Blockprint and Stitch 2023

Event Info

This one-day, virtual workshop takes place on Zoom on Saturday, January 28, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

• Saturday, January 28, 3:00pm–5:00pm

Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on January 20, at 11:59 pm.

About the Workshop:

This virtual class at Center for Book Arts is taught by instructor Elaine G. Chu.

Learn or review how to carve your own blockprint, using a clever transfer technique. Each person will print paper cards and a set of cloth napkins or other fabric items of their choice. We will discuss additional techniques including ideas for animation and combining blockprinting with hand stitching.

The instructor will also provide a demo of how to construct a sewn booklet, using one of the printed cards as a cover. Complete the class with knowledge and skills to create new designs of your own with lots more application possibilities!

Required Materials:

Required Materials:

• 3×4” rubber carving slab (Speedball)

• set of carving tools

• large-eye needle

• embroidery floss (black and one or two other colors in contrast to ink color)

• pencil

• metal ruler

• 2 to 3 sheets of 8-1/2 x 11” white card stock

• 5 to 6 sheets 8-1/2” x 11” white paper (photocopy paper works)

• two wooden embroidery hoops—Any of the following sizes: 3”, 4” 5” or 6”

• four pieces of light-color cotton, muslin, or off-white denim, at least 3” bigger all around than your embroider hoop. If purchasing a piece a fabric, you can start with 1/3 yd.

In addition, choose either Option 1 OR Option 2 below. (Do not need to purchase both options unless you want to.)

OPTION 1—Stamp pad inks, good for both paper and fabric

• – Versacraft Ink Pads—small-size pads work fine, full-size pads ok too. Select two or more colors.

OPTION 2 —Brayer and blockprinting inks good for both paper and fabric

• brayer (hard or soft roller brayer works)

• full set of 6 colors blockprinitng inks for paper and fabric ( includes black)

• sheet of plexiglass, acrylic or glass or marble approx 8×10″

• OR just black blockprinting ink for paper and fabric (Can substitute another color if you like)

All other materials will be provided by Center for Book Arts at no additional cost.

About Elaine G. Chu

Elaine G. Chu has taught students of all ages in person and online. Her work has been featured in “Greencraft” and“Somerset Studio” magazines as well as “1000 Artists’ Books.”

She co-authored “Wood Paper Scissors,” a how-to crafts book. Elaine received a B.A. in music at Yale University and a B.F.A. in graphic design at University of the Arts.

You can view more of her work at EGChuHandcrafted.etsy.com and @egchu1 on Instagram.  

All images courtesy of the instructor.