Puzzle Prints & Texture: What Is in a Collagraph?
Puzzle Prints & Texture: What Is in a Collagraph?
A collagraph is a printmaking technique where texture, not just image, takes centre stage — and there's no better way to learn it than by building your own puzzle of interlocking plates. Join me for a weekend of hands-on exploration in my garden studio on the beautiful Isle of Bute, off Scotland's west coast.
Over the weekend you'll build your own set of collagraph plates — each one a distinct shape filled with its own texture, built up from materials like PVA glue, tile grout, sealant, fabric, carborundum, tissue and textured wallpaper. The twist is that every plate is designed to interlock, like pieces of a puzzle. Print them individually, layer them, or arrange them side by side, and you can build an almost limitless range of compositions from one small collection of plates. Along the way you'll also learn inking techniques to bring out the texture and depth in every print.
Whether you've never touched a printing plate before or you're an experienced artist looking for a fresh way of working, this workshop is built to meet you where you are. Beginners will leave with new technical skills and a body of work, while more experienced printmakers may want to stay on a little longer — optional extra days are available to keep experimenting and push the technique further. And then there's Bute itself: easy to reach from the mainland, easy to disconnect in, and the perfect backdrop for a few days of slowing down and making things with your hands.
Workshop Details
Dates: Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th May 2027
Core Workshop: 2 days (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm daily
Location: 16 Academy Road, Rothesay, PA20 0BG
Materials: All included
Extend Your Stay: Add one or more extra days to keep experimenting — a great option for more experienced printmakers wanting to push the technique further. Ask for details.
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Date doesn't suit?Get in touch — I'd rather find a date that works for you than leave a good workshop unbooked. Read more about how I plan my workshops →
Workshop Focus
Join us for an engaging exploration of collagraph printmaking, where you'll discover how various materials can create striking textures. Participants will have the opportunity to make unique plates that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle or can stand alone for individual prints.
Each plate will feature different materials such as:
Wet Materials: PVA glue, tile grout, bathroom sealant, etc.
Textiles & Fabrics: Experiment with and learn how to use a variety of textiles to make creative impressions.
Mixed Media: Incorporate carborundum, tissue, textured wallpapers, and adjust plate surfaces for creative effect.
Over the weekend you will build a small collection of collagraph plates, that allow a multitude of printing combinations whilst deepening your understanding of these materials for future creative work. You will also learn a variety of inking techniques to achieve stunning effects.
All skill levels are welcome—from beginners eager to try something new to experienced artists seeking fresh inspiration. Over the weekend, you’ll acquire valuable technical skills and gain creative confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment. Meanwhile the isle of Bute provides the perfect backdrop for a creative island getaway that is within easy reach of the Scottish mainland and, if you need it, public transport. Join me! This print workshop offers a chance to disconnect from the everyday and connect with your creative side.