Sundays · 14:00–16:00 · up to 5 guests · €65Find a date
The story
Block printing is a simple craft. You ink a carved block, press it onto paper, lift it and repeat. I have spent years working with the artisans in India who still do it exactly this way.
This session is about the feel of paper. I show you how the blocks are carved and how to ink them, and how the same motif sits differently on heavy and light paper. After a few practice prints, the blocks are yours, and the chai keeps coming.
01Ink, place, press, liftThe rhythm is simple and it repeats. After a few prints your hands find it on their own, which is why block printing is often called meditative.
02No template, no wrong printYou choose the blocks, the colours and where they go. A slight offset or uneven ink is exactly what makes a hand print look hand printed.
03Leave with something you madeYour stationery set goes home with you: six cards with matching envelopes, two A4 art sheets and two bookmarks.
From the table
From the table · 5.0 on konfetti
“My partner and I had a great time doing the block printing workshop. Karvishi was a great instructor, giving clear instructions, attention, and help to get everyone comfortable with the technique.”
A guest, via konfetti
“I had seen block printing on textiles briefly when I was visiting India and was curious how it would work on paper. Turns out it is a completely different craft. Paper needs a much lighter hand, and Karvishi calmly lets you ruin two sheets before showing you what you were doing wrong. By the third one it clicks.”
Renata P.
“What can you possibly do with stamps for two hours, I wondered. By the end I did not want to stop. I printed all the place cards for our wedding tables myself. Nobody believes they are homemade.”
Frieda K. (translated from German)
“Honestly, I came along mainly for the chai. My wife had booked us both spots and I figured I would drink tea and be supportive. Two hours later I had my own stack of printed cards and strong opinions about ink. Hers are still better and we both know it.”
James H.
“Five of us around the table and chai refilled before you notice your cup is low. I went home with a stack of cards and have been inventing reasons to write letters ever since. My grandmother thinks I have gone eccentric. She might be right.”
Nina B.
The workshop
Everything you need to know
WhenSundays, 14:00 to 16:00
WhereA private home studio on Kastanienallee, Berlin Mitte. Address sent after booking.
GroupUp to 5 guests. Larger groups by private booking.
Price€65 per person, everything included
IncludedHand-carved wooden blocks, inks, tools and your stationery set. Unlimited masala chai and traditional snacks. Prefer coffee, or something bubbly for a celebration? Tell us and we’ll set the table.
BringNothing.
LevelNo experience needed. All ages welcome.
LanguageEnglish
How the 2 hours run
15 minChai and the history of block printing
45 minGuided practice on paper swatches
60 minStamping your stationery set
Your host
Karvishi, founder of Esoraa
“I’ve worked with textiles my whole life. Block printing is the part I wanted to share, because you learn it in an afternoon and you leave with something you actually made. And I make very good chai.”
Questions
See you at the tableSundays at 14:00 in Kastanienallee, Mitte. Gift cards available.
