Block Printing Patterns - Online

Learn how to create repeating patterns and how to print those patterns onto paper and fabric. The goal of this workshop is to learn the basics of block printing by carving rubber blocks. We will also learn about different repeating pattern structures and how to construct them effectively and seamlessly. This knowledge can be applied to create things like patterned fabric for clothing, stationery, wallpaper, gift-wrap and much more. At the end of the workshop you will have a hand-printed set of napkins and many samples, including several carved blocks to print more at home.

Jenna Lechner is an illustrator and art teacher based in Portland, Oregon. Born in Montana, she received a BFA in printmaking from the University of Oregon. She has been teaching art in the Portland area for the last nine years. Her practice focuses on observing the natural world, creating a one-on-one relationship with students and developing a deep understanding of the intersection between fine art and craft. Some of her illustration clients include Facebook, Adobe, Pentel Arts, Willamette Week, Ruby Jewel Ice Cream, Wide Eyes Paper Co, and more. This is her fourth time teaching at Sitka.

• A piece of art the participant created in the past, to share so participants can get to know one another and their talents

• Fabric Stamp pads – Participants can pick whatever color is appealing; if they would like to buy more than 1 pad, they are welcome to. They will be printing on white tea towels. Whatever brand you buy, be certain that the packaging and product description says that it is good for fabric. Brand recommended: Tsukineko Versacraft Ink pad, size 3.75"x2.5" (can be found online at Joanns, Etsy, Amazon, and possibly local craft store)

• No. 2 Pencil

• Iron

• Scraps of paper to experiment on, at least 10 sheets of roughly 8.5x11 (can include cardstock, decorative paper, office paper, construction paper, etc. - the only paper that won’t work is glossy/shiny paper)

• Rags for wiping clean your blocks

• Sink/Source of water for cleaning blocks

Optional:

• Watersoluble Fabric ink. You may pick whatever color you'd like.  Brand recommended:  Speedball Fabric Printing Ink. 2.5oz tube. (Can be purchased through Dick Blick, Joann, Michaels, and maybe local craft stores)

• Brayer. Brand recommended: Speedball soft rubber brayer. Size 2" up to 4". (Can be purchased through Dick Blick, Joann, Michaels, and maybe local craft stores)

• Glass or plexiglass. If working with fabric ink and brayers, you will need a surface like glass or plexiglass to roll out your ink. NOTE: If you would prefer to work with stamp pads only, you may (and then you can skip purchasing fabric ink, brayers, and glass). Clean-up is much easier with stamp pads, and if you have a work area indoors with very little ventilation, I recommend to purchase stamp pads only, no fabric ink. The plus side of working with fabric ink is that your image looks sharper, and they are richer in color than if printing with stamp pads. Brand recommended: see bench hook recommendation, below.

• Bench hooks – not required, but they make carving slightly easier. The brand recommended below can double as an inking plate (so you won't need to purchase the glass or plexiglass). Brand recommended: https://www.dickblick.com/products/inking-platebench-hook/

• Plastic gloves, for cleaning up ink & workspace

(Participants will have the following kit shipped to them before class begins)

• Speedball Speedy Carve blocks – 3"x4" (2 of them)

• Speedball Speedy Cut blocks – roughly 2.75"x4.5" (1 of them)

• Set of Lino cutters plus gouges

• Tracing Paper

• Newsprint

• Muslin fabric to print on

• Tea Towels to print on

• Scrap paper to print on