Nicola Brown

“Diving Deep into the Dirty Pot: Sustainable Eco Printing with Clarity and Confidence”

June 14th to 21st, 2027

Learn More

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If you’ve ever wondered how to get consistent results—or breathe new life into forgotten clothes and textiles—this is your invitation to dive right in and discover what’s possible.

Whether you’re brand new to eco printing, transitioning from powdered mordants or looking to deepen your textile practice, this confidence-building workshop offers a chance to explore the ‘dirty pot’ method in a fun, supportive and creative environment. 

We’ll start by cutting through the overwhelm—setting up a fresh dirty pot, working with protein fabrics (wool, silk etc.) and limited locally foraged vegetation to build a strong foundation for vibrant prints and complex background colours. From there, we’ll explore more vegetation options and expand into cellulose fabrics (linen, cotton etc.), thrifted garments, vintage linens, paper and even yarn—creating space for personal direction and experimentation as our time together unfolds.

 
 

Expect hands-on learning, daily demonstrations and group discussion, notice the details of the natural world and follow your own creative path.

Nicola will guide you to work sustainably and health-consciously—without traditional powdered mordants—and share practical insights drawn from years of studio and teaching experience. 

This is more than a technique-focused class. It’s a chance to reconnect with your materials, work intuitively with nature and leave with a body of work that’s both beautiful and personal. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to get consistent results—or breathe new life into forgotten clothes and textiles—this is your invitation to dive right in and discover what’s possible.

 
 

“Here, land and sea meet at the threshold of a powerful creative adventure.“

 
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Meet Nicola Brown

Three words describe Nicola Brown’s textile practice: simple, natural, crafted.

She harnesses the natural dye in leaves, bark, seed pods and onion skins to create lasting prints on handmade felt, wool, silk, linen and upcycled clothing—in a health-conscious and environmentally mindful way, without using harsh chemicals.

Since starting to develop a sustainable way of working, Nicola has planted over 13,500 trees on her rural Irish property and laid out large print and natural dye borders. These support a diverse range of butterflies, insects, birds and mammals which help convey the wider ecological aspect of her practice.

 
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From all of us here at EOM

You are warmly invited to stay a while.

We invite you to imagine standing on the panoramic hillside of our studio, taking in the spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s holy mountain).

Open your heart to the profoundly moving drama of constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting an ever changing light show on the bay. The wildness and drama of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.

Lay on a blanket in the heather and watch the stars emerge on a clear night or walk along the rocky shores, to gather shells, driftwood and memories. Find yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life, feel the mystery and beauty of this land, awakening your senses.

This unspoiled place provide a safe place of inspiration and experimentation to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working on, in an amazing state of the art studio..

 
 

Join us in Mulranny, Ireland.

Set in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, Essence of Mulranny Studios provides a sanctuary for creativity—where the rugged beauty of Ireland’s west coast becomes both backdrop and inspiration. Surrounded by stone walls, sea air, and the deep-rooted myths of the land, you’ll find the perfect setting to truly immerse yourself in your work and your growth.

 

Local Villages

Meet the local people, warm, friendly and always happy to chat and share a story or a cup of tea. While you're here, take some time to explore the charming village of Westport, where you can shop at the quaint stores and perhaps stop by a local pub or two.

Connect with Nature

Finding something to inspire you is not hard with the richness of the various eco systems surrounding Mulranny - from marine to mountain landscapes, with grasslands, bog and heather hills - this enchanted land casts a spell on any artist.

Enriching Excursions

Visit historic sites. Learn about the infamous Irish Pirate Queen and visit one of her many castles. Hear the story of our Stone Age ancestors and experience the myths and magic of Irelands spiritual roots while standing in one of the ancient stone circles. This is indeed a land of legends!

Find Your Inspiration

Make sure to pack your camera and sketchbooks because you're about to embark on a journey that will capture your heart and fill your mind with boundless inspiration. Prepare to be swept away by the sights, sounds, and stories that make this place truly magical.

Your Time with Nicola at EOM

Your 8 days will be a beautiful blend of studio time, delightful excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to rest and explore!

You can arrive, unpack your suitcase (and your art supplies) and truly relax, at the gorgeous Essence of Mulranny Retreat center, operated by yours truly. We will be visiting enchanting villages, strolling along the beautiful coastline, touring ancient castles and ruins, picnicking in the heather fields and creating all along the way! The creative inspiration will be all around you!

 

Your general itinerary for your time in this magical place.

There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather usually but we will let you know.

  • We will collect you all at Westport Train station at 4pm and whisk you away to Mulranny, about 30 mins drive. After a champagne reception, we will gather to meet Torsten for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM .

  • The MAC studio will be open from 9am to 8pm and is a few steps away from the residence areas Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm but Torsten will be available for guidance

    We will serve lunch at 12.30 pm each studio day at the MAC.

  • This day is an all day trip to Achill Island. Lunch will be at a lovely little restaurant (your expense)

    Dinner will be served back at EOM.

  • Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm. Dinner at 6 and you can paint away afterwards to your hearts content!

  • Painting all day. Evening entertainment

  • 1⁄2 Studio day and a trip to local attractions including Westport and the Old Irish Goat center. Dinner out at a cosy pub

  • 1/2 Studio day and finishing up work. Delicious dinner with wine and sharing.

  • The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 9:45 departure to Dublin or the Galway bus.

 
 

Your home for the week.

This beautiful learning center is complete with well equipped mixed media/encaustic art studio, private bedrooms, a cozy gathering room with fireplace and group kitchen for those midnight snacks!

All meals will be included and prepared by an on-site private chef and will focus on delicious, healthy cuisine. For larger groups we house students in the village, in apartments with spectacular views.

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June 14th to 21st, 2027

“Diving Deep into the Dirty Pot: Sustainable Eco Printing with Clarity and Confidence”
with Nicola Brown

$3,995 for a private bedroom & bathroom
$3,495 for a shared bedroom/shared bathroom

 

Included in your retreat:

  • Workshop instruction

  • Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)

  • 7 nights lodging

  • Transportation from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport and get a train to Westport where we will meet you to take you to Mulranny).

  • All meals except - 1 lunches & 1 dinner

  • All tour & excursion fees

  • New friends and an art tribe!

Not Included:

  • Travel costs / Airfare

  • Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable

  • Additional nights lodging

 

Ready to reserve your spot?

A US $500 deposit will secure your place.

It is advisable to have insurance to cover your travel to Ireland and to cover your workshop fees for your possible cancellation in the event of illness. There are no exceptions for this policy. Read the cancellation policy here.

Nicola Brown
$500.00

Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.

Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.