Dye a Wool Scarf with Sea Urchins · April 25

$150.00

Join us for a hands-on workshop where conservation meets craft. You’ll dye a merino wool scarf using natural color derived from the overpopulation of purple sea urchins on the Sonoma Coast.

You’ll learn about the nuances of creating natural dye from sea urchin spines, including how to harvest them, process them responsibly, and create the best dye bath that yields lasting and vibrant pinks. Margaret, the founder of Seelie Studio, will share her journey to dyeing with sea urchins and the many mistakes she made along the way.

As part of our mindful dye practice, you’ll learn about these ancient and resilient creatures that are essential to the balance of our coastal ecosystems. And how negative human impacts, like climate chaos, have created a seemingly insurmountable problem of overpopulation and the loss of nearly 95% of our kelp forests. If the winds and seas cooperate, you’ll get to meet live urchins.

Lastly, you’ll take home a Climate Beneficial Verified merino wool scarf (8x72") colored with urchin-sourced dye.

Through this hands-on process, we reconnect with the ocean’s story — where restoration, stewardship, and creativity come together.

Date: April 25, Saturday
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Location: The Sea Ranch Lodge in the Redwood Room

All levels welcome!

Join us for a hands-on workshop where conservation meets craft. You’ll dye a merino wool scarf using natural color derived from the overpopulation of purple sea urchins on the Sonoma Coast.

You’ll learn about the nuances of creating natural dye from sea urchin spines, including how to harvest them, process them responsibly, and create the best dye bath that yields lasting and vibrant pinks. Margaret, the founder of Seelie Studio, will share her journey to dyeing with sea urchins and the many mistakes she made along the way.

As part of our mindful dye practice, you’ll learn about these ancient and resilient creatures that are essential to the balance of our coastal ecosystems. And how negative human impacts, like climate chaos, have created a seemingly insurmountable problem of overpopulation and the loss of nearly 95% of our kelp forests. If the winds and seas cooperate, you’ll get to meet live urchins.

Lastly, you’ll take home a Climate Beneficial Verified merino wool scarf (8x72") colored with urchin-sourced dye.

Through this hands-on process, we reconnect with the ocean’s story — where restoration, stewardship, and creativity come together.

Date: April 25, Saturday
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Location: The Sea Ranch Lodge in the Redwood Room

All levels welcome!

Why urchin dye?

  • Purple sea urchins have been munching nonstop — contributing to a 95% decline of California’s kelp forests.

  • Plot twist: the real villain is human-induced climate change, which disrupted the balance.

  • Kelp forests can store 20 times more carbon than terrestrial forests.

  • These underwater forests are home to thousands of marine species.

  • Using urchins from restoration projects to create natural dye helps rebalance the ecosystem — and gives them a vibrant second life in color.