Come and discover the joys of the screen printing process, the traditional method of getting pattern printed on to fabric, guided by Zara Shepherd. You’ll be aiming to create a collection of screen-printed fabrics using stencils and hand painting techniques, including a tote bag and tea towel.
You will start by researching ideas and looking at other designers, exploring your chosen theme, and incorporating drawing into the research using a range of mediums and mark making techniques.
You will then put together an inspiration board, developing a strong colour palette to work with throughout the course, and Zara will guide you through the process of developing and translating your design ideas into paper cut stencils for screen printing. You will learn colour mixing skills to create your unique colour palette. You’ll also be able to learn how to create a basic block repeat – an important skill in textile design.
Who is it for?
All welcome! No experience is needed for the course, and Zara is very experienced at teaching all levels of ability.
The Team
Zara Shepherd is the founder of a craft workshop business Zara Emily based in Weston-super-Mare, established in 2017. Zara grew up in Weston-super-Mare. She pursued her creative talents completing a foundation diploma in art and design at Weston College. Followed by a textile design degree at Winchester School of Arts graduating in 2006.
After graduation Zara was offered a job as technical instructor in printed textiles at Loughborough University. Zara taught undergraduate students skills in colour mixing, printing and dyeing. Zara is passionate about developing and learning new skills to enhance her teaching practice, whilst working at Loughborough she achieved an associate fellowship in teaching at higher education.
After ten years in Loughborough she made the decision to relocate to her home town of Weston-super-Mare and set up a print studio producing her own work which she sells at events and through selected stockist. In 2022 Zara was commissioned to create large flags for Weston high street hand painting and screen printing 32 single bed sheets at 170cm x 220cm to make 16 flags that hung in the high street for 3 months it was her biggest project to date. Zara continues her passion giving people the opportunity to experience the joy of creativity by running workshops at her studio and on location at other venues.
“Zara is extremely accommodating and put us immediately at ease. She has an excellent way of explaining all the processes involved that we all understood.”
“We had the most fantastic workshop, Zara was an amazing teacher – knowledgeable, creative and passionate about what she does.”