Blue Ceremony: Textile Dyeing in the Heart of Deià

With Gabriela Sans

Tucked into Mallorca’s western cliffs, Gabriela Sans opens the doors to the privacy of her home studio – a sandstone creative sanctuary where creativity lingers in the coastal air. Out back, a private patio framed by mountains becomes the setting for a hands-on exploration of indigo dyeing.

Traditionally used as both an art form and a healing element, natural indigo offers a unique connection between function and creativity. Drawing from traditional Japanese techniques learned at the source, Gabriela guides you through shibori, the art of folding, twisting, and binding fabric, along with dip-dyeing and layering methods. Using simple tools like sticks, threads, stones, and marbles, you’ll work on a 60 x 60 cm cotton bandana (included), and may also bring up to two additional personal pieces from home to dye.

As the living color shifts from sky-light to ocean-deep, each dip into the natural indigo vat becomes a quiet ceremony – its blue hue unfolding slowly, layer by layer, revealing depth through patience and care. Celebrated for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, along with natural UV protection, indigo has long united beauty and wellbeing, inviting you to slow down and create with mindful presence.

Throughout the 2.5-hour workshop, Gabriela encourages you to explore, experiment, and let go of expectations. Her goal is not just to teach a technique, but to share a feeling – the joy of working with your hands, and the lasting imprint of creativity, stillness, and connection.

By the end of class, you’ll leave not only with a freshly dyed bandana and two personal garments, but with a memory rooted in nature, process, and a slower way of seeing.