Puffin Collagraph Printing Workshop with Deborah Campbell

Textile mixed media art project

£80

Level: intermediate – experienced

Join Deborah on this exciting workshop where you’ll learn how to use collagraph and intaglio printing methods to create beautiful textured fabrics, which you’ll then use to collage and embellish with free motion machine and hand embroidery.

Create a stunning Puffin textile artwork through printing techniques and embroidery

Very different from relief printing, this method is created by working the ink into the recesses of your plate which is then released when printed through a press or under pressure.

You will learn how to make printing plates using 3 different methods including Low Relief Plates from recycled materials, Painting with Carborundum paste and cutting away to make Drypoint Plates.

It’s a great way of using up recycled materials from around the house that would normally be heading for the bin.

Deborah has worked on the Coastal Bird Collection for many years, the one bird that captures everyone’s imagination is the characterful little Puffin. Using the Puffin as our inspiration, you’ll learn how to create its shape and form using a Drypoint plate.

Deborah will also talk though ideas of how to adapt a die cutting and cold laminating machine to make your own printing press. However, she will also show you how to print without a press.

It’s an incredibly versatile way of printing which gives you a unique print, be warned once you get started, this method of printing can get very addictive!

Once you’ve created a bundle of printed fabric you will learn how to mix up textures through collaging your fabrics then layering printed and plain sheers to create depth of pattern and colour. As well as applying the bird and rock, before finally adding embellishment using free motion machine embroidery.

A 'sneak peek' at the workshop

Discover your creative side

Textile Art is such a fascinating and exciting medium to work in, it offers you the opportunity for experimenting and exploring. It gives you a place to play and combine techniques and even break the rules.

All through this process you will be encouraged to experiment and explore different possibilities to help build your confidence in your own creativity.

Meet your tutor - Deborah Campbell

I’m Deborah Campbell and I’m a mixed media/textile artist based in Kilmacolm on the West of Scotland. I have a fascination for bringing recycled fabrics back to life, through combining print and stitch. I trained in Printed Textiles at Glasgow School of Art and have a wide knowledge and experience of printing on fabric.

My textile artwork is inspired by Scotland’s Coastal Landscape and Birdlife. Since art school I have always been fascinated by print, however my approach to print now is much more painterly and spontaneous using quite simply methods of printing, which don’t require a huge amount of equipment. I love to work onto many different fabric textures including organza and gauze which give me the option to create depth of colour and pattern through layering. These fabrics are then collaged together and I use my free motion sewing machine needle and thread as a drawing tool to create complex organic artworks.

Sourcing materials – check your cupboards?

Here are some of the materials you will need, some can be sourced from around the house at no cost. However, the following shows a list of what you might have to source online or at a local art store.

You’ll need:

Card or Mounting Board
Strong PVA Glue/Medium or Wood Glue
Low Relief Textures – Blown Vinyl, Textured Wallpaper, Foil, Lace, Mesh, Ripped Cartridge Paper, Threads, Yarns and Masking Tape
Drypoint Plates
Carborundum
Intaglio Printing Inks
Scalpel Knife
Variety of recycled fabrics – cotton, linen, polycotton etc in white or plain colours
Light fabrics – organza, organdie, sew in interface, voile
Backing fabric – bonded lining
Fusible Web or Hemming Tape
Sewing machine set up for free motion embroidery and machine threads
Darning needle and embroidery threads

A printing press is not essential but should be used for best results. Deborah will talk though some affordable ideas to make your own press and show you how to print without a press.

Once you sign up, you can go to each worksheet which will have a list of materials needed at each stage and a link of where to purchase these online. Equally you can go to your search engine and source your own suppliers.

Become a member of Deborah’s textile family

You will have the opportunity to join Deborah’s Facebook Group which is a fantastic place to share your work and get feedback as well as ask questions about the course.

Once enrolled you will have instant and lifetime access to the entire course so you can go through the videos & worksheets at your own pace.

Start now

£80

As soon as you sign up, you’ll get instant access to the full workshop with lifetime access.

Sign me up!

*Disclaimer: at the time of publishing, the conversion of £80 to USD was $101, but please check your bank for the most up-to-date rate

Reviews of Deborah's previous workshops

" I love the courses that Ellie offers. Deborah Campbell provided an informative textile class in printing and as well in machine embroidery. its so wonderful to see how others work in surface design. I really enjoyed following along with her. her instructions as well as videos were easy to follow. ."

"I really valued this workshop, l learned a lot about gelli printing and really enjoyed making my own templates. Both Ellie and Deborah are excellent teachers. Thank you for reigniting my love of textile art."

"I really enjoyed this course with Deborah Campbell. The videos and pdf files were clear and easy to follow. And I learned a lot of new techniques with the gelli plate, that I can use in all sorts of projects. It was fun and inspiring!."

"I did an online Coastal Layers course. The course was wonderful. Easy to follow instructions. I adapted all the techniques I learnt and used them in my own sewing crafts, but the sea bird was stunning. Loved this tutorial really enjoyed it all"

"I am very much enjoying Deborah's coastal layers and sea bird course. the tuition is easy to follow with step by step guide on a work sheet and video. the coastal layers fabric suggestions are fabulous and one can be very expressive with them. stitching the sea bird is amazing as one watches it come to life. Have loved both of Deborah's courses and would highly recommend them."