Autumn tea breakOct 2023We had our first really misty morning this week, with a light dusting of frost and twinkly spiderwebs decorating the conifers. Autumn has arrived in Scotland and my Lisbon trip seems years away, but before it does stretch to that, I thought I should report back that if pattern is your thing, GO! Pattern EVERYWHERE! If you're like me you'll drive your family crazy taking photos and won't know which way to turn. The variety of designs - some old some new - was really interesting too.   Dare I say it, I'm enjoying our transition into Autumn and the cosier months this year. As the seasons change I feel a need to change what I create and the colours I use, which is why my little apple print emerged. I have been experimenting with the combination of silkscreen and block printing, because I sometimes need a larger motif that would be cumbersome to print in wibbly wobbly softcut lino. So far so good! I'll be printing this one on some tote bags and possibly an apple-only version on napkins.  Lastly, if you've been waiting for that little video on printing corners with traditional Indian wooden blocks, I did make one. BUT DISCLAIMER!!! It is a truly handmade video, unedited and just because I had the windows open, the planes decided to change direction that day - which made them so freakin' noisy! The dog can be heard in the background and you might notice a little slip-up near the end. So if you now think that this is hysterical and you have to go see... I've put it right at the end of the newsletter. I will re-do it one day, but for now if you just want to know how I print those pesky corners - it'll do the job.
On that note - there's some lovely pattern printing and textile inspiration below, as well as my upcoming workshops. Skip to whatever looks interesting! I'd love to hear what you think about it all - so pop over to instagram to chat or you can always reply to this mail.
Happy Autumn & Keep Warm,
Karené  Insta-inspirationFor those of you that are new to block printing, I just have to introduce you to the lovely @mollymahonblockprinting. She is a British pattern designer, who has all her fabrics block printed by hand at her own print studios in Dehli. I'm sure her fun motifs and bright colours will seduce you too!   What am I reading?Selvedge magazine.
Earlier this year, I rediscovered Selvedge magazine and when things are busy, I love reading shorter articles, rather than full books.
Selvedge takes the 'culture of cloth' to an entire new level and the articles are fascinating. They do have digital copies, but if textiles are your passion, the non-coated paper editions are a wonderful treat to page through.
Edition 110-To Dye For, is all about colour and dyes. At the back is a short half page article on the history of the colour Indigo. Did you know that from 1558-1685 the import of Indigo was banned from the UK because they knew it's intense colour would put the industry of Woad dye out of business and that later in the 1800's, the British farming of Indigo in India was a cause of famine and the Great Indigo Revolt! Fascinating! V&A recreates William Morris's original printing technique
Lastly, I stumbled across this beautiful video by the V&A where they recreated the process of printing wallpaper. And WOW!!! Do yourself a favour - go fetch a cup of tea and take a few moments to appreciate a slower way of doing things.
"In a process that can take up to 4 weeks, using 30 different blocks and 15 separate colours, this video recreates the painstaking process in reproducing a William Morris wallpaper design from 1874." (V&A, https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/william-morris-and-wallpaper-design) William Morris is well-known for his intricate, bold designs and although (shock/horror) they are not all really my taste, I do admire his work and his ideals about everyday objects having beauty, putting value in handmade things and the people who make them and his desire for more equality in society.
Some Quotes by William Morris “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” “...I do not want art for a few; any more than education for a few; or freedom for a few... ” “The true secret of happiness lies in the taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” Upcoming workshopsAfter a very successful full day blockprinting session at Central Scotland School of Crafts (CSSC, Dunblane), I have been asked to do another on 17 February 2024. It's a wonderful spacious venue with large windows looking out over the trees. So for those of you that missed the last one, keep that date in mind.
 I know some of you asked for a follow-up workshop to use what you've already learned, and that is in the pipeline - Becca from CSSC is very keen, but has suggested we do a few more basic level workshops first. You're always welcome to attend those too, if you can't wait for the follow-up workshop.
 In December Renovation and Creation (Paisley) and Central Scotland School of Crafts (Dunblane) are offering a creative alternative to end of year functions and festive blockprinting is one of the options that they are offering. You can contact them if you would like to make a group booking. Restoration & Creation, Paisley Finally The Old Barn, Edinburgh have also requested a workshop early next year! This looks like a lovely space with a woodburner, so it should be super cosy! You will be the first to know about the dates and bookings. Follow them and see what other workshops they offer on their instagram @oldbarnedinburgh or see their website via the link below!
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