Introduction to Natural Dyes: Color, Care, and Connection

Sunday April 19 (1pm-3pm)

Join artist Michelle Glass for a gentle, grounding exploration of natural dyes and the healing relationships we cultivate with plants, color, and cloth. This workshop invites adults to slow down, reconnect with the land, and experience the soothing rhythm of working with natural materials.

Participants will learn how to extract color from plants and insects, discovering how these pigments interact with natural fibers such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen. We’ll explore the supportive roles of tannins and mordants and how they help color bond to both protein and cellulose fibers, and how they echo the ways we anchor memory, intention, and story into the things we make.

Together, we will:

• How to process plant materials to create nourishing dye vats

• Experiment with infusions that reveal a full spectrum of hues from reds, blues, yellows, greens, oranges, and violets

• Explore how color shifts with time, temperature, and care

• Create small swatches that hold your personal palette and intentions

Fabric swatches will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring additional prewashed natural fabrics to explore. Please wear clothing and shoes that can be stained; aprons and gloves are welcome.

This workshop centers curiosity, connection, and the quiet joy of making with our hands. It is an invitation to return to color as a form of healing—slow, intentional, and rooted in relationship with the natural world.

1PM- 4PM
Kids 12 and under can attend FREE with a parent

Sourdough bread making is an ancient craft that is simple to learn. Join Karen Hirsch, owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, at this hands-on workshop and learn how to make wild-yeast sourdough breads. You’ll learn and practice each stage of baking a naturally leavened organic loaf, from caring for a starter through shaping and baking. During our time together, we’ll enjoy warm, fresh bread, stories and Karen will share some of the science behind this miraculous daily loaf.

TAKE HOME: You’ll leave with your own sourdough starter, recipe and guide, a dough scraper, and your own ready-for-the oven dough.

About Karen
Karen is the owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, a cottage food bakery in northwest Pasadena dedicated to the spirit of countless generations of grandmothers who showed love by filling their tables with fresh baked breads and cookies. Karen developed her passion for organic, wholesome baked goods during her time training new teachers at a Los Angeles non-profit organization and began Apron Strings at the same time, supplying local cafes with fresh cookies and cakes. With a background in dance, theatre, and middle school education, Karen believes storytelling and humor are essential ingredients for everything from cakes to classrooms. The elemental aspect of sourdough baking (just flour, water, and salt) has been an exciting journey into history, science, and community, and Karen loves sharing the knowledge and techniques that are part of this most basic of foods

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

1PM- 4PM
Kids 12 and under can attend FREE with a parent

Sourdough bread making is an ancient craft that is simple to learn. Join Karen Hirsch, owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, at this hands-on workshop and learn how to make wild-yeast sourdough breads. You’ll learn and practice each stage of baking a naturally leavened organic loaf, from caring for a starter through shaping and baking. During our time together, we’ll enjoy warm, fresh bread, stories and Karen will share some of the science behind this miraculous daily loaf.

TAKE HOME: You’ll leave with your own sourdough starter, recipe and guide, a dough scraper, and your own ready-for-the oven dough.

About Karen
Karen is the owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, a cottage food bakery in northwest Pasadena dedicated to the spirit of countless generations of grandmothers who showed love by filling their tables with fresh baked breads and cookies. Karen developed her passion for organic, wholesome baked goods during her time training new teachers at a Los Angeles non-profit organization and began Apron Strings at the same time, supplying local cafes with fresh cookies and cakes. With a background in dance, theatre, and middle school education, Karen believes storytelling and humor are essential ingredients for everything from cakes to classrooms. The elemental aspect of sourdough baking (just flour, water, and salt) has been an exciting journey into history, science, and community, and Karen loves sharing the knowledge and techniques that are part of this most basic of foods

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

1PM- 4PM
Kids 12 and under can attend FREE with a parent

Sourdough bread making is an ancient craft that is simple to learn. Join Karen Hirsch, owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, at this hands-on workshop and learn how to make wild-yeast sourdough breads. You’ll learn and practice each stage of baking a naturally leavened organic loaf, from caring for a starter through shaping and baking. During our time together, we’ll enjoy warm, fresh bread, stories and Karen will share some of the science behind this miraculous daily loaf.

TAKE HOME: You’ll leave with your own sourdough starter, recipe and guide, a dough scraper, and your own ready-for-the oven dough.

About Karen
Karen is the owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, a cottage food bakery in northwest Pasadena dedicated to the spirit of countless generations of grandmothers who showed love by filling their tables with fresh baked breads and cookies. Karen developed her passion for organic, wholesome baked goods during her time training new teachers at a Los Angeles non-profit organization and began Apron Strings at the same time, supplying local cafes with fresh cookies and cakes. With a background in dance, theatre, and middle school education, Karen believes storytelling and humor are essential ingredients for everything from cakes to classrooms. The elemental aspect of sourdough baking (just flour, water, and salt) has been an exciting journey into history, science, and community, and Karen loves sharing the knowledge and techniques that are part of this most basic of foods

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Learn how this family transformed their ordinary home into an extraordinary model of urban farming & sustainability.

Time: 3 PM Tour duration 2 hrs

A guided tour lead by Anais, Justin & Jordanne Dervaes with lots of ground to cover so please be aware that we will start the tour by 3:05pm. If you are late you will have to join the tour in progress.

Intensive & in-depth tour, not suggested for small children. Ages 16 and up.

Due to the tight space restrictions, there is NO stroller or wheelchair access.

Dress accordingly to weather conditions + Bring water

CANCELLATION POLICY

We do not issue refunds on tour registrations. 

If you register for a tour and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop.