Description
Do you have a printing project you'd like to work on? If you have limited space at home and would like to be creative in the company of others, then our independent studio sessions are what you're looking for! The experienced tutor will be on hand to answer technical questions but will not be teaching, so you need to have done some Indian wood block printing before. This is to ensure you understand the equipment and techniques. You will have the freedom to work at your own pace in a calm and creative environment. Included in cost of the self-led session is the use of the paint and over 100 wood blocks hand-carved in India. You can bring your own blocks if you prefer. We stock practice fabric, blank textile items and stationery for purchase to use during the session. This includes: - Greetings cards, gift tags, notebooks, art paper. - Tote bags, cushion covers, aprons, drawstring bags, zip purses. You may bring your own fabric and card if you prefer but please read the requirements: - All fabric must of a natural fiber (e.g. cotton/linen) with a close weave. It should be washed and ironed beforehand. This ensures the surface will react well with the paint when heat is applied to make it permanent. All card/paper must be matt not shiny. The studio: Our light studio space is located in the delightful Dukes Meadows, next to the River Thames. It is surrounded by a lovely park. Refreshments nearby. Age: 16+.
What's included in the price?
- Use of the studio, paint and wood blocks. - We provide aprons. - Tea/coffee are included in the cost.
Duration
3 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Easter
- Intermediate level
- Father's Day
- Advanced/pro level
- Public transport
- Mother's Day
- Romantic
- Parking provided
- Christmas
- Suitable for beginners
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.
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.
