Design, Block Print and Make a Lampshade - Threads 2025

This is a full day workshop where you’ll be getting your hands stuck into creating and printing your own unique lampshade lead by printer and maker Aidan Liggins. You’ll learn the basics of block printing onto fabric from composition, carving and printing techniques.

You will then go on to make your own lampshade out of your hand printed fabric, creating a unique handmade piece for your home.

What we will cover:

● A brief history of the fascinating world of block printing

● Drawing and designing for block printing

● Looking at repeat structures and composition of pattern, getting the most out of your design

● Learning how to transfer your design onto a block and how to carve your design into your lino block

● Printing techniques and tips for printing onto fabric, printing your final design onto fabric

● Using your hand printed fabric, you'll then learn how to turn this into a lampshade

● Come away with a finished custom lampshade and your own printing block to continue printing at home.

Please bring with you some ideas / drawings for your design. This could be drawings / images or objects or anything you'd like to start from.

Artists Bio

Aidan is a textile printer and maker based in West Yorkshire with over 5 years of experience leading creative workshops and sharing her love for block printing. Aidan uses her curiosity of nature to inform her own design work and creative practise. Inspired by the natural world, Aidan's designs combine her love of nature, plant folklore and stories with traditional printing and dyeing techniques to create modern and timeless fabrics.

All pieces are created slowly, by hand - from carving the block, printing fabric and sewing using 100% linen or hemp and water based inks. Being conscious in her choices of fabrics and process, celebrating a slower and kinder way of making, Aidan's pieces bring nature and traditional craft into our homes.

About our Threads Workshops

This workshop is taking place as part of Sunny Bank Mills' annual celebration of the art of textiles; featuring a series of workshops, new exhibitions, talks and Leeds’ largest textile fair. This year’s Threads will take place across the site of Sunny Bank Mills on Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th May.

Find out more about our Threads Textile Festival weekend on our website.

See the full Threads Textile Festival workshop collection.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable. If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

Accessibility

The venue of this workshop is the Finishing Room adjacent to the Gallery, which is accessed via a flight of stairs or step free access.

There are accessible toilets within this venue. We will have attendants on hand to offer assistance throughout the day. If you have any queries prior to your booking, please email natalie@sunnybankmills.co.uk.