Ages 13-Adult
All Levels
In this three hour virtual workshop via Zoom we will learn the full process of designing, carving and printing on fabric. I will suggest that a tea towel is a great place to start, but a piece of quilting fabric would be just fine too. Any PRE-WASHED fabric item that lays flat and does not have any ruffles, textures or darts will work. We will go through the entire process together and I will teach you all of my favorite top tips. Since there are some people who already have the necessary materials, and some who don't, I will provide a materials list below and all students will be responsible for procuring their own supplies. I talk about my favorites on my blog. If you have any questions please email me.
Please use an email address and not a phone number when checking out so that I can email you the Zoom link.
A Zoom link will be sent from susana@linocave.com either the day before or the day of class.
If the timing of this workshop doesn't work for you I can record it for you and send it to you after I receive it from Zoom. Please register and email me at susana@linocave.com to request that I record it.
If you would like to learn how to transfer onto Speedball Speedy Carve using a laser or inkjet printout and an iron please watch my tutorial here.
Here is a handy Time Zone Converter.
Supplies Needed (some Amazon affiliate links included):
Designing:
Compass (only if interested in creating a geometric design)
Carving:
Linoleum Carving Tools The Speedball Linoleum Cutter works. If you are feeling like taking the plunge for a new set I recommend these: Flexcut Micro Palm Set, Flexcut 1.5mm Mixed Profile Micro Tool Set, or the Pfeil "Swiss Made" Palm Set B. If you have a set of tools other than the Speedball tool (just replace the blades) you should consider a Flexcut Slip Strop to keep your tools honed.
Soft rubber or vinyl carving matrix (also discussed further on my blog) Speedball Speedy Carve (PINK only, NOT blue or white which are designed for small children) or Blick Soft Kut are best
Sharpie (optional)
Stamp pad (optional)
Little dish for collecting scraps
Printing:
PRE-WASHED fabric item to print on, please have a couple of options to choose from, just in case.
Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink (I do not know of a substitute for this. you can buy individual colors or this starter set) Please take care to make sure you get the correct ink, I cannot guarantee results if you use a different ink.
A smooth, non-porous surface to roll ink out on, such as plexiglass or sheet glass, you can be creative here.
Palette knife or flexible putty knife
Something to apply pressure with: a hard rubber brayer, a baren, an old glass paperweight or doorknob. You can be creative here too.
A padded surface is optional, but super helpful, discussed on my blog.
Pins (only if using a padded surface)
Cleanup:
Soap and water
Sink (not a fancy one!) or basin
Old toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush
Newspaper/Scrap paper/junk mail
If you are starting from scratch this Speedball Fabric Block Printing Kit will save you a bit of money, but it only comes with black and white ink and I would recommend buying a soft rubber brayer separately as it comes with a hard one.