Create, Connect, Age Well: Block-Printed Tea Towel

Class Description:

Join us for a “Create, Connect, Age Well” class designed for ages 60+ in partnership with Marine Mills Folk School. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of block printing by transferring a design onto carving rubber and carving away the negative space to create your custom printing block. You’ll also learn how to roll ink evenly and hand-print your design onto fabric.

Choose from a pre-made 4”x6” design or bring your own ready-to-use artwork. Using your carved block, you’ll print a repeating pattern onto a 27”x27” cotton tea towel — perfect for functional use and adding a handmade touch to your kitchen décor. At the end of class, you’ll take home both your finished tea towel and your carving block so you can continue printing your design on future projects.

Your instructor will provide the following materials:

All class supplies, including designs and transfer materials, rubber blocks for carving, carving tools, brayers, barens, ink, test paper, cleaning supplies, cotton towels etc.

Students are asked to bring: 

Optional: an apron, or wear clothes that could be stained. 

Skill Level

Beginner-friendly, no experience required. This class requires moderate hand, arm, and shoulder strength and dexterity, and involves the use of sharp carving tools. The instructor will provide assistance and support during class; if you may need accommodations or special considerations, please reach out ahead of time and we’ll do our best to support you.

Age Requirement

Students ages 60 and older. Would you like to participate, but are not quite 60? Contact us at info@marinemillsfolkschool.org or 612-440-6295 (can be updated to Gladje contact or cut).

What is Create, Connect, Age Well?
People are living longer than ever and the world continues to change at an increasingly fast pace. Marine Mills Folk School and Glädje Gallery recognize how challenging it is to stay physically, mentally, and socially strong in this environment. Create, Connect, Age Well is a folk school experience that helps adults thrive in the 21st century. Try something new. Build skills. Be creative. Connect with others looking to live long!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.