Linocut and Cushion Printing

Rachel Jones is leading a linocut and cushion printing workshop at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens on Monday 14 September, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It's a full day's work, and you'll come away with two things: a printed cushion cover and the linocut block you carved yourself.

If you've never tried linocut, here's the gist. You start by drawing a design, then use a carving tool to cut away the parts of the linoleum block you don't want to print. Once you've got your image, you ink the block and press it onto fabric. In this case, the fabric is a natural cotton and linen cushion cover. You'll spend the morning designing and carving, and the afternoon printing, so you'll see the whole process through from a blank block to a finished piece of home decor.

Rachel Jones is a local artist, and she'll be guiding you through each stage, so it's as much about learning the technique as it is about making something. It's open to beginners, so you don't need any prior experience to join in, and it's just as suitable if you've done a bit of printing before. All the materials you'll need are provided, so you just need to turn up.

The workshop is part of a series of creative courses Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens runs throughout the summer, with visiting experts leading practical arts, crafts and photography workshops, using the garden as both a backdrop and as inspiration. Your booking includes entry to the gardens, plus welcome coffee and biscuits to get the day started. The cost is £80, and it's worth keeping in mind that fees are non-refundable if you cancel less than seven days before the date. The session runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday 14 September.