Finding My Aloha: DIY Hand Block Printing

I have been hoarding away this blog post for about a month now. I was saving it until I completed another aspect of the project. That other piece is still undone but I just cant hold this back anymore! I think Ill make it into a sort of progressive series, like my quilt.

I have an affinity for block printed fabrics. Designers like Rikshaw Design, Plover Organic, and Saffron Marigold make me swoon. There is just something about using those beautiful fabrics. You can feel all the love that went into making them. ahhh...

(above: Rikshaw Designs)

(above: Plover Organic)

(above: Saffron Marigold)

Anyway, I have been toying with the idea of trying hand block printing myself. I have a deep love for fabrics and crave the resources to make my own that melds perfectly with the ideas in my head. Three years ago I saw an article about carving your own block prints out of potatoes. Three years later, I still havent tried it, that is until about a month ago. I was strolling the aisles of one of my favorite craft stores when I saw these beauties lying in a bin...

Antique Indian Hand Blocks!!! The cashier checking me out said they were clearancing them because no one knew what to do with them. She said maybe I could frame them or something. Was she kidding?!?! She had to be kidding... These gorgeous stamps still had life in them and if they didn't I was determined to breathe the life into them! I adore the dings and nicks, they add so much character to the pattern.

We just had out of town family visiting and I had to turn my office into a third guest room to accommodate everyone. I still didn't have drapes in there as I was just waiting for the perfect inspiration fabric. Well, this predicament made me delve deep into my creative genius with a budget caveat. I grabbed a woven tablecloth I had bought to make napkins out of, as well as my fabric paints, the hand blocks, a set of grommets from my living room project, and a $6 curtain rod I had bought from Big Lots ages ago.

It wouldn't have been my first choice but I love it now! The yellow filters the sunlight and bathes the room in a golden glow. They remind me of something I would find at World Market or Pier One.

I have something even more fun planned for these stamps. Ill start working on it now so I can share it soon!

Also, I would like to thank Sylvia over at My Collection of Ideas for featuring my No Soliciting Sign Tutorial today! Thank you! I've added your link to the "Featured" page too! :)

Followers, don't forget to enter the Manila Extract giveaway by Thursday!