I had the great pleasure this weekend of trying out silk screen printing for the very first time at Zeena Shah’s studio. Jules’s brother, Jamie, bought me the course for a Christmas present and I’ve been really excited about it as I’ve always wanted to give it a go.
It turned out that not only is Zeena a great teacher but probably the nicest peson I’ve ever met and created a great atmosphere – from experience there is nothing worse than a silent, sombre craft course. Her studio, tucked away off Old Street, is also a really inspiring space, crammed full of vintage finds and inspiration. I was joined on the day by four other lovely ladies and we spent the time chatting, drinking tea and creating: the perfect start to the weekend!
I would whole-heartedly recommend the course; it is a snip at £55, especially considering it is four hours long and you walk away with a printed tote bag and tea towel. It’s also a craft that you can easily develop at home once you are armed with Zeena’s expertise.
I’ve been trialling the new Nokia Lumia for the last couple of weeks so I took that along with me. All of these photographs are completely unedited so you can judge the camera for yourselves…
The first step was to find inspiration, for those of us who didn’t have ideas for designs. Zeena’s studio is full of lovely things that were inspiration enough but she also has a collection of beautiful print books that were a perfect starting point.
We then had to cut out our designs. I decided to make a tea towel of jellies and a tote bag with my blog name printed on it.
We picked and mixed our own colours, which is more difficult than you think.
Zeena was on hand to help us with the actual printing bit. This is Faye’s rather lovely cloud design.
The first round of prints went really well – Flora’s orange print is great.
I love my new branded tote bag! I might have to use this as my logo from now on.
And the second round of prints was beautiful. I loved Ruth’s blue floral print and Faye’s baby-grows were too much to bear!
My jelly print in all its glory.
Such a fun day and I am definitely going back for more as Zeena is now running a print and make your own lampshade – amazing!
Katy x
The price is so reasonable! LOVE the jelly tea towel.
We should do the lamp class!!
Oh it looks like so much fun, I love both of your makes. 🙂 Really reasonably priced, I might have to get involved with this sometime. Leanne x
Yuo should DEFINITELY take a class – best craft workshop Ive done! x
I love Screen Printing. It is so much fun. Great jelly tea towel too 🙂
I saw Zeena’s work at Renegade last year and it is just magnificent.
She is soooo talented and soooo nice! Do you screen print at home, Claire? x