Printing workshops information and supplies
Introduction to wood block printing onto fabric
Wooden blocks - These are available from us, The Indian Block Print Co. or have a look on Etsy where you can buy direct from Indian makers.
Fabric paint - available from The Indian Block Print Co. in pre-made colours.
Brayer (roller) (only needed for very large blocks) - We use Essdee fabric rollers for bigger blocks or sponges for smaller blocks.
Sponges - Any small sponge will do but some those on a stick can be handy. Try Amazon.
Printing mat - You need something with a dense foam material and there are specific mats to buy online from The Indian Block Print Co. However, an old yoga mat (at least 4mm thick) or folded towel usually works just as well.
Paint/ ink tray - If you don’t have one, you can use an old tile or piece of glass.
Colour wheel - this will really help you mix paints and work out which combinations of colours work well.
Fabric blanks - We sell fabric blanks from our studio. The choice of fabric is up to you but you’ll need to check if your paint is suitable for natural or synthetic fabrics. Generally, choose something that is a light colour, flat, with a close weave and not coated with anything. Some paint colours will not show up on dark fabrics. You’ll need to wash and iron the fabric before you start printing.
Practice fabric - a cheap cotton or calico, or an old bedsheet.
Ruler or tape measure
Rags or kitchen roll
Iron - many textile paints require ironing after printing.
Introduction to wood block printing onto paper
As above for block printing onto fabric but you'll need:
Acrylic paint - any brand will work fine, including metallic paint. Try your local art shop.
Paper and card blanks - these need to be matt not shiny, otherwise the paint will not stick. We like the brand Anita's, but Hobbycraft and The Works also sell them.
Cartridge paper 220gsm - this is a heavyweight paper which is good for art prints. Available at high street stationers.
Kraft notebooks - available in bulk from Amazon or high street stationers.
Tissue paper - any brand will work, just make sure it is not too thin otherwise it could rip.
Introduction to lino printing onto fabric
As above for block printing but instead of wooden blocks you'll need:
Lino and mounted lino - Mounted lino has a fibreboard block attached which can help press down during printing. However, you’ll need to mark on top of the block side where the edges of the motif are, because you can’t see it when you turnover the lino side down to print.
Alternatively, you can use unmounted/regular lino and cut around the edges of the motif for a more precise placement. The application of pressure may not be as even as with the block.
Lino tools - For most lino block carving, a basic tool set is all you need. This one is what we use.
Pencil or graphite paper – you can hand draw your design straight onto the block with a pencil, or trace an image with graphite paper underneath which will transfer the image to the block. You can get this from most stationery shops.