In the morning session you will learn how to develop a design inspired by nature. You will be shown how to balance your design to create a strong composition and then how to carve using specialist tools. In the second part of your day with us you will learn how to skilfully print your blocks by hand on to fabric. Your work will be taken back to Albert’s studio in Oxfordshire where it will be sewn into 45cm square cushion cover and returned to Toolerstone for you to collect.

Timetable of the day

 09:30     A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments

10:00     Introduction to block print techniques and materials

10:30     Time to start your design

11:15     Coffee will be served

11:30     Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace

13:00.    Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory

14:00     Putting the finishing touches to your work.

15.15     Refreshments will be served

16:30    Workshop ends.

Please note:

Your printed fabric will be taken to Albert’s Oxfordshire studio and expertly sewn into a cushion cover. You will be contacted when your cushion cover is ready to collect from Toolerstone.

What is included?

All materials & tools

Aprons are provided for the day if required

Refreshments & a delicious home-made lunch

Free onsite car parking

The most important bit,  a hand printed cushion cover of your own design

What do I need to bring?

Just a smile and willingness to learn

Experience level

We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!

Albert Harvey is a print maker and textile designer who studied at the Bath School Art and Design where he developed a passion for the ancient art of block printing. Albert’s designs are inspired by the English countryside, especially Oxfordshire, where Albert has his studio. His designs combine floral, leaf motif and seed heads contrasted with small scale geometric shapes.

Albert skilfully carves his designs onto lino to create large blocks ready for printing which he does himself by hand so that each print is unique. A restrained colour palette combined with his naturalistic designs gives Albert’s textiles a timeless, contemporary feel.

Albert’s designs are printed onto a 100% natural linen/cotton mix base cloth which is suitable for curtaining, soft furnishings and light domestic upholstery. His fabrics are made up into a stunning collection of scatter cushions and lampshades and are also available to order by the metre.