Wood block printing for textiles - half day workshop
Description
In this engaging workshop, you'll learn the traditional craft of wood block printing, creating your own uniquely patterned textile pieces using authentic hand-carved Indian blocks. You'll discover how to design striking patterns and develop beautiful colour combinations while crafting personalised textiles items to take home. Perfect for anyone interested in textile arts, this relaxing activity requires no previous experience. You can book a workshop for you and a friend, partner or family member. Your expert tutor Joanna will guide you through the entire creative process, from understanding pattern design to mastering printing techniques. You'll gain confidence as you learn how different colours work together and how to make the most of your printing space. During the session, you'll have access to an extensive collection of over 100 traditional wood blocks featuring botanical, animal, and geometric motifs. Some are contemporary designs, and others have been salvaged from the Indian textile industry. Working in a calm, supportive environment, you'll begin by experimenting with various designs and colours. Your tutor will provide individual guidance as you develop your ideas, ensuring you feel confident before moving on to your final piece. This fulfilling workshop will nurture your artistic sensibilities while teaching you a time-honoured printing technique. By the end of the session, you'll have developed practical textile printing skills and created a beautiful handmade item—perfect either as a thoughtful gift or a treasured addition to your own home. The structure: - 15 min: introduction and demonstration by tutor. - 45min: practice printing with the wood blocks and experiment with patterns, borders and placement prints. -1.45hr: choose your textile piece and plan out your design. Bring your design ideas to life! - 15min: tidy up (You are welcome to bring your own textiles but please ensure that they are made from cotton or linen, are washed and ironed.) After the workshop, you will receive our guidance information to help you continue with printing. It is full of great tips and advice on equipment and supplies.
What's included in the price?
The workshop includes all equipment and paint. To give you flexibility, it is 'pay as you go' for the textile pieces. The options are: Tea towel, cushion cover, apron, shopping bag, drawstring gift bags and zip purses. We provide teas/coffee and biscuits. Lunch can be found at nearby venues. We provide aprons but you may want to wear old clothes as we are using textile paint.
Duration
3 hours
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Christmas
- Parking provided
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Tutor can travel
- Intermediate level
- Romantic
- Public transport
FAQs
Indian wood block printing is ancient technique originally used for printing textiles. Today, smaller blocks are carved for crafting and art but still made in the traditional way. They are carved from Sheesham wood, a native Indian hardwood. The designs are chiseled out by hand and then the blocks are soaked in mustard oil to improve their water resistance. We use new Fairtrade blocks from India or reclaimed blocks from the textile industry.
We usually include free tea and coffee in our workshops. There are a couple of cafés for lunch options nearby. You can also bring your own lunch because we are in a lovely park with picnic tables.
We run friendly and relaxed workshops where you can be inspired and get creative. Our adult workshops are very accessible for beginners, with your tutor guiding you through the steps. You do not need to have done any art or craft before.
There is also plenty of opportunity to advance for those who are more confident and have done printing before. We can tailor our workshop experience to suit you!
Our wood blocks are either Fairtrade and carved by hand in India or salvaged from the textile industry. They're made from a very hard dense wood called Sheesham wood and can be used 100s of times. Cotton blanks – these are the blank products onto which the printing will be done, e.g. tea towels, cushion covers, tote bags. We use organic cotton where possible.
Paper and card blanks - 100% recycled where possible
Fabric paint – a water-based fabric ink. Non-toxic and biodegradable. Vegan and baby-friendly.
