303 Create Your Own Batik Fabric with Beeswax and Woodblocks

303 Create Your Own Batik Fabric with Beeswax and Woodblocks

In this workshop, you will be introduced to the basics of batik using natural beeswax and hand carved woodblocks. Completely unlike hand-drawn wax designs free styled with tjanting tools, which is what most of us are introduced to when we discover batiking, this course welcomes you into the world of repeat pattern design in wax, made possible with these specially carved woodblocks stamps. It is positively addictive, and very freeing for those of us who love surface design but don’t feel our drawing skills are up to snuff.

If you have ever tried batik before, this will be totally new to you, so we are all beginners here! Quickly learn how to apply just the right amount of wax with each print in order to get a gorgeous resist. Once you are done stamping, we will create low water immersion dye baths with fiber reactive dyes– perfect for that depth of color and subtle variety of shades, but not so wild that the background distracts from our wax printing. Incredibly fun!

Enrollment Status

Open

Experience Level

Open to All

Maximum Class Size

12

Materials Fee

$80 covers dyes, wax, use of blocks

Student Supplies

  • Apron
  • Extra fabric for additional projects
  • Comfy shoes
  • Note taking materials

Homework

Please pre-wash all fabrics with plain, unscented, non-conditioning detergents (blue Dawn works great!) and dry without dryer sheets or softeners.

Instructor Photo

Instructor

Jessica Kaufman

Instructor Bio

Jess is a fiber and textile teaching artist. She works primarily with fabric, beeswax, dye, wool, and foraged natural materials. Her work reflects a combination of two loves: southern Appalachian folk craft and global textile traditions. She has been teaching knitting, dyeing, stitching, and surface design for 20+ years. She enjoys working with the natural world. Jess travels to teach workshops all over the nation and in her studio.

Instructor Website

Classroom

Back to List