Ref: S2D37705
Step into the world of Indian block printing, where you will learn the age-old process of printing with hand-carved wooden blocks. Over the course of two days, your tutor will guide you through an immersive experience in design, colour and creativity. You will experiment with a variety of blocks to create a festive-themed, hand-printed linen table runner and matching napkins.
Following a demonstration, you will have ample time to practise—first on paper and then on calico—which you can later use for other craft projects or gift wrapping. You will then print a set of handmade Khadi cards, envelopes and tags, along with a little drawstring pouch to store them in.
Your tutor will help you plan your design before moving on to printing a Christmas-themed linen table runner and six linen napkins.
You will learn how to handle and position the blocks correctly, apply the right amount of printing ink or paint, and explore various pattern placement and alignment techniques.
Your tutor will provide insights into the craftsmanship behind the printing blocks, helping you gain a deeper understanding of how they are made. You will examine samples from the tutor’s collection, including intricate multicolour blocks, vintage wooden blocks restored to their original condition and brass blocks. You will also receive guidance on what to look for when purchasing your own blocks and how to care for them properly.
You will learn how to prepare fabrics for printing and the essential process of ‘fixing’ colours to ensure they are colourfast.
Your tutor will introduce you to other techniques, such as resist and discharge printing, and you will examine genuine hand block-printed samples, appreciating the slight irregularities and imperfections that make hand-printed textiles unique.
By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to continue block printing at home.
On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials, including printing blocks, inks/paints, linen table runner, linen napkins, calico, paper and stationery items.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Jenney Kelly is a block printer, bespoke textile maker and eco-dyer. Studying Art & Design, she followed this with a career as a 3D modeller & Visual Engineer. Jenney has studied textiles, printing & natural dyeing, furthering her skills with textile artisans in India, UK and Europe.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
