Natural Fibers, Natural Dyes, Local Materials

Exploring the intersections between art, daily living, and social action; creating a tactile relationship to nature based fiber art.

I am inspired by the natural world around us, it’s cycles, and what lessons we can learn from observation. My work emphasizes the use of natural fibers, natural dyes, and locally sourced materials. Incorporating the use of local materials helps to nurture a sense of place and belonging, a deep connection that brings life. Combining the meditative processes of gardening, dyeing, spinning and weaving creates great joy and a reminder to slow down, listen, and observe what nature has given to us. I am interested in how process crosses into our daily living and how these choices, especially the use of locally grown materials, can help shape our footprint on the future.

Growing - I am a small scale natural dye and fiber farmer, growing to use in my own work and teaching, and occasionally to share with the community. Working with the plants is healing, fulfilling, and always an adventure. Follow along with these fiber adventures through my online journal, where I will periodically share my experience with growing and working with natural dyes.

Making - Wild Earth Textiles is the landing place for my personal creative outlet. I have been working with thread since I was 4, where I would methodically untangle embroidery floss to make the next stitch. The passion for working with fiber never left, and continues to grow. In addition to natural dyeing, enjoyment comes from spinning fibers from our local farms, weaving threads together either on floor looms or frame looms for functional and artistic cloth, making baskets, artist kits, books, clothes, you name it. When new products are ready they will be posted for sale on this website, for the artist, for the home and for the body. Products are always changing and always made with intention and care.

Teaching - Most of my time is spent running the fiber arts program at Warren Wilson College where I teach weaving and all the other fiber skills I love. When my presence is not there, I am with my family and busy making things to fill this website. You can also find me teaching a variety of fiber workshops in and around Asheville, North Carolina. Check out the workshop page for upcoming events.

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Thanks for coming through and for the support!

~ Melanie Wilder ~