Atelier Ilys

Our Story

Atelier Ilys was born of a passion for nature and art, and a desire to create authentic, lasting work. Founded by Isabelle Lys, the studio is far more than a simple creative space – it is a place where every leaf, every flower and every fibre tells its own unique story. Inspired by age-old techniques of plant dyeing and botanical printing, we chose to revisit them with a contemporary, environmentally friendly approach, drawing on in-depth training in plant dyeing undertaken mainly in Lauris.

Our Vision

At Atelier Ilys, we believe that art can and should live in harmony with nature. That is why we have chosen to work exclusively with natural, local materials, using entirely handcrafted processes that respect our planet. Each creation reflects our commitment to sustainable production, where our ecological footprint is kept to a minimum and natural beauty is allowed to shine. Atelier ILYS is based on a 30-hectare 18th-century farm in the Forcalquier / Montagne de Lure area, a land of scents and flavours and a territory unique in France, home to more than a third of the country's flora. The richness of this environment allows us to work almost entirely with fresh, local plants, achieving unique results that capture the rhythm of the seasons and the character of each plant, while protecting the environment.

Our Craft

Atelier Ilys is a creative space dedicated to celebrating age-old crafts: eco-print, plant dyeing, and the making of natural inks, pigments, watercolours and fine-art paints. Specialising in local plants, the studio offers unique creations in which every step, from harvesting the plants to preparing the pigments, is carried out by hand and with respect for the environment. Whether through indigo dyeing, delicate botanical prints or colours for the fine arts, Atelier Ilys celebrates the art of nature and the passing on of authentic techniques.

Our Commitment

Atelier Ilys is deeply rooted in an ethical, eco-responsible approach. We are convinced that craftsmanship can help build a more sustainable future. That is why we choose our materials with care, favouring local plants and reducing our water and energy use; all of the studio's waste is natural and recycled straight back into the garden. Every piece we create is not only beautiful but also kind to the environment.

Join Our Community

Atelier Ilys is also a community of people who love nature and craft. Whether you appreciate beautiful things, are a creative looking for inspiration, or are simply curious to learn more about our techniques, we invite you to join our world for a few hours or a few days. Take part in our workshops, discover our creations and share our passion for art and nature. Isabelle shares her knowledge through workshops open to everyone, from curious beginners to textile professionals, and also offers bespoke services for designers, brands and institutions. Thank you for being part of our adventure!