Ref: S3D31971
This course will enable you to explore the world of hand block-printing with natural dyes. During the course, you will learn how to mordant fabric, design repeat patterns, cut lino blocks, make print pastes with natural dyes and print fabrics.
You will explore the different properties of a range of natural dyes, including madder, cutch and iron. You will learn how to make them, apply them using printing blocks, print them on mordanted cloth and ensure they are fast. Whilst doing this, you will be able to keep detailed notes on these processes to refer to throughout the course. You will experience printing on a variety of fabrics, such as: cotton, calico and linen, and you will leave with a range of printed samples and a longer length of fabric of up to two metres.
The tutor is passionate about slow, local production that creates beautiful fabric. This approach is kinder to our environment and this course will explore these values.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Sarah Burns is a pattern-maker and textile printer. She studied politics at Jesus College, Cambridge, and Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art. She teaches natural dyeing and printing in her West Sussex studio as well as at Ditchling Museum. Her designs can be seen at the Guy Goodfellow Collection in Chelsea, at Dartington Hall, and as part of the Virginia White Collection.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
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.