Cyanotype Printing and Mindful Stitching

Experiment with natural patterns and mindful making during this weekend workshop with Katama Murray of Teach Peace Prints! This class will focus on various cyanotype printing techniques on fabric and paper to create a series of prints, fabric patches and hand-bound books. Dive into the realm of this photographic printmaking process and book art methods in this hands-on class as a way to connect to the season and objects around us. Participants will learn the basics of cyanotype printing on different coated materials, hand stitching and embroidery techniques, as well as simple methods to create small, hand-bound books using the pamphlet stitch and accordion fold. This weekend offers an amalgamation of outdoor foraging, printmaking, photography, bookmaking and fiber processes, thereby offering infinite possibilities for creativity within each mode of making.

Participants will capture shadows through cyanotype printing, utilizing seasonally foraged plants of the region as well as everyday objects that hold memory or visual intrigue to print with on coated cotton fabric and watercolor paper. Prints will be created using either the power of the sun or an indoor UV light, depending on the weather. Once the prints have dried, students will have the opportunity to engage in slow, mindful stitching using various threads and materials as a way to respond to the printed imagery. Emphasis will be given to the importance of creative play, rest, and immersing oneself in the current season. These meditative processes yield unique, one-of-a-kind results, and provide opportunities to let go while collaborating with nature. Create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that can be admired forever, while taking time to slow down and appreciate the diversity of patterns, shapes and ideas dwelling alongside and within us. No experience with any techniques is necessary to join!

Skills and Techniques:

• Sustainable & mindful foraging techniques
• Suggestions for proper plant identification & safety
• A basic understanding of the cyanotype process through recipes & step-by-step instructions on fabric & paper
• How to create both indoor and outdoor prints with eco printing & cyanotype
• Basics of hand sewing & embroidery
• Book art techniques including pamphlet stitch and accordion fold
• How to care for your printed fabrics
• Resources for continued making & learning on your own

Materials Fee: $40 to be paid at time of workshop directly to the instructor.

Special Tools or Equipment: Students should bring apron & rubber gloves (optional to keep clothes & hands clean), sketchbook or phone for note-taking (optional; full recipes & instructions will be provided digitally and in print), foraged plants (Optional; many will be provided – A full list of suggested plants will be provided prior to the workshop, personal objects to be cyanotype printed (flat ones work best, but 3D ones also work depending on the weather with outdoor printing), any personal sewing supplies desired to work with (please note basic materials such as sewing needles, sewing and embroidery thread, marking pens, and rulers are provided), though some will be provided, please bring your own cotton sewing thread and embroidery thread if you are passionate about utilizing certain colors

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies