All About You FRIDAY – Color Your World

There’s a cool little shop in the heart of Detroit’s Corktown where nature’s colors are bottled up and used to create functional wearables. Detroit Dye was launched in 2006 by Greg Stemas and Tammy Bourque, two educators with a passion and an eye for color and composition. You may have seen some of their creations at art fairs under the label Brightly Twisted, as their one-of-a-kind fashionable pieces light up a vendor booth.

“There’s a reason I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years,” Tammy said. “Working with colors is so good for you. I especially noticed this during the pandemic.” She described how she would come to the shop to dye clothing and instantly feel calm and relaxed. All their dyes and clothing are made from natural sources. When you dye, it’s like staring at nature’s colors.

Dyeing tubs at Detroit Dye

The Dye 101 class includes dyeing three items: a pair of socks to donate, a tote bag to keep and one other item of your choice to keep. I chose a t-shirt. All the items are made of natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

Bottles filled with nature’s colors

I chose my colors by squirting them into a trough. Though the colors were separated into bins of blues, greens, etc. No two colors were alike. Once I found the bottles I liked, I headed to the dyeing basin to apply color.

There’s something to be said for starting with a blank canvas and an idea, thinking you are going to be careful and make it perfect, only to realize there is absolutely no way to “stay in the lines” and that you can’t erase anything. For a moment, you feel frustration and then a moment later, you let it go. You can’t really control the dye.

My t-shirt rubber banded and ready to dye

“Make sure you put a lot of color in,” Tammy instructed. “You should hear the dye dripping into the tub.” Notice the green smudge on my white t-shirt. I accidentally touched it with my stained glove. “Aargh!” I thought. But there was no chance to start anew. So, I just started dyeing.

My dyed t-shirt

I chatted with my friends as I squirted color, trying at first to stay in the in the lines and then, realizing it was impossible, I just started having fun. There are real benefits to working with colors:

Colors evoke emotions. For example, blues promote focus and calm. Yellows promote creativity and optimism.
Colors can foster a sense of community and encourage interaction
Certain colors may reduce eye strain and mental fatigue

I know at the end of our session this wasn’t going to be the last time I stepped into Detroit Dye. We all left smiling, happy and feeling a bit more creative. And now I have a new addition to my wardrobe. Not sure where I’m going to wear it but it makes me smile just looking at it.

Take some friends or family out for a night of working with colors. I promise there will be laughter and conversation, mental relaxation and practice in “letting go”. Tell Tammy at Detroit Dye I sent you. Maybe I’ll see you there. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the great Corktown restaurants.

It’s been a long week. Don’t forget to celebrate.

Until next time…