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
Mondays 10:30-11:30AM at Kith + Kin
Tuesdays 10:30-11:30AM at Corinthian Gardens
Date: June, 29, 2026 12-4pm
Location: 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Let’s Hike + Dye!
Come spend a slow morning solar dyeing among the trees.
We’ll gather for an easy, accessible walk along Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Park, noticing the plants and seasonal blooms growing around before settling in for a relaxed outdoor solar dye session together. Solar dyeing is similar to cyanotype but instead of just blues a rainbow of colors can be achieved in minutes.
What to Expect
We’ll meet at 10:15 AM and begin walking around 10:25 AM.
The trail is mostly flat, beginner-friendly, and accessible, with a relaxed pace and plenty of time to take in the surroundings.
Schedule
10:15 AM — Meet + Intro
10:25 AM — Begin easy nature walk (about 20–25 minutes)
Gather together for a hands-on solar dye session (about 30–40 minutes)
Walk back afterward- ends around 12:15 PM – at the beginning trailhead
I’ll bring a backpack filled with natural solar dyes, fabric pieces to experiment with, pressed botanicals and examples of the process. You’ll learn how solar dyeing works and have time to create your own naturally dyed piece outdoors in the sunshine.
You’re welcome to:
Bring a small natural fiber fabric piece no bigger than 10in x 10in. natural fibers only- cotton, linen, silk, hemp, rayon)
OR use a fabric piece I’ll have available to share
What to Bring
Water + snacks if needed
A bag to bring home the dyed piece
Anything else you need to feel comfortable outdoors
Meeting Location
Bells Mill Road West Trailhead
9598 Forbidden Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Parking is easiest in the East Parking Lot, then walking down through the trees to the trailhead marker. I’ll include a photo/map point in the post to make it easy to find.
If transportation is a barrier, feel free to message me, I may have a few ride spots available.
Registration
Please register in advance since space is intentionally small.
Max group size: 10 people
Pay what you can
Recommended contribution: $10 to help cover dye materials + supplies
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, then it transforms before your eyes, developing vibrant rainbow hues 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. You are invited to slow down, design your own piece, and create without expectations.
Connect for dyeable item options, date availability, and pricing.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Setup: Works beautifully with sunlight access, outdoors or on a balcony. For later-afternoon or indoor sessions, I bring UV lights to create a magical glowing effect that mimics sunlight. Perfect for afternoon happy hours, events,
Natural Dye Potion Apothecary
Natural Dye Potions is a hands-on, sensory art experience that blends creativity, natural dyes, and a touch of magic.
I bring a fully curated dye apothecary to your event — complete with natural pigments, dried botanicals, and plant extracts. Guests 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 inspired by flowers, roots, and leaves.
These “potions” are then used to dye natural-fiber 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.
Connect for dyeable item options, date availability, and pricing.
Duration: 35 minutes – up to 1 hour
Setup: Perfect for indoor or outdoor gatherings. Ideal for creative breaks, lunch sessions, or celebrations, or an event pop-up station that spark curiosity, connection, and joy.
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.