An introduction to eco-printmaking (a great follow on from the collagraph printing for beginners’ day).

This technique uses Tetra Pak style packaging cartons as a base or substrate. Tetra Pak has a unique surface which can be easily carved into and marked using a variety of tools as well as built upon to make your printing plate. It is also thin enough to be easily cut into your desired shape. You will explore blind embossing, the use of multiple plates and Chine collé in one print.

You will start by making your own ‘wet pack’ of good quality printing paper ready for printing as the day progresses. You will ‘play’ and make marks using the tools and be inspired by the shape of the packaging itself, learning to understand the possibilities of this exciting process and be shown many examples to inspire your own project.

As you develop your skills and begin to move forward with your own projects, you will produce several plates to form a personal narrative within your work, perhaps using your own photos. You will be shown how to ink up to obtain successful prints using multiple plates in one print and how to make blind embossed additions to your work.

You will be using the printing press and good quality damped printing paper which allows for good contact with your plate, You will have the chance to add colour with ‘Chine collé’, which is a method to add fragments of thin coloured or patterned papers into you design.

There will be mini demonstrations throughout the day to ‘drip feed’ different techniques as you are working, finishing with a group discussion with a question and answer session.

You will take home several prints Teaching will be given in the form of practical demonstrations of techniques, one-to-one tuition and instruction on use of equipment.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials including recycled packaging (Tetra Pak), black ink, good quality 300gsm printing paper, tissue paper and scrim per student plus some blotting paper, newsprint, a variety of tapes, washing up liquid, rags, carborundum powder, waterproof PVA, grout and Shellac to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

You are encouraged to bring visual source material, ideas and photos (black and white are good, of people, places and things which have a meaning that you may want to incorporate into your designs). An apron and rubber gloves (or gardening gloves with rubber fingers which your tutor finds easier to take on and off). Collage materials and any recycled packaging (Tetra Pak) you may want to bring

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions