The course “Colour, Composition and Natural Resist Printing” will begin with an introduction to colour theory. Students will then create a personal archive of 200 different shades starting from the primary colours, with the aim of developing an in-depth and direct study of colour.

This knowledge base will find its practical application through a visit to the Orto Botanico di San Colombo and the surrounding areas of Calascio, where participants will discover and appreciate the local natural environment, observing colours and forms up close.

During the six days of lessons, students will draw inspiration from the colours of the territory, the landscape, plants, mountains, and trees. In this way, they will gather a wider range of visual and material references to shape the composition of their own artworks through contemporary resist printing techniques.

The resist printing techniques explored in this masterclass will include, among others, binding, folding, gathering, and stitching applied to wool and silk fabrics—two materials deeply rooted in the history of Abruzzo’s textile craftsmanship.

Materials to be provided by the student:

• paper scissors
• 30 cm ruler
• classic charcoal pencils
• drawing eraser
• paper and cardboard cutter
• tailor’s measuring tape
• work apron
• flat brush no. 18
• notebook for notes

WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT A workshop by Diamantina Palacios will take place on Sunday 10 May 2026.

WORKSHOP: Creating a Nuno felt shawl – Calascio School

Entry requirements for course participation:

No specific skills or academic qualifications are required to access the course, although a background in textiles, art, or design is preferred.

Course objectives:

The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge and skills in the study of colour and its practical application, through the creation of designs using resist printing techniques and natural dyeing processes.

• Creation of pieces that can be developed for fashion or interior design, combining a contemporary design approach with local traditions and careful observation of nature as an endless source of creative inspiration.
• Development of a personal archive of 200 colour shades to support students in their individual colour research journey, along with the creation of two additional archives—one in wool and one in silk—using extracts from the plants selected for the course.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the following skills:

• Basic knowledge of colour theory
• Resist printing techniques
• An initial approach to natural dyeing processes

Diamantina Palacios, Colombian textile designer, began her career with a degree in Textile Design from Universidad de los Andes (1979). From 1981 to 1984, she shared her expertise by teaching Colour Theory and Textile Composition at the prestigious fashion school Arturo Tejada Cano School of Fashion Design in her hometown. Her path took an international turn in 1986 when she moved to Italy, where she further explored textile arts at the Istituto Statale d'Arte di Firenze.

Her Italian experience developed around two main areas: conservation and innovation. From 1992 to 2002, she specialised in the restoration of antique carpets and textiles at the Laboratorio Faccioli, enriched by internships with Alberto Boralevi (1993–1996) focusing on Eastern and European textiles. These skills led to collaborations with leading institutions, including the Museo del Tessuto di Prato (2003) and Opera Laboratori Fiorentini for the restoration of museum tapestries (2004).

At the same time, she developed pioneering research into sustainability: since 2010, she has collaborated with the University of Florence and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) on the development of protocols for natural dyeing on wool, silk, and plant fibres. In 2007, she founded the brand Diamantina Palacios, a perfect synthesis of her philosophy: in her Florentine atelier, she creates unique handwoven pieces using natural fibres and dyes, experimenting with hybrid techniques such as nuno felting and resist printing. She completes her production with a line of contemporary textile jewellery made from silk, hemp, and metallic threads, combining artisanal tradition with a contemporary vision.

Website:

• Website