became my way back.
Back to my breath.
Back to beauty.
Back to myself.
What started as a quiet act of resistance against toxic systems has become a joyful, liberating practice, and now, a business built around sharing immersive botanical dye experiences, centered in slowing down and making creative connections.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Let’s Hike and dye!🌿 Come join us on a walk through Wissahickon to a picnic spot where we can sit and create. Get to know some really cool spring blooms and people :) Bring a natural fabric piece or a garment you would like to dye. I’ll have a solar dyes and fabric to share. Make sure to bring any food, water, something to sit on or anything you might need. We will meet at the Bells Mill Road West Trailhead at 10:15 AM. The exact address is 9598 Forbidden Drive, Philadelphia PA. See picture of the trailhead and map point location attached. Easier to park in the East Parking lot and walk down among the trees to the marker.
If you need a ride, let me know, I have a few spots available.
Pay what you can to cover the cost of dyes. Recommended $10
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:30 - 8:00 pm
To sign up you will need to click this link to SHIFT’s Register Online
Location: SHIFT · 250 Haverford Avenue · Narberth Pennsylvania 19072
Create a custom dyed textile using sunlight and plant-based solar dyeing techniques—perfect for a handmade Mother’s Day gift or shared experience.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will dye a fabric item using light and botanicals, learning a simple process that can be repeated at home. This class is open to kids, adults, and families and is especially well suited for a parent/child activity or creating a thoughtful, handmade Mother’s Day gift.
Students will need to bring:
One fabric item, no larger than 20 × 20 inches
Fabric made primarily from natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, hemp, or bamboo/rayon absorb color best).
EXAMPLES: Cotton or linen handkerchiefs, dish towels or tea towels (single or matching set), cotton or linen napkins, socks (at least 50% natural fiber), a lightweight cotton or linen shirt panel, pocket, or section
Leaves, flowers, botanicals or other interesting shapes (optional)
A container to transport your damp, freshly dyed fabric home
Ticket price includes:
Instruction and guidance on solar dye techniques
Dye for one fabric item
Use of UV lights for nighttime curing
Registration
Reserve your space click this link to SHIFT’s Register Online. Because of the hands-on nature of this event, space is limited. Ages 7+ are welcome to attend.
NOTE: A minimum of 6 students is needed to run this class.
Saturday July 11th 2026 1:00-3:00 PM
Are you a creator, artist, teacher, earth lover, small business owner? Let’s get together and connect for an afternoon over treats and solar dyeing.
I’m feeling and hearing so many local small creative business owners struggling and rather than telepathically sell you my 56 page resource guide to successful small business…just joking… I don’t have a resource guide but I do believe that when we connect together we are stronger and can learn things from each other. 🙂 This crazy fire is difficult to navigate on our own so let’s not!
Do you have to own a small business to partake? absolutely no, it’s open for anyone!
Bring a garment that’s ready for new life, plant cuttings you love, a favorite tea and/or a small nosh to share 🤍 I’ll have a rainbow of solar dyes, seasonal botanicals, and all the supplies needed to transform a stained or old piece into something new.
This gathering is very much home-based: I share space with a friendly older dog and young cat, and we’ll gather on one main floor and my porch (a few steps). If you have allergies, sensitivities, or need any accommodations, please reach out, I want you to feel comfortable here.
📍Fishtown, Philadelphia (Address shared directly)
Pay what you can - recommend $22. If you would prefer to use venmo , direct message me on IG or dyeonetheside@gmail.com
Any support helps to cover the cost of dyes and proceeds will support my efforts to bring free dye programs to local kids through Avenues of Change. If you would like to attend but don’t have the funds to do so, I’m happy to welcome you.
Immersive Botanical Dye Experiences
At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to people and planet.
These immersive botanical dye experiences are more than creative workshops they are spaces to slow down, reconnect, and create with intention. Rooted in sustainable, non-toxic processes and inspired by the rhythms of nature and the season, each gathering invites you to melt away into a moment of presence.
From boardrooms to backyards Dye on the Side experiences meet you where you are.
I bring natural dyeing right to your event space with a beautifully curated display and service.
Perfect for team creatives, events, celebrations, and classrooms.
I arrive with everything needed to transform your space, seasonal botanicals, textiles, natural pigments, and a touch of creative alchemy.
Botanical Solar Dyeing
Solar dyeing is a beautiful grounding dye form that combines the magic of nature, sunlight, and color.
Using a solar reactive dye, guests apply color that goes on almost clear and botanicals, then it transforms fast before your eyes, developing vibrant rainbow hues you choose as it bonds to fabric by sunlight. The dye process is surprisingly meditative and deeply intriguing.
I bring a fully curated botanical tablescape experience to your space complete with seasonal flowers, plants, dyeables, and easy to apply dye. You are invited to slow down design your own piece, and create without expectations., creating your own blooming piece.
Natural Dye Potion Apothecary
Natural Dye Potions is a hands-on, sensory art experience that blends creativity, natural dyes, and a touch of magic.
Inspired by my son’s love for sensory, I bring a fully curated dye apothecary to your space complete with natural pigments, dried botanicals, and plant extracts. You are invited to explore and experiment, learning how natural dyes are created and where these beautiful colors come from in nature. Together, we’ll mix ingredients to craft signature color potions made with flowers, roots, and leaves.
These “potions” are then used to dye cotton bandanas, revealing soft, organic hues and one-of-a-kind patterns. The process is as relaxing as it is inspiring equal parts art, science, and mindfulness.
STAY CONNECTED
This is more than a newsletter…it’s a love letter to creative living.
Join my list for exclusive workshop invites, dyeing ideas, and a deeper look into the artful, nature-led world I’m building. Come be part of it.