Ref: S3D36624
This course will enable you to explore the world of hand block-printing with natural dyes. During the course, you will learn how to mordant fabric, design repeat patterns, cut lino blocks, make print pastes with natural dyes and print fabrics.
You will explore the different properties of a range of natural dyes, including madder, cutch and iron. You will learn how to make them, apply them using printing blocks, print them on mordanted cloth and ensure they are fast. Whilst doing this, you will be able to keep detailed notes on these processes to refer to throughout the course. You will experience printing on a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, calico and linen, and you will leave with a range of printed samples and a longer length of fabric of up to two metres.
The tutor is passionate about slow, local production that creates beautiful fabric. This approach is kinder to our environment and this course will explore these values.
Four metres of calico, all mordanting materials, natural dyes, dye pastes, lino and chemicals for processing will be provided.
Available from shop: Cotton lawn and calico, by the metre
Please note that some of the dye materials and equipment used on this course may have come into contact with various nuts, so will not be suitable for those with nut allergies or sensitivity to plants used for dyes
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
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
Sarah Burns is a pattern-maker and textile printer. She studied politics at Jesus College, Cambridge, and Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art. She teaches natural dyeing and printing in her West Sussex studio as well as at Ditchling Museum. Her designs can be seen at the Guy Goodfellow Collection in Chelsea, at Dartington Hall, and as part of the Virginia White Collection.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
