Deborah Campbell's Collagraph Printing Session for Puffins
In a captivating workshop led by mixed media/textile artist Deborah Campbell, participants will embark on a journey to create a distinctive Puffin textile artwork using a unique blend of collagraph, intaglio printing, free motion machine embroidery, and hand embroidery techniques.
**Design and Prepare the Artwork** Begin by sketching your puffin design, focusing on bold shapes and textures that will translate well into print and embroidery.
**Collagraph Printing** Create a collagraph plate by building a textured surface on a stiff substrate, such as cardboard or wood, using materials like fabric, string, or textured paper. Seal and prepare the plate for printing, before inking it and pressing it onto fabric to transfer the textured image of the puffin. Collagraph is ideal for adding pattern and relief.
**Intaglio Printing** Prepare an intaglio plate by etching or engraving the puffin image into a metal or plastic plate. Apply ink into the incised lines, wipe the surface clean, and press fabric through a printing press onto the plate to transfer the ink and create fine detailed lines and shading.
**Free Motion Machine Embroidery** Enhance the printed puffin image by using a sewing machine set to free motion mode. Stitch outlines, add texture, and create movement with thread to bring depth and definition to the puffin, such as accentuating feathers and beak details.
**Hand Embroidery** Add delicate, intricate details not achievable with the machine. Use techniques such as satin stitch, French knots, or split stitch to emphasize eyes, feathers, or highlights on the puffin. Hand embroidery allows personal expression and refinement of the artwork.
**Finishing** Secure the textile on a frame or hoop, and optionally, add backing or mount the piece for display or further use.
Deborah Campbell, a trained Printed Textiles artist from Glasgow School of Art, will also discuss the adaptation of a die cutting and cold laminating machine to make a printing press, and demonstrate how to print without a press. Her approach to print is painterly and spontaneous, using simple methods of printing.
This multidisciplinary project is designed for intermediate to experienced level participants and offers a versatile way of printing that results in a unique print. The cost of the project is £80 (approximately $109*), and participants will have instant and lifetime access to the entire course, consisting of 9 videos and 9 worksheets, taking approximately 3.5 hours to complete.
Join Deborah's Facebook Group to share work, get feedback, and ask questions about the course. Her textile artwork is inspired by Scotland's coastal landscape and birdlife. For more precise guidance specific to Deborah Campbell's workshop, check her official workshop notes, website, or contact the hosting institution.
- The unique Puffin textile artwork created in the workshop combines elements of various craft techniques, including collagraph, intaglio printing, free motion machine embroidery, and hand embroidery.
- Participants can learn ways to design and prepare their puffin artwork, focusing on bold shapes and textures suitable for both print and embroidery.
- To add pattern and relief to the artwork, participants will learn collagraph printing, a technique that involves creating a textured surface on a stiff substrate and transferring the image to fabric.
- For fine detailed lines and shading, participants can use intaglio printing, which involves etching or engraving the image into a metal or plastic plate and transferring the ink to fabric.
- To bring depth and definition to the puffin, participants will learn free motion machine embroidery, a technique that allows them to stitch outlines, add texture, and create movement.
- Hand embroidery techniques such as satin stitch, French knots, or split stitch can be used to add delicate, intricate details to the artwork, offering personal expression and refinement.
- After completing the workshop, participants will have access to an online course consisting of 9 videos and 9 worksheets, covering various aspects of textile art, fashion, and lifestyle, and can share their work and get feedback in Deborah Campbell's Facebook Group.
