10:00 - 16:00

Level: Beginners

Taking textiles as our theme we will explore ways of using textiles for making mono prints onto paper, as well as making mono prints onto fabric. A gel plate has a slightly squishy surface that releases paint beautifully and is ideal for making quick and easy monoprints. The process is very fast but, be warned, it is also very addictive! This workshop is suitable for beginners and those who have already done some gel plate printing and want to keep playing!

 On this workshop we will start by using textiles such as netting, lace, threads and weaving to make monoprints onto paper. In the second part of the workshop we will first look at the types of paint and inks suitable for printing onto fabric and then will print directly onto fabric using leaves, mark making techniques and ‘reverse printing’. There will be lots of ideas and suggestions for projects you can make after the workshop, using your gel plate printed fabrics.. 

 What to bring:

• A packed lunch

• Apron

• Gel plate – please see important note below

• Rigid acrylic sheet (if you have it) approx. 2mm thick, size A4. Janina will have some to lend.

• Paint brushes (suitable for use with acrylic paint)

• Water jar

• Small mixing plate and a palette knife for mixing paint

• A  few leaves and grasses from the garden (please avoid dried out leaves, and anything with sharp bits) - you can also use some from the gardens at Micklems Farm

• Baby wipes

  Optional items to bring if you have them

• Fabric paints / fabric printing inks, or an acrylic fabric medium to mix with the acrylic paint (Janina will have some for you to try) https://www.jacksonsart.com/liquitex-professional-fabric-medium-118ml or Daler Rowney System 3 Screen Printing Textile Acrylic

  Important note on gel plates.

  Gel plates will be available to borrow or buy on the day but please contact Janina in advance to reserve (Janina.maher123@btinternet.com.

  If you prefer to buy a gel plate in advance then there are two brands recommended by Janina, Gelli Arts and Gel Press, which both work well with acrylic paints. There is a third brand, Speedball, and if you have one of these then you will need to bring Speedball inks, rather than acrylic paints, as the Speedball gel plate has been formulated to work best with Speedball inks.

Included on the day:

• Paints, paper and fabrics

• Expert tuition

• 1 to 1 guidance

• Detailed demonstrations

• A selection of tea, freshly brewed coffee, biscuits and delicious cakes. If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies, please feel free to bring along your own provisions/milk alternatives etc

And of course you take your wonderful creations from the day. If you share any photographs of your day here and/or your finished work, we’d love to see them so please tag us @micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops or use the hashtag #micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops.

Terms - Fee is payable on booking. If, having booked, you can no longer attend, we are unable to offer a refund. However, you may nominate someone else to attend the workshop or class in your place by notifying us using the contact page on the Micklems Farm website. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop up to 48 hours prior to the workshop date. We will only cancel due to insufficient places sold and you will be refunded the full amount paid.

Number of students: 10