print workshop round up

The print workshop that I ran with Ruby earlier in the month was a great success. As this was our first one we were a little apprehensive, but needn't have been. We had a lovely group of creative people eager to try their hand at screen printing on fabric and Gelli plate printing onto paper and card. 

Both of the techniques are very different and our students enjoyed creating their individual pieces with different mediums.

Gelli plate printing is a form of mono-printing. You can add texture to your prints using a combination of techniques, with which you can create multiple layers of colour and pattern. The uses for your finished designs are endless, greetings cards, bookmarks, gift boxes and tags can be made, or you can really work into a piece to create an original artwork to frame. 
Once you have gained confidence with your skills you can also print onto canvases or fabric, which opens up a whole range of new projects to print.
 
We screen printed using acetate stencils that I had pre-cut. On this small scale you can print the same design several times to build up a repeat pattern, arranging the layout to create an individual piece of fabric or tea towel. 

As time was limited during the workshop most of the students did a one colour print, but some added an additional colour by block printing. This is another technique for printing on fabric and is fairly simple, but very effective.

This wonderfully vibrant combination was created with two of the screen printing stencils.
 


We're busy planning our next workshops, so stay tuned if you'd like to come along and try out these printing techniques! 

make it - stash busting

I have started this year with a good stride and intend to make a large dent in my fabric hoard. There is so much of it, it's beyond ridiculous.

I have many unfinished projects and I desperately need to tackle them. I need to make up the patterns that I have bought, with the fabric that has been sitting there, oh so patiently and I need to finish things as I go.

First up is Little Misses quilt, which I started about two and a half years ago, gulp. This week I have basted it and it's ready to be hand quilted, yes I know this will take forever, but it will be beautiful and worth it in the end. 

I am making one for each of my girls and I have hand quilted Missy Big's quilt. It has a lovely texture and drape to it and is just waiting to be bound. They will both be finished before the end of the year, I promise!! You can read about how they started here.

These cushions were a super quick and easy make, the girls choose their fabrics ages ago and have been waiting... 

These neck cushions have also been in the pipeline for too long, so glad to have ticked three things off the list this week and made a (very) small dent in the stash! These were made using this pattern from QuiltMag. 

It has been very satisfying to start and finish things in a week, lets see if I can keep it up.  

New Year - New Print Workshop!

Happy New Year! I'm so excited by all the things to come this year, I have plans to expand on my handmade wardrobe, new designs I'm itching to print up and many family adventures to be had.

2015 whizzed by in a flash of excitement and opportunity. I am so thrilled that the year was a turning point for my little business, thank you so much to everyone who bought from me, left comments and generally cheered me on, each and every one of you made my year! 

I have many plans for this year, the first one being a Print Workshop that I am hosting with Ruby of Gelli Arts Workshop London and this happens on Sunday!! You will get to try your hand at screen printing onto fabric and Gelli printing onto paper and card. It will be a fun packed afternoon where you'll be inspired and learn new techniques. New Year - New Skills!

I'm working on some new designs that you'll be able to print up onto a tea towel and fat quarter, more to come soon!

The workshop is at Harrow Arts Centre and there are a few spaces left, if you're interested, email me to book up!