Intricate Papercut Stencil Printing

Using the intricate papercut as source, this workshop guides students to create powerful printed patterns inspired by the bold symmetry of Hawaiian quilts and the celebratory scenes of Mexican papel picado. Students will use the precision of the x-acto knife to develop intricate stencil cutting techniques, including fold-and-cut methods, to refine meaningful motifs derived from personal imagery and local inspiration around the Arrowmont/Gatlinburg area. These detailed stencils will first be used for low-tech applications like cyanotype and spray paint. The workshop’s focus will then moves to screen printing, exploring methods such as direct stencil printing and converting the paper design into a permanent photo-emulsion screen. Students will gain hands-on experience developing repeat patterns, learning to accurately register multiple print layers, and printing continuous fabric yardage for unique, wearable textiles.