Ink & Fibre Textile Printmaking Workshop

In this workshop, you’ll learn to design and print images onto textiles using lino, wood blocks, and everyday household or found objects. While the methods are similar to printing on paper, we’ll focus on the essential differences needed for successful fabric-based prints.

We’ll cover the specifics of textile-friendly inks and techniques for printing by hand, with an opportunity to print with an etching press. We will also discuss how you can use colour and layering to create simple-to-print yet visually compelling printed textile designs.

You can carve a small soft relief carving block (approx 10cm x 15cm) with your own design. This means you can carve something quickly to maximise printing and experimentation time. There will also be a selection of already-carved blocks and objects to print with.

Lastly, you’ll learn how to finish and care for your fabric prints so they remain vibrant and washable.

You will be given handouts with information, tips and recommendations for resources and materials so you can continue printing at home.

All necessary materials for this workshop are provided for this workshop. They include, but are not limited to:

– tracing paper and drawing materials to create and transfer your image to a relief carving block
– soft-carve relief block approx A6-ish in size
– a selection of carved lino blocks, small woodblocks and other found and household materials suitable for printing
– several different textiles to print with, including a cotton tote bag, cotton/linen tea towel and fine weave cotton*
– inks, rollers and other printmaking supplies needed to carve, ink and print your prints
– tea and coffee, with a light morning and afternoon tea

*Please note that these textiles will not have been pre-washed. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own pre-washed textiles, but please let me know before attending the workshop.

LUNCH. Please bring lunch. I recommend bringing your lunch to maximise the time you have printing and learning in the studio. You can pop into town to buy lunch, but it is a few minutes drive and parking can be difficult (Maleny is a popular weekend destination).

PRINTING BLOCKS. Any linocut blocks or other relief printing blocks you have on hand. You may be able to incorporate them into your printing.

DESIGN IDEAS. Bring your ideas along if you have something specific you want to print. But fear not if you are a little stuck for inspiration as I will have plenty of ideas and resources on hand for you to use and reference.

Please also bring a journal or notebook for taking notes during the workshop.

​Participants are advised to wear closed in shoes, and suitable clothing or apron that you do not mind getting ink on. The inks can set permanently on fabric.

In this workshop we will print with both water and oil based inks. Washup of tools and hands will use soap and water, or vegetable oil.

We use sharp tools to carve lino. You will be given instruction on how to hold and use the tools, and it will expected that you follow instruction and take care while using them.