Beyond the Square: Block Printing Repeat Patterns

Learn next-level methods of designing and block printing repeat patterns on textiles with shapes beyond a simple square.

About this Class

You’ve learned the art of block printing and creating repeat patterns on textiles by confining your design to a square. This workshop takes it to the next level using other shapes like triangles, parallelograms, and/or trapezoids. You'll also explore how to add a second color and even combine a completely different block design using a key block for greater variability. The results provide even greater opportunities for variations in repeating patterns.

If you've loved carving and printing your own designs but were confined to a square block, using other shapes and additional colors will allow even more exciting possibilities.

Details:

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• A materials fee of $65 included in the cost of the class covers printing ink/pigments, textiles, and four blocks for carving. See below for what students need to bring.
  
• The printing process requires standing and leaning over a table so, in addition to hand strength, a strong back and comfortable shoes are strongly suggested.
  
• Bring a sack lunch. BARN has a refrigerator and microwave on the lower level.
  

Project

Take home a hand-printed bandana with your own unique design.

Materials

Supplies students need to bring:

• 2-3 clear deli containers with tight-fitting lids (for mixing pigments)
• Apron and/or work clothes (pigments will stain clothes)
• Sketchbook and pencil with eraser
• Sharpies
• Tracing paper (optional)
• Comfortable shoes
• Table pad
• Foam for inking
• Block carving gouches, Exacto blades and handle

Prerequisites

Block Printing for Textiles Workshop held Nov. 11 or April 19, or some experience with repeat pattern block printing. 

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.
• View BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols.
• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available- fill out the simple application before registering for a class.
• For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about BARN's Companion Program

Instructor

Christa Shoenbrodt is a lifelong Middle Tennessean and has lived a life of creativity. Paper was often her preferred surface as a printmaker and graphic design studio owner (Studio Haus). Then she learned the artistry of block-printing repeat patterns and textile design - skills that merged perfectly with her design sensibilities. The slower, more experimental pace of hand-printing repeat patterns presented great surprises and opportunities to accept the “imperfections” inherent in the process. She works with textiles using not only block-printing processes but also digital design, silkscreen, Cyanotype and more recently, sewing.