Workshops
One Day
Seasonal offerings to be announced closer to the exact date so that it is calibrated to harvest times. These short and informative sessions give you the chance to create in a communal harvest situation. Each participant will bring their own materials to be processed.
Cotinus - May 8 - register here
Black Iris ink- Late May
Rose Beads- Early June
Rose Ink- Late June
Cordage- June -August
Weld- June, July
Woad - August, September
Black Walnut - September
Ritual Making - Tataki Zome
For 3 hours we will be using collected leaves and petals from community gardens to create sacred space and together pound some prints out with hammer and fresh sacrifice. This technique is lots of fun and it is very simple to create marks with intricate details.
May 17, 2026- RAW Studio - more info
Ritual Making- Thread Intuition
In this 5 hour session we will spend time together learning basics of embroidery and how to create a language with thread and needle. We will start by understanding how to dye threads to customize your sacred works with local plants and minerals. Collectively we will create and share in a way that will bring forth the magic inside you and manifest a sacred piece.
October 30, 2026 - Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival
Blue Basics
Let's talk about the magic of Indigo and Woad. From the growing and harvesting to the extraction of leaf to dye, there is no denying the special nature of blue. Rio will explain the nature of indigo / woad and demonstrate how to easily create a dye vat that is non toxic. This vat will yield a blue of many shades. Together we will create samples and small works of wonder to begin your love affair with indigo.
July 19, 2026- RAW Studio - More info
Harvesting Colors
Let's harvest color with local plants and discover the possibilities of mark making. Immersion dyeing, pigment extraction and painting are some of the techniques we will explore in this 5 hour workshop.
August 2, 2026- RAW Studio - more info
Rust Fusion - Grey Scale to Black
This special workshop will be held at the Art and Soul Retreat. Details and registration at link below.
September 16, 2026- Art and Soul Retreat
Two Day
Rust Fusion - Grey Scale to Black
This workshop intensive explores techniques practiced by Rio and inspired by the ancient craft of Kalamkari from India. By using natural fibers, iron and plant tannins we will explore the magic of printing and dyeing.
These techniques can be used in book making, painting, textile arts, ritual practice, leather arts, weaving of any kind...
This is a natural and ecological method that is quick in its results and has low impact on our environment while at the same time it is fun and nurtures the soul.
-Offering Private Sessions with 2 or more people at RAW Studio - More details
Ink and Pigment Extraction
2 week course 5 hours each day
An exploration in earth and plant based pigment extraction that will give you the necessary techniques to create watercolor, oil, egg tempera, paints as well as creating inks that can be translated into your artistic practice.
Three Day
Ritual Making
Thread Intuition - Talisman
Three week course, 12 hours total
In this 3 session course we will spend time together learning the basics of embroidery and how to create a language with plant and mineral dyed threads. This is an expanded course which is modeled from the one day offering. You will have time to develop and immerse in the processes and techniques given to work on a talisman piece from start to finish by understanding how to dye threads to customize your sacred works with local plants and minerals in combination with textile processes.
TBD- RAW Textiles Studio
Four Day
Ritual Making- Process Intensive
In this four session series we will explore the alchemy of plants and minerals combined with the magnetic pulls of the moon and the star dust of our being.
Together we will practice the art of natural dyeing combined with harvesting and making in alternative ways with intention and love. This is powerful fuel for our souls. I will be combining techniques such as immersion dye, indigo, composting, shibori and printing with rust and thicken dye. We will also practice with stitching and construction. I am happy to tailor these days to fit your needs as an artist and creator.
Offering as a private course intensive Please message Rio for rates and time slots. Discounts applied if you invite friends. :)
Past Workshops
