Tote-ally Block Printed: Block Printing on a Tote Bag

DESCRIPTION
In this one-day workshop, participants will explore the basics of block printing on fabric by designing, carving, and printing their own custom image onto a pre-made tote bag. Guided by artist and printmaker Erica Applewhite, you will create a soft-cut block (about 3x5”) from an original sketch and use it to print your design onto a blank canvas tote. Whether you opt for a bold single print or a repeating pattern, you’ll come away with a functional piece of art that you can give as a gift or take with you to the grocery store!

You'll start by exploring inspiration and sample prints, then move through the steps of sketching, transferring, carving, and printing with water-based fabric inks. Once you've printed your bag, you’ll test your design on additional paper and fabric surfaces — and leave with your carved block to continue printing at home on cards, textiles, or whatever you dream up next. All materials are provided, and you are welcome to bring additional fabric items to print on if desired. No prior experience needed — just bring your ideas and a willingness to get inky!

SUPPLY INFORMATION

Materials fee includes:

One cotton or canvas tote bag 
One 4x6” carving block to take home 
All the ink you can use in class, in four colors.

This session also includes free use in-class of the instructor's carving tools, tracing paper, brayers and ink palettes.

Optional bring-your-own materials: A T-Shirt, bandana, or other cotton or cotton-blend fabric item for experimental printing.

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT ERICA
Artist Erica Nordfors Applewhite specializes in hand printed soft-cut block prints, creating a variety of handmade images. Her most recent works are printed in black or color and finished watercolor or colored pencil. She currently shows at Collective Visions Gallery in Bremerton, Wash., Front Street Gallery in Poulsbo, Wash., and at the Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Gallery on Bainbridge Island, Wash. 

With a B.A. in studio art and a professional background in art instruction, museum education, and intergenerational activities, Erica Nordfors Applewhite lends her artistic experience to teaching others.

Artist website: Erica Applewhite

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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.