Home block-printing

During the pandemic, we have been adding new craft projects to our free library. The latest project – How to block print at home with Molly Mahon – has been kindly donated by Molly Mahon. Based in Sussex, Molly is a British printmaker whose designs are applied to fabrics, wallpapers and a growing range of homewares. Inspired by nature, travels to India and inspiration from her daily life, Molly turns images into repeat designs and carves them into a wooden block which is then used to print.

Having studied Anthropology and History of Art at Newcastle University Molly's creative desire prompted her to start taking part in workshops, one of which was in block printing. She immediately fell in love with the craft and for two years worked for a block printer, practising and learning the art.

Talking about her love of block printing, Molly says: “The process fascinated me and I was thrilled by that moment where you lift the block and see the printed pattern left behind. I then slowly discovered that block print pattern can be applied to so many things. My designs are inspired by my surroundings, both at home in Sussex and on my travels in India where I work with artisan crafts people. I like to create pieces that will enhance our homes and make people smile. I firmly believe that every home should be a colourful reflection of its inhabitants.”

Since the lockdown began, Molly has been making some inspiring videos for block printing at home, using potatoes to carve her designs instead of her usual wooden blocks. She has kindly created an online block-printing workshop especially for Selvedge readers. We hope you enjoy it and make some beautiful block prints of your own.

Watch the video workshop, How to block print at home with Molly Mahon.

Molly is a Selvedge workshop host, visit our workshops page for more information on future events.