Course Description

Print flat colour onto man-made fabrics and other materials to create images which exploit transparent colour and layering. Using hand cut stencils, linear or painted images onto your chosen surfaces, heat transfer printing will transform the substrate (base) material with colour and texture. It is also an excellent way to recycle and re-purpose old fabric for new uses.

The range of marks and imagery which can be evolved using this environmentally friendly technique is unique and creates fascinating results. The results are instant and glorious colours with a heat press, or can be achieved using a regular iron. The course introduces many possibilities for you to explore.

Start collecting materials now to bring with you. Bring anything polyester you can find, and ideally be prepared to share materials to try. The tutor will introduce various ways of working with the materials, concept and media, for you to experiment and explore in your own way.

No experience is needed and the first day will be structured but very experimental and playful.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

• The course fee includes the cost of dyes and papers and some fabrics are included to experiment with. The tutor will have some limited amounts of polyester material you can purchase but please bring your own finds from charity shops and cupboards (pale colours are more versatile - reds can work - dark colours do not work at all)

What students need to bring

• Cotton gloves, if you have them – to protect your hands whilst using the heat press – or we shall provide.
• Light (or bright, but not dark ) or white synthetic fabrics, (second hand synthetic clothing, curtains and table cloths etc. – even with tears or marks are often the best). Polyester works best. The process is not designed for natural fabrics, although some subtle results can be achieved!
• Lace/feathers/threads/yarns/meshes/net in any yarn type - i.e. flat materials which combine a mesh of solid and open areas to act as masks/resists, in the printmaking process.
• Fizzy drinks cans opened up and flattened (please take care to render the cut edges neat and safe) – we can print on the inside.
• Any plastics/acetates/meltable materials you have around or find. Please do not buy anything as this is about recycling.
• Any paint brushes or favourite mark-making tools to dip in dye and make images that you wish to bring.
• A camera to record work if you wish.
• If you would like to use photographic imagery or complex designs that you cannot paint by hand, during the course, you can send images to ‘Bags of love’ for them to print onto transfer paper which you can bring with you to the course to use in combination with the other methods the tutor will introduce. Check their website for further information on ‘printed dye sublimation transfer paper’ and send your images directly to them in good time.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• Additional papers, drawing materials and craft knives

Please note: the heat press is 38cm square so this restricts the scale of final work you can produce.