 If you have found the time to open this email and taken the time to read it, I applaud you for escaping the Christmas Hamster Wheel and taking a moment for yourself! I will keep it brief.
I had hoped to hold some festive gift wrap printing workshops and make festive napkins and paper decorations, but I'm afraid this year it was just not possible. So I eventually just took my blocks out for some calming creative me-time and soon my daughter (19) and mother-in-law (87) got stuck in, too. We made some lovely gift wrap and it was a really special to see old and young working side by side. I love how block printing is for everyone! Festive printing is definitely on my list to offer you next year!
This morning at yoga, a friend shared the thought - why does everything have to happen in December? Why can't we spread things out and have more fun gatherings in January/February when things are really dark and difficult? Well... If you feel that way too, I do have some workshops coming up that might just fulfil that need. Might be a way to spread out the festivities and spend some different quality time with friends and loved ones after the silly season. Scroll down to the end of this letter to find the links to the workshops!
I've also put in a pretty patterned link or two to distract you from your to-do list and to inspire you to get crafting - there's even a last minute self-gifting idea!
I do hope you find some time for yourself to be creative in the next few weeks. Happy Festive Season and all the best for 2024!
Best Wishes,
Karené  |
Insta-inspiration & Patterned paper decorationsCambridge Imprint & Isla Middleton
If you're looking for some ideas to make your own paper decorations from your block printed paper - How about these?
Cambridge Imprint is a small paper company in England. They create all their original designs by hand with stencilled screen prints. They try not to use the digital process in their design process, because they find that the character of their designs is stronger because it is all done by hand. They then reproduce those designs with lithographic printing.
They have some "How To" videos on their website, where you can find out how to make an origami stars, butterflies, bobbles and hearts. Have a look here.
You can buy their paper and other products here.
Or browse their instagram, @cambridgeimprint. |
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 Isla Middleton is an incredibly skilled artist working in linocut. Wandering around her instagram is always a beautiful experience. She has a free template to download from her shop to make these lovely decorations, here.
Instagram link is below:
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 SELF GIFTING IDEA 1Indian Block printing blocks
The Indian Block Printing Co. is selling beautiful block printing kits, and also sells the blocks and inks separately if you don't find the set you're looking for. It might be too late for Christmas, but luckily self-gifting has no deadlines! They also sell vouchers if you're looking for last-minute gifts for others!
This business supports around 60 carvers and their families, in India. They know them personally and in this way they ensure a fair and sustainable trade.
Instagram link : @theindianblockprintco
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SELF-GIFTING IDEA 2 Modern Block Printing Book by Rowan Siyver
If you feel like gifting yourself a book, this one is absolutely beautiful. Rowan is a self-taught printmaker who lives in Australia. On instagram she is known as @littlerowanredhead - another lovely feed to follow. In this book, she explains how to create your own lino motifs and then shows you a variety of ideas of what you can use your printed motifs for! From lampshades to cards, to gift wrap to beeswax wraps. She has over 15 projects to choose from. So if you've been to one of my workshops and are itching to do more, this is a less social, but very informative way for you to explore block printing. |
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SELF-GIFTING IDEA 3Gift yourself a block printing workshop! |
 THE OLD BARN, EDINBURGH I have dates and times for the workshops at The Old Barn, Edinburgh. I haven't been there yet, but it looks like a lovely space with a woodburner, so it should be super cosy!
We will use hand-carved wooden blocks from India, to explore pattern repeats. You will learn how to get the inking and the pressure just right and then create your own combinations of colour and motifs. First we will print onto sheets of paper for gift wrap and then onto a fabric tea towel. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book well in advance.
Sunday 21 January, 2024, 1- 4pm
Sunday 25 February 2024, 1 - 4pm
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 CSSC, DUNBLANE The workshop at Central Scotland School of Crafts (CSSC, Dunblane) is an intensive full day workshop.
There will be 2 parts to this workshop. First we will use hand-carved wooden blocks from India, to explore the ways in which pattern repeats can work. You will learn how to get the inking and the pressure right and then create your own combinations of colour and motifs.
In the second part of the workshop you will design your own motif, which you will carve into lino, to print your own pattern design.
There will be sheets of gift wrap, a white cotton cushion cover and a piece of fabric available to print onto as you please.
This is a spacious venue with large windows looking out over the river and trees. So for those of you that missed the last one, now's your chance!
Saturday 17 February 2024, 10am-4pm.
Where is Central Scotland School of Craft? |
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