Experiential Education / Studio Chiangdao Blue
Learning Traditional, Eco-Friendly Techniques through Head, Hand & Heart
Studio Chiangdao Blue is nestled in the quiet nature of Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand.
We offer workshops in natural indigo dyeing and plant-based dyeing, designed as hands-on learning experiences that engage students’ heads, hands, and hearts.
Our programs are tailored for educational institutions—from elementary and secondary schools to high schools—and aim to nurture key 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, self-expression, and environmental awareness through direct, sensory-based experiences.
Social Change and the Renewed Value of Experiential Learning
In today’s
digital society, young people spend most of their time in front of screens and
have fewer opportunities to interact with physical materials or people in
real-life settings.
This has led to growing concerns about the decline in creativity, empathy, and
social communication skills.
At Studio
Chiangdao Blue, students can awaken their senses and create something with
their own hands—an experience that builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment,
and joyful collaboration with others.
They also gain insight into the sustainability of natural cycles, as
they learn to grow, harvest, dye, and return indigo to the soil—experiencing
firsthand the deep connection between nature and local wisdom.
Workshop Contents and Structure
Sample Workshop Topics
- The history and cultural significance of natural indigo and plant-based dyeing.
- Understanding the process: growing indigo, harvesting leaves, making dye.
- Introduction and demonstration of dyeing techniques.
- Student presentations and group reflection.
Sample Program Flow
-
Introduction to the instructor and studio. (10 minutes)
- Learning about natural indigo: from cultivation to harvesting, dye extraction, vat preparation, and the science behind indigo dyeing. This is supported by real plants, images, and video.
Then, live demonstrations of two
traditional Japanese techniques:
- Shibori (tie-dye)
- Ita-Jime (clamp resist)
using shaped wooden blocks. (30 minutes)
- Hands-on dyeing session. (100 minutes)
- Presentation of works and group reflection on insights and experiences. (40 minutes)
※ Available as
half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6 hours) programs.
※ Maximum of 30 participants per session. Larger groups can be split into
morning and afternoon sessions.
Contact & Past Workshop Experience
We are happy to
tailor the workshop format based on your objectives, schedule, budget, and
number of participants.
Please contact us through the “Contact and Reservation” page on our website.
We have welcomed many student groups—from elementary to high school—in Chiang Mai to participate in natural indigo dyeing workshops at our studio.
※ All workshops are held on-site at Studio Chiangdao Blue. We currently do not offer off-site programs.
We warmly invite schools and educational institutions to incorporate our workshops into their field trips, outdoor learning, or special project days.
