About

If you love the idea of block-printing your own designs on textiles but wonder what other options are available for printing processes, this will be a great class for exploring your preferences. We will sample various transfer techniques for your designs as well as different block substrates, carving options, water-soluble inks made for textiles, varying fabrics and more! Sewing will not be a part of the instruction but suggestions may be offered.

There are many ways to create block-printed textiles so let’s explore together! We will carve blocks from various substrates to learn your preferences as well as the pros and cons of each. We will also explore different brands of permanent, water-soluble inks by printing our blocks on various types of fabrics, learning how they respond differently to each other. You will walk away from this workshop with your own block-printed “samplers” to refer to and with a better understanding of your preferences for substrates, like when to use certain kinds of blocks, inks and specific fabrics. Continue exploring the process at an upcoming Better Together Block-printing session with your own personal project in mind.

This class has no prerequisites, but if you have any questions please feel free to contact the instructor with an email to surfacedesign.coordinator@bainbridgebarn.org.

Details

The instructor provided materials, included in the coast of the class, consist of:

• Printing inks/pigments
• Blocks for printing
• Foam for inking
• Large deli containers for communal pigments
• Muslin and fabric sample packs
• Tracing paper
• Colored cotton blend fabric
• Various swatches of fabric from stash
• Silk pins

In addition, you will need to bring the following:

• 2-3 clear deli containers with tight fitting lids (for mixing pigments)
• A sketchbook and pencil w/eraser

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome
• Bring a bag lunch each day. A refrigerator is available in the Commons.
• Dress for mess! The pigments used will stain clothes so please wear work clothes with comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring an apron and gloves.