Batik Courses with Helen Dougall.

I run 1 to 3 day courses in batik usually at the end of March and at the end of October, located in the village Walsham le Willows in Suffolk, UK (see Walsham le Willows’ location for details of where Walsham is).

The next course is:

It is held in my studio / workshop where I produce and sell my own work.

Numbers of students are limited to 6, so there is mainly individual tuition for both beginners and those with some experience.

Techniques that are covered include:

1. Brushing on of wax and immersing fabric in dye, then repeating several times, to understand the overlapping of dye colour.
2. Using a wax pen (canting or tjanting).
3. Painting and spraying-on of dye.
4. Watercolour effects with dye.
5. Textural effects with wax.
6. Bleaching or discharge dyeing with batik.

The courses start with experimenting with tools and materials. Even for those with some experience, it is a useful “warm-up”. Next, another batik may be started. This can be based on a previously planned idea – you can bring sketches or ideas on paper, however rough, or a choice of themes will be suggested. Additionally, the overhead projector can be used to enlarge your sketch, or to project images of objects directly onto the fabric.

Progressing with two batik pieces enables one piece to be worked on while the other is drying. Your completed batiks can, later, be used in a variety of ways: wallhangings, cushion covers, applique pieces cut for embroidery or patchwork, or in dressmaking.

You can choose to attend 1, 2, or 3 days. The day runs from 10am-5pm.

The individual requirements of the student and his or her previous experience of working in batik will affect what is possible to achieve in the number of days chosen:

One day allows enough time to produce one or two pieces based mainly on techniques 2 and 3, in the above list.

Two days allows just enough time to experiment with 2, 3 and a simple form of 1.

Three days allows enough time to experiment with most of the techniques on the list.

Tools and fabrics are provided. Fabric available will be:
Fine cotton lawn, Primissima 106cm wide, charged at £20 per metre, to include the cost of all dyes, wax and chemicals. e.g. A usual size of a batik produced from a piece of cotton 53cm × 60cm works out at £6.

The cost of the course, which includes lunch, tea and coffee, is:

1 day: £50  |  2 days: £95  |  3 days: £140  

To make any enquiries, please get in touch.

Download a printable October 2008 course booking form  (9k), or request the course booking form to be sent to you by post.

The studio is a converted farm building adjoining an old stable and barn, and looks out onto a secluded garden to the rear of the house. Ivy House is just off the main street of Walsham-le-Willows, a picturesque village with a shop, two pubs and a typical fine Suffolk Church. There is B & B, and self-catering accommodation available in the village.

Helen Dougall, N.D.D., A.T.C.

Helen produces and sells batik wallhangings, roller blinds and silk scarves. She studied fine art at Chelsea School of Art and trained as an art teacher. She taught in London secondary schools, then for fifteen years at Suffolk College, Ipswich. Helen is a member of The Batik Guild, Suffolk Craft Society, and Artworks. Further details.

This page last updated: 1st August 2008