Indian Block Printing - Retford Library - Adult Learning

Discover the rich traditions of Indian block printing and explore the beauty of pattern design in this hands-on, creative course. You will learn how to use hand-carved printing blocks to create repeating patterns on paper and fabric, experimenting with colour, layout, and composition. Through guided practice and creative exploration, you will develop your own unique printed designs while building confidence, practical skills, and an understanding of pattern making. This course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience who want to develop their creative practice.

No previous experience is required to join this course, just an interest in creativity and a willingness to experiment.

Over the three weeks we will cover:

Overview of the history and cultural significance of Indian block printing

Understanding traditional motifs and pattern styles

Introduction to tools and materials (printing blocks, inks, fabrics, papers)

Resources required:

Apron or a big shirt (if want to protect your clothes)

Mirco fiber cloth/ old face flannel or Wet wipes

Printing Media - Fabric or Cartridge paper or Copier Paper or fabric

Fabric paint – basic colours will do (available at places such as The works, Range etc – some available in class but for specific colours bring your own)

Funding and Fees

If you receive certain benefits, you may be able to take the course for free.
If money is stopping you from enrolling, please visit our funding page to see what help is available.

Living in England

To book and join one of our courses, you must live in England permanently and either:

• Live inside the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area (Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire)

or

• Live outside the devolved areas listed below

You cannot enrol if you live in these devolved areas:

•    Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
•    Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

• Greater London Authority
•    North East Combined Authority
•    South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
•    Tees Valley Combined Authority
•    West Midlands Combined Authority
•    West of England Combined Authority
•    West Yorkshire Combined Authority
•    Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
•    York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
•    Hull and East Yorkshire
•    Greater Lincolnshire
•    Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
•    Cornwall Council
•    Lancashire Combined County Authority
•    Buckinghamshire

• Warwickshire

• Surrey

Residency Requirements (Additional Information)

If you live in the UK on a visa, we’ll need evidence of your visa to confirm funding. You can upload this when applying, and you’ll need to complete a short questionnaire.

Some exceptions include:

• Your visa must last until after your course ends.

• Asylum seekers must have lived in the UK for at least 6 months while their claim is being processed.

• You are supported by your local authority under Section 23C or 23CA of the Children Act 1989, or under the Care Act 2014.

Anyone who does not meet the funding criteria would need to pay full course fees.