Block printing

Is a fun, creative and slow process, which can be transferred onto fabric producing something beautiful and unique.

Block printing is one of the earliest methods of printing and is still used widely in India. This slow process involves carving a design onto either a woodblock or a linoblock (we will be using either artist lino or soft lino for these workshops) and then inking the block and transferring on to fabric for whichever project you’re doing.

Each of these workshops will concentrate on one of the following:

• Tea Light Lanterns ( we will make 2)
• 30cm Lampshade (we will make one)
• Fabric for making a cushion at a later date

The workshops are suitable for all levels of experience.

The workshop will include:

• Designing, carving and printing fabric in the morning
• After lunch we will make up either or a 30cm Lampshade or two unique Tea Light Lanterns with your printed fabric
• All materials required for printing and making project will be supplied
• Tea, coffee and cake
• Light lunch

Workshop is limited to four people and will be held in my garden studio.

Cyanotype printing

Cyanotypes are a slow-reacting photographic process, which was originally discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842. This process was later used to produce blue print technical drawings. This process was then used by a family friend of the Herschels Anna Atkins. With the help of Anne Dixon she used this process to produce several albums of botanical specimens see (Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype impressions).

This workshop involves designing and making cyanotype (sun printed) fabric, which will then be used to make one of the following:

• Two beautiful and unique Tea Light Lanterns
• One 30cm Lampshade
• Printed fabric, which could be used to make cushions at a later date
• Cyanotypes on paper
• Wet Cyanotypes on paper

These workshops are suitable for beginners and people with some knowledge of cyanotype printing.

The workshop will include:

• Some background information on the history of cyanotype prints
• All materials required for printing and making either the Tea Light Lanterns, Lampshade or fabric for a later project
• Tea, coffee and cake
• Light lunch

Workshop is limited to two people and will be held in my garden studio. Printing outside is weather dependent, if the weather is not suitable we will print in the studio using UV lamps.

Relief Lino

Learn how to produce an image from an illustration, picture or your own design to then reproduce that image onto lino. Learn to sculpt the lino and to be able to print onto paper and card (with water based relief inks).

The workshop begins with an introduction to linocut, everyone is taught how to use the carving tools and the basic cutting techniques to get a range of marks and stay safe. An initial practice block is made which allows students to experiment with mark making. Students are often surprised at how quickly their skills develop.

Next you will spend time composing your design. You may wish to bring some of your own images to work from, however plenty of inspiration is at hand to help you decide.

You will be shown how to ink your lino block and how to burnish prints by hand, you will also learn how to use a small portable press.

Everyone will take home a set of lino block printed cards and envelopes and/or prints, their original carving and mark making block.

The workshop is hands-on, creative and very informative. It is suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience. Everything is explained clearly with demonstrations.

Lots of support and advice is given throughout. There will be plenty of individual tuition time.

All tools and materials are provided including: carving gouges, linoleum, drawing equipment, non-slip mat, inks, rollers, cards & envelopes, paper, aprons, as well as complimentary tea, coffee and cake!

* Please wear old clothing it can get messy!

Collagraph Printing

Collagraph printing is a fun and versatile printmaking process using mount board and an endless variety of simple everyday materials. These form a relief surface with a variety of textures, which can then be inked and printed or blind embossed (using no ink) onto paper.

Beginners Collagraph

We will create collagraph plates using a variety of textured tape. A creative and experimental day - it can get inky and messy (wear old clothes). You will go home with your collagraph plates and prints made on the day.

Printing Botanicals Using Oil Based Inks

A fun way to transfer the detail of real botanicals from the garden or hedgerows.

Learn how to print using dried and pressed plants onto paper or fabric. This results in a beautiful and delicate print. The printed fabric can be taken home and made into cushions or can be used on a later workshop to make a 30cm lampshade. These prints could also be stitched into at a later date to give them texture.

Eco-Dyeing

An introduction to natural dyeing including using everyday kitchen and foraged plant matter. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. During this day you will learn how to dye with plants to release colour onto natural fabrics with the use of heat, a bit of chemistry (no chemistry knowledge needed) and tight bundling. As well as samples for dyed fabric you will go home with an eco-printed silk scarf.

Nuno Felting

This workshop will give you the basic information and skills to learn the technique of Nuno Felting. You will learn how to combine silks and merino wool to create a beautifully light and delicate yet strong neck warmer.

The name ‘Nuno’ comes from the Japanese word meaning cloth.

You do not need any previous experience and you will be provided with all the necessary materials and equipment.

Screen Printing

I aim to provide a relaxed, friendly, supportive and hopefully fun experience. This workshop introduces you to the basics of screen printing giving you the opportunity to create your own individual screen printed artwork using monotype and paper stencils.

You will be able to prepare your own images to screen print onto paper or fabric or both.

Please bring your own imagery if you have something specific in mind if you don’t have anything in mind don’t worry I will provide some imagery and starting points.

Drypoint

Drypoint is a different way of creating an intaglio print which, like an etching, is all about fine lines and delicate marks. A drypoint is made without using chemicals, you manually scratch into a perspex plate to create rough areas (burr), which holds the ink.