Use batik skills and your creativity to create wax resist paintings and objects. This course offers you the opportunity to explore the many possibilities with dye, bleach and melted wax on different qualities of paper.

Batik techniques used on paper are very versatile and encourage experimentation. You can expect to make simple abstract designs with marks from brushes and a tjanting, which can be developed in further stages of applying layers of wax and dyes, until you achieve your desired final result.

Using a viewfinder, you can choose a detail for a new composition, which is more spontaneous than following a given design and can create an artistic surprise. Details can be used as a starting point for a new piece of work; collage can be used as a way to create layers and shapes, which can be moved around to give an idea a better chance to develop without being forced. The waxed papers can be used in objects like making artists’ books and folders.

This working method is free, fast and playful, exploring beyond the limits of the traditional batik craft. These methods have been developed and explored by the tutor in her personal work over many years, following on from considerable experience in traditional batik on fabric.

The course will include: • Experimenting with dye and bleach to create unforeseen and spontaneous images • Collage of patterns with a variety of papers • Wax printing on paper using a hot iron over waxed fabric • Ideas for making objects, such as folders and cards, suitable for personal gifts

Included

Five sheets of cartridge paper, and three sheets of tissue paper are provided per student with the general materials, including wax and dyes shared amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• An apron and rubber gloves
• Cheap household (bathroom) sponges for dyeing
• Small glass jars for dyes
• Any cheap brushes you may have for waxing and painting
• Kitchen paper towel
• References and ideas
• Coloured tissue papers, if you have any
• Tjantings (some available to borrow)
• A hairdryer (some available to borrow)

Available to buy

Available from shop: Coloured tissue paper Cartridge papers and card Unprinted newspaper (newsprint) HB pencil Drawing pins Inexpensive brushes for waxing and brushes for painting on dye Masking tape Paraffin and batik wax

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions