**Scroll down to review your day-by-day itinerary**

Along this 7-day/6-night journey, you'll discover the art of natural dyeing and fiber crafting with a renowned designer and your host, Olga Reiche.  This educational experience is led by Olga, Founder of Indigo, a charming textile shop in Antigua Guatemala, renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted textiles that blend traditional Guatemalan designs with contemporary style. The Indigo team is partnered with Naturally Smart Travel,  a trip coordination service, to expertly manage the logistics of hospitality experiences beyond each workshop.

Immerse yourself in the world of sustainable eco-fashion as Olga shares her expertise in working with artisans to create exquisite garments from recycled materials. With over 30 years of experience experimenting with natural dyes, Olga's passion for indigo and other plant-based pigments shines through in every piece.

Join us for a 5-day immersive workshop filled with hands-on activities and knowledge sharing led by Olga and her team from Indigo, hosted at their studio in San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala. 

From learning the intricate process of scouring and mordenting fibers to diving into the magic of vat dyes and indigo extraction, each day promises to be a journey of creativity and inspiration; learning how to practice eco-conscious, traditional methods of natural dye and fiber work.

The day-by-day learning experiences included are: 

- Workshop 1 // Intro to Natural Dyes with Olga Reiche + the Indigo team

- Workshop 2 // Mordanting Intensive + Color Extracting

- Workshop 3 // Closing Color Prep + Beginning Fiber and Cloth Dying 

- Workshop 4 // Exploring Vat Dyes and Embacing Indigo

- Workshop 5 // Color Shades from Dyes + Preparing Color Sample Chart

Together, we will explore the rich history and vibrant hues of natural dyes, mixing colors to create unique shades and preparing color sample charts under Olga's expert guidance. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a newcomer to the world of natural dyeing, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to delve into the artistry of sustainable fashion and traditional weaving techniques.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Antigua, Guatemala by staying at a top rated hotel in the heart of this charming city. With nightlife, dining, and cultural experiences at your fingertips, you can easily immerse yourself in all that Antigua has to offer. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

With downtime to enjoy, we offer guests recommendations for both restaurants and sightseeing. Antigua is the most touristic town in Guatemala, offering an eclectic mix of menus ranging from local comedors (homemade food in a small space) to fine dining. You receive a list of recommended epicurean experiences to explore. 

Likewise, there are countless opportunities to get to know the local culture and immerse yourself in community. We offer guests ideas and suggestions to make the most of your downtime.

Olga Reiche first became familiar with Guatemalan weavers in 1978 while she traveled the country working for Oxfam International. She now lives in Antigua, where she heads the sustainable eco-fashion brand Indigo which works with craftspeople from different regions to create clothing from recycled and reused materials. The name of her brand is inspired by the rich blue pigment that comes from the native Guatemalan indigo plant.

Olga is the lead designer and produces naturally-dyed threads used by a team of weavers with whom she collaborates—mostly women working out of their homes. They make pieces according to Olga’s instructions, weaving almost exclusively on backstrap looms, incorporating patterns and symbols inspired by their shared Mayan heritage. Once the pieces are fabricated, they are returned to Olga for assembly into comfortable and luxurious handmade garments featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Mexico. 

Olga is also a teacher who shares her knowledge of natural dyes with the artisans she employs and groups of weavers in Bolivia, Mexico, and the Canary Islands. In an article she wrote for ReVista: Harvard Review of Latin America in 2006, Olga waxes about her career. “I’m fascinated by the possibilities of using indigo and other dyes deeply rooted in nature and history as viable options to synthetic dyes. I’ve spent more than thirty years experimenting with these dyeing techniques, and it’s how I make my living. I have to admit indigo is my favorite dye.”

During our 7-day workshop event, Olga and her team from Indigo will lead with knowledge sharing, hands-on activities, and more.