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
For tickets please go to: Marigold Experiences
Join Half Mad Honey for an afternoon of creativity, learning, and the fascinating intersection of nature and art! Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Botanical Solar dyeing and the therapeutic healing practices of bees.
In this engaging, hands-on workshop, you'll explore how flowers, leaves, and plants can transform silk into luminous color using the gentle energy of the sun.
The workshop includes a honey beehive tour where you get to put on a suit and meet the bees, and ends with a sweet honey tasting.
What to Expect: Learn the art of solar dyeing using fresh botanicals beloved by bees. You'll design and create your own silk scarf, capturing the delicate imprints of flowers and leaves while exploring their calming and restorative qualities.
Bee Insights: Learn about the role bees play in the dyeing process and how to plant a bee-friendly natural dye garden.
Experience: No prior dyeing experience is necessary- just a curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering the natural world's vibrant hues! Materials Provided: All materials, including dyes, silk, and tools will be provided.
Date: June, 7, 2026 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: 514 Hart Lane Philadelphia, PA 19134
Garden PARTY celebrating art!! Come create Natural Tie Dye Potion Bandanas at The Hart Lane Farm annual event Heart of Art!!! There will be multiple artists during the event, massages, free food, face painting and of course the goats, Jasper and Clementine, will be there! This event is FREE!
About the farm: “The Hart Lane Farm strives to honor the land, plants and people of the Kensington neighborhood by holding space to grow, thrive and create through the experience of our urban ecosystem. We seek to engage as many of our neighbors as we can in the healing atmosphere of the garden space and seek to offer a safe space that helps engage people in a variety of ways to best meet them where they are. We seek each season to grow food together with an understanding that anyone can take what they need.”
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.
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