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An immersive guide to the mindful craft of Indian block printing. Block printing, where carved wooden blocks are used to hand print patterns onto fabric and paper, has been a thriving craft in India since at least the twelfth century. Today, the industry is dominated by the workshops around Jaipur and the projects in this book are filled with tried-and-tested tips to help you produce vibrant contemporary designs inspired by the city. From simple motifs to intricate designs - and from tablecloths and tote bags to air-dry clay and gift wrapping - this is a comprehensive guide both for beginners and experienced crafters looking to refine their work. Colourful photographic sections are woven into the text, providing details of the authors'' visits to block carvers, printers and dyers in the Jaipuri villages of Sanganer and Bagru, and how these influences are applied back in their own UK studio. They share with you how Indian block printing is more than just an art form - it''s a conscious and creative way of living.
List of contents
Introduction
Our Journey Into Block Printing
Inspired By India
1 THE BASICS OF PRINTING Basic Printing Equipment
One-Colour Printing
Two-Colour Printing
Understanding Your Results
Things You Need to Know
2 ADVANCED PRINTING TECHNIQUES The Fold and Iron Technique
Random Printing
Pattern Repeats
Printing With Borders
Repeating Patterned Tiles
3 PRINTING PROJECTS Meadow Tea Towel
Initial Tote Bag
Striking Cushion Covers
Traditional Indian Napkins
Cow Parsley Tote Bag
Sensational Scarf
Brilliant Borders Tablecloth
Pretty Paisley Pillowcases
Meadow Scene Lampshade
Lovely Linen Cushions
Crafty Cards and Tags
Christmas Gift Wrap
Colourful Clay Tiles
Clay Christmas Decorations
Working with the Artisans
Block Carving in Sanganer
The Block Carving Process
Block Printing in Bagru
Printing in India: Dabu
Pigment Printing in India
Natural Dye Printing in India
Female Block Carvers
What Block Printing Means To Me
A Big Thanks to...
Inspirational Gallery
Resources
Suppliers
Credits
About the author
Holly Jones began her career after earning a degree in Creative Art and Design Practice. She went on to work as a studio assistant for Annie Sloan before joining the Indian Block Print Co. For the past six years she has run the creative studio with Tess while also managing her own nature-inspired fabric design business, Holly B Designs.Tess Grace was born into block printing accompanying her mum Maggie to craft shows from an early age. She has since trained extensively with master block printers in Rajasthan and taught hundreds of crafters to print from the Indian Block Print Co. studio in the Oxfordshire Cotswold borders.
