Dyeing to Print:
Silkscreening & Applique on Fabric

Information

Ready to turn old into gold? Join Artist Jevon Brown in this four-week  course and dive into the vibrant world of dye-based printmaking and silkscreening on fabric, transforming discarded textiles into wearable art. We’ll focus on creating custom tote bags using a combination of hand-pulled silkscreen prints and unique applique techniques.

Each week builds on the previous one, starting with the fundamentals of dye preparation and screen printing, and progressing to advanced design and finishing touches. You’ll learn to prepare your own screens, mix custom colors, and layer your designs for a professional finish. By the end of the course, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, artfully crafted tote bag and the skills to continue your printmaking journey at home.

Class Breakdown:

• Week 1: Dyeing & Design @ studio 201
  • Learn the basics of preparing fabric for dyeing and printing.
  • Discover different types of dyes and how to mix them for custom colors.
  • Develop a basic design for your tote bag and transfer it to a silkscreen using drawing fluid and screen filler.
• Week 2: Silkscreening & The Big Print @PRINTshop
  • Set up your printing station and learn proper squeegee technique for a clean, even print.
  • Practice printing your designs onto test fabric.
  • Execute the first layer of your design onto your tote bag fabric.
• Week 3: Applique & Upcycled Embellishments @Studio 201
  • Explore various applique methods to add texture and dimension to your piece.
  • Incorporate upcycled materials like old denim, clothing scraps, or lace to add unique details.
  • Begin to assemble and sew your tote bag, integrating your silkscreened print and applique elements.
• Week 4: Finishing & Showcasing @ Studio 201
  • Add final touches and details to your tote bag, such as straps, pockets, or decorative stitching.
  • Participate in a group critique and discussion, sharing your process and final artwork with fellow students.
  • Leave with a finished, professional-quality tote bag and the knowledge to continue creating.

Course Outcomes

• Prepare and mix different types of dyes for fabric printing and understand their properties.
• Create and burn a silkscreen using drawing fluid and screen filler techniques.
• Execute a multi-layer silkscreen print on fabric with a clean, professional finish.
• Incorporate upcycled materials using applique techniques to enhance a textile design.
• Construct a functional tote bag from start to finish, integrating their own printed and appliqued designs.

Your progress will be assessed through self-evaluation and group critiques. In-class discussions will allow for feedback on your design choices, technical skills, and overall creative process. The final evaluation will be based on the completion of your tote bag project, demonstrating a mastery of the techniques taught throughout the course, and your active participation in sharing your work and offering constructive feedback to others.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Jevon Brown (b. 1999) is a Caribbean American multidisciplinary artist and designer who holds a BFA in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Brown’s talents have been a part of brands like Gucci and Converse as a designer, and his work has been shown in institutions such as the University of Miami Lowe Art Museum, Miami; The Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida; and Centrum Foundation, Port Townsend, Washington. He has been featured in Dwell Magazine’s “24 Global Emerging Designers List,” Frieze Digital Art Basel 2023, and was awarded the Inaugural Eleanor Merritt Fellowship at The Ringling Museum of Art. His residencies include Project Art, Miami, Florida; Centrum, Port Townsend, Washington; and most recently, Oolite Arts, Miami Beach, Florida.