Imprinted by Nature: A Botanical Dyeing Workshop

Group Size 10 max
Date 27 April 2025
Location REON @ 13:00-16:00
Price 90€/person

Join the wishlist

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Corfu’s springtime, foraging fresh and dried flowers in the lush Sinies landscape.

Discover the art of eco-printing, transforming natural pigments into delicate, one-of-a-kind botanical prints on silk.

Christiana Vardakou is an Athenian textile designer specialising in natural dyeing, blending tradition with innovation through ethical and mindful practices.

Take home a handmade silk scarf, a unique keepsake infused with the colors and essence of Corfu’s wild flora.

Overview

The Retreat

📅 Date & Time: 27 April 2025 – 13.00 to 16.00
📍 Location: REON Corfu
🎟 Limited spaces available

This immersive workshop explores the ancient art of botanical dyeing, using locally foraged plants and flowers to create stunning, naturally dyed silk scarves. Corfu’s vibrant greenery, diverse plant life, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal place to explore botanical dyeing, using the island’s own natural resources. This year, I’m thrilled to bring something truly special to the Corfu Garden Festival: a botanical dyeing workshop in collaboration with Christiana Vardakou. Christiana, an talented textile designer from Athens, has traveled across Southeast Asia, learning traditional techniques like natural dyeing, weaving, and eco-printing. Now, she’s bringing her deep knowledge and passion for ethical, handmade textiles to Corfu, embracing the philosophy of “Slow Design.”

We’ll start our 3-hour workshop with a gentle hike through Sinies landscape, foraging for plants and flowers to create natural dyes. Then, we’ll take you on the full process of botanical dyeing, from foraging wild plants to infusing fabrics with nature’s pigments, creating one-of-a-kind organic patterns on a silk scarf. As we work, Christiana will guide us through the world of botanical dyes, talking about fabric choices, mordants, and the different ways to fold and roll fabric for beautiful results.

Hosted at REON’s studio in the picturesque village of Porta, this workshop is an invitation to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the beauty of botanical artistry in the heart of Corfu.

Please note:
All tickets are non-refundable due to the significant time, effort, and resources invested in curating this special event. See terms & conditions

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is perfect for:
✔ Artists, designers, and makers looking to explore new creative techniques.
✔ Anyone interested in sustainability and eco-conscious textiles.
✔ Nature lovers who want to learn how to work in harmony with the environment.
✔ Beginners and experienced dyers alike—no prior knowledge is needed!

Scheduled dates

27 April 2025 REON @ 13:00-16:00

Hosts

Lynette

I’m your host, Lynette. Having been immersed in Greek culture for over 10 years now, I’m no stranger to picking olives, making wine or planting vegetables and I want to share my firsthand experience of everyday life so that you can enjoy it too. Greece is a constant source of inspiration to me and it’s my honor to make sure you get to experience authentic Greece and its most beautiful gems.

Christiana Vardakou

Christiana Vardakou is a natural dyer and textile artist based in Athens, Greece. Founder of the first natural dyeing atelier in Athens, she creates one-of-a-kind homeware and clothing using organic Greek fabrics and traditional dyeing techniques learned across Southeast Asia. With a deep commitment to sustainability, she works with locally foraged plants to craft vibrant, naturally dyed textiles. Through her workshops, she shares her passion for botanical dyeing, guiding others to explore the beauty of plant-based colours and slow, mindful craftsmanship.

Included

Learn what plants can be used for bundle dyeing
Origins of bundle dyeing
The benefits of natural dyeing for our skin and for the environment
How to take care of naturally dyed items
Each person will have the opportunity to bundle dye a 100% silk scarf
Light snacks & drinks

Activities

Take a guided foraging walk through Corfu’s lush landscape, collecting leaves, flowers, and herbs for dyeing.
Hands-on experience preparing and applying botanical dyes
Arrange leaves and flowers to create one-of-a-kind prints on silk.
Relaxing in REON’s studio with light refreshments
Taking home a unique, handmade silk scarf as a keepsake

Why book?

Love Greek Locals

Of course, the best people to teach us are the ones that live here; they’re my partners in helping to uncover the real Greece.

Unique experiences

I’ve spent the last few years uncovering the very best that Corfu has to offer so that you don’t have to do all the hard work.

Idyllic Setting

Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Kaiser's Throne, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Location

Corfu

The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu with its azure waters, lush hillsides, blue skies, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and historical monuments will ensure an unforgettable trip. I’ve spent the last few years uncovering the very best that Corfu has to offer so that you don’t have to do all the hard work. Corfu is a constant source of inspiration to me and it would be my honour to make sure you get to experience authentic Greece and its most beautiful gems.

Corfu Info

You can fly directly to Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport (CFU) from the United Kingdom or from European cities or if you’re travelling from Outside of the EU & UK connect via Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH).

Group return airport transfers from the villa and to Corfu airport are included in the retreat programme. Your driver will be waiting at arrivals holding a sign with the Taxidiotis logo.

If your flight arrives a few hours earlier please inform us and I’ll try to arrange luggage storage and transfer to Old Corfu Town for an additional fee of 10euros per person.

Transfer to the villa takes about 45 minutes.

European Union (EU) citizens may enter Greece for an unlimited length of time. British citizens must have a valid passport, while citizens of Ireland can enter with a valid identity card or passport. Nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period upon production of a valid passport; no advance visas are needed. South Africans require a Schengen Visa, applied for in advance at a Greek embassy or consulate.

If you’re considering to extend your stay in Corfu before or after the retreat see below my list of recommendations:

Resorts:

Old Corfu Town
- Suites: Townhouse Co
- Hotel: Siorra Vittoria, Bella Venezia, Acanthus Blue Hotel
- B&B: Locandiera Corfu
Kassiopi
- Hotel: Melina Bay

Transfers

Corfu Private Chauffeur Services

Landmarks to explore:

Achilleion Palace
Paleokastritsa
Mon Repos Gardens
Old Perithia
Vlacherna Monastery
Kanoni & Mouse Island
Kaisers Throne
Pelekas Beach
Hike Pantokrator

As of May 14, 2021, all passengers age 5 years or older traveling within Greece by air or ferry to the Greek islands must provide either:

Proof of full vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel; or
A negative PCR test no older than 72 hours

Taxidiotis takes extra precautions by ensuring everyone on the retreat has a negative test result taken within 72 hours of check-in at the retreat. In the event, someone has COVID-related symptoms during the retreat a mandatory rapid test will be required. These safety measures allow guests to enjoy their experience and roam the villa mask-free.

Official Link: travel.gov.gr

Retreat Info

Accommodation

Room options

Amenities

Generous hospitality is at the heart of Greek culture. Gathering around the table together for a delicious meal, the desire…