About Block Printing and Windsparrow Studio
ABOUT BLOCK PRINTING:
Block printing is a relief printing technique where an image is carved into a block (I use linoleum) and printed by hand. Each time a print is made, the block is inked and pressed, so every single print is unique. This technique lends itself beautifully to creating strong, graphic prints with a real sense of the hand of the artist behind the work.
Learn more about my process here: https://windsparrowstudio.com/about/
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WINDSPARROW STUDIO OFFERINGS:
All products are designed, sewn, and hand printed in my studio overlooking the mountains and water of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. My original blocks are hand carved and individually printed onto scarves, headbands, ponchos, garden flags, and more. New designs, colors, and products added regularly!
WINDSPARROW STUDIO FLAGS:
Vibrant and unique hand-printed flag sets, inspired by traditional prayer flags and the natural world. Botanical, farm & garden, wildlife, and coastal images.
All flag images are hand printed with non-toxic, fade-proof ink onto quality 100% cotton fabric. Each flag is sewn with a finished edge. Flags are securely sewn onto black ribbon, with plenty of extra on each end for tying.
Flags come as a set of 4 to 8 flags per strand, one image per flag. Flag sizes and overall length of flag sets vary depending on design and number of flags/set. Please see detailed descriptions of individual sets.
See some examples of flags on display here:
https://windsparrowstudio.com/flags-on-display-2/
WINDSPARROW STUDIO ACCESSORIES:
Hand Printed Scarves, Skinny Scarves, Headbands, Ponchos, and Bandanas, inspired by garden flowers and wild botanicals.
-SCARVES AND SKINNY SCARVES:
Windsparrow Studio Scarves and Skinny Scarves are made from light, flowing rayon jersey that is very soft against the skin. They offer a bit of lightweight warmth on cool spring and summer evenings, easy cover-up protection on hot, sunny days, and perfect layering for cold autumn and winter weather. Scarves are generously sized and drape beautifully. Skinny Scarves are a narrow version of the scarves, and make a versatile accessory, also great as a headband, hair wrap, or belt.
How to Wear Skinny Scarves:
https://windsparrowstudio.com/how-to-wear-skinny-scarves/
-HEADBANDS:
Customer Favorite! Headband width is adjustable when worn and showcases the hand printed image beautifully. Headbands are lightweight and strong, great for around town, workouts, yoga class, dancing, gardening, and evenings out.
How to Wear Headbands:
https://windsparrowstudio.com/how-to-wear-headbands/
-PONCHOS:
Lightweight Ponchos are our bestselling product, made from the same jersey fabric as our other hand printed wearables. Our ponchos are an ideal cover-up for sunny days, an elegant layer for evenings out, and makes for an effortless transition into cooler seasons. Looks great on all body shapes.
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MEET THE WINDSPARROW STUDIO ARTIST:
Hello from Jenny and Windsparrow Studio! My block prints are original designs, hand carved and printed one at a time, giving each piece a unique touch. My work is inspired by my flower garden and the nature surrounding my home in the Pacific Northwest.
BECOMING AN ARTIST AND MAKING BLOCK PRINTS:
I studied printmaking, drawing, and sculpture at Bennington College in Vermont and the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. Printmaking was my favorite, and block printing especially. I love how simple and accessible block printing is—I can carve a block at the dining room table or the local cafe, and then print my unique images onto almost anything.
HOW I CREATE YOUR HAND PRINTED PONCHO:
To create a poncho, I begin with the design. Once I’ve drawn the perfect image, I transfer it onto the linoleum, then begin carving to create the printing block. When the block is finished, I can make thousands of unique prints with it.
Each poncho is sewn in my studio, then individually printed. Ink is carefully rolled onto the block, pressed down onto the fabric, and immediately heat set. My ink is non-toxic, permanent, and washable, ensuring that the design looks great for years.
Hand printing like this gives each image its own special look— no two prints are exactly the same. I think of this as the special connection between me and each person who wears my accessories.
