Join textile artist and printmaker Julie Rosvall for a hands-on textile printmaking workshop. Julie will share how she went from knitter to printmaker, and why she loves capturing the pattern and texture of knitted shawls and swatches on paper. Participants will have the chance to try textile relief printmaking in a simple hands-on process, no experience necessary. Julie will provide information in advance for preparing textiles to print, or if you’d like to use stencils or other materials to mimic the textiles she will provide alternatives that can be picked up at your local dollar store or craft supply store.

Participants will need to prepare their own knit or thrifted lace textiles in advance by starching them using a white glue and water mixture. This should be done at least 48 hours in advance to be sure the textiles are stiffened evenly and fully dried. Alternatively participants can use found objects or stencils to create the illusion of lace and pattern. Julie will provide information in advance for preparing textiles to print, as well suggestions of where to find stencils or other materials to mimic the textiles. She will provide alternatives that can be picked up at your local dollar store or craft supply store.

• cotton, silk or synthetic knit, crocheted or woven openwork lace swatches, doilies, or shawls. Please note that the textile will be damaged in the process, so do not use valuable heirlooms. Smooth yarn, two-ply or more, is best, and provides the crispest image when printed. Wool or other animal fibers have too many small wispy fibers that will impact the image and look hairy.
• white glue and water mixed in plastic or styrofoam cup.
• foam brush for applying glue
• pins and a piece of thick foam that can be sacrificed, as it will get wet/glue on it.
• lightweight paper (regular printer paper or similar weight)
• plastic stencils (repeating patterns are best, but a variety of animals, shapes, letters etc. can also be incorporated).
• pastels, crayons, or charcoal
• water-based paint or ink (or large stamp pads to reduce clean up)
• plastic transparency paper, Styrofoam trays or glass/plexi for rolling out ink
• rubber ink rollers
• brown paper or roll of plastic to protect work surfaces if necessary
• soap and water for cleanup
• metal or wooden spoons
• rags or paper towels
• aprons or coverups to protect clothing if required
• folded sheets of newsprint slightly larger than the paper being used to protect the artwork in transport