Etsy Round-Up: Block Print Beauties
What is block printing? Great question, it’s basically pattern stamping. A design, often a very intricate one, is carved out of a block of wood. The relief (raised part) then becomes a stamp. Ink is rolled over top then the block is pressed repeatedly on fabric, and voila! A masterpiece is born.
Via
In my high school art class we did a wood block printing project. Except instead of wood, we carved our designs into linoleum. It was so satisfying to carve out. The material felt like a large rubber eraser. I loved that class, infinitely more than any other class in high school. I remember when my teacher used to look over my shoulder at my work and say, “That’s interesting.” Translation: that’s a piece of … So funny! Of course I used to pretend that I was deeply offended, but honestly I got such a kick out of his quirky personality.
Anyway, I digress. Block printing is a very old art form. I mean old-old. Like, older than Jesus. According to the interwebs, block printing supposedly began around 3000BC. Color block printing came significantly later. “The earliest woodblock printed fragments to survive are from China and are of silk, printed with flowers in three colors from the Han dynasty (before AD 220),” via Wiki. Today, when I think of woodblock printing, my mind goes right to the country of India. Many artisans there still use this method to create a gorgeous array of fabrics.
I adore block printed fabrics. To me they have an easy, relaxed, feel that makes me yearn for summer time. That’s typically when my block printed napkins come out of hiding. Block prints have a casual feel to them, perfect for that farmhouse look, but honestly they can work in any style home. I have a traditional style (center hall colonial) home, and have block print style curtains hanging in my living room.
One of my very favorite fabrics is a block print style fabric (see below)! At some point I will order it in pillow form from one of my preferred small business owners.
click on image for link
In terms of the items sourced for this post, I’m referring to the style, or the look, of block printing. Some of these fabrics were made from digital prints, as opposed to being hand-stamped. Check each listing for details.
Click on images for links!
I’ve currently got my eye on these napkins. Such a great colorway for spring/summer.
Good with a sewing machine?! You can order super affordable fabric, directly from India, at less than 10 bucks per yard! Why not stitch up some one-of-a-kind pillows, or some curtains?!
Scroll through these beauties for inspiration…this shop has tons of options!
So what do ya think? Ready to add some block printed beauty to your home?!
That’s all for this week, friends! I’ll be back next week with more distractions from the mayhem, meanwhile, come follow me on Instagram!
Wishing you a beautiful and healthy week ahead!
-Sara