Saturdays · 14:00–16:30 · up to 5 guests · €75Find a date
The story
Block printing is a simple craft. You ink a carved block, press it onto cloth, lift it and repeat. I have spent years working with the artisans in India who still do it exactly this way.
That is what we do at the table in Mitte. I show you how the blocks are carved and how to ink them, and after a few practice prints your hands find the rhythm on their own. Then you print your own piece, 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 organic cotton tote goes home with you, along with your practice swatches. Bring a T-shirt or scarf if you would like to print on that too.
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
“Karvishi explains every step so well that you always know what you are doing, even with no experience at all. She demonstrates each technique once, lets you try, and only steps in when you are actually stuck. We have already gifted tickets to two of our friends since.”
Alena R.
“I am not a creative person and only went because my friend had booked it. But after the first practice prints you just want each line to come out a bit cleaner. My tote looks like something you bought in India. Almost.”
Clara M. (translated from German)
“My girlfriend gave me the workshop for my birthday. I was sceptical for about ten minutes, then spent the rest of the session trying to get one paisley perfectly straight. Bought her a ticket for the next date before we left, because everyone should end up with their own bag.”
Tom W.
“I booked it as an evening with my mother. We printed side by side, compared our attempts, argued over the nicer block and honestly just had a really good time. Being creative together was more fun than either of us expected. She has her tote now, I have mine.”
Anna S.
The workshop
Everything you need to know
WhenSaturdays, 14:00 to 16:30
WhereA private home studio on Kastanienallee, Berlin Mitte. Address sent after booking.
GroupUp to 5 guests. Larger groups by private booking.
Price€75 per person, everything included
IncludedHand-carved wooden blocks, inks, tools and an organic cotton tote. Unlimited masala chai and traditional snacks. Prefer coffee, or something bubbly for a celebration? Tell us and we’ll set the table.
BringNothing. Optionally a T-shirt, scarf or fabric to print on.
LevelNo experience needed. All ages welcome.
LanguageEnglish
How the 2.5 hours run
15 minChai and the history of block printing
45 minGuided practice on fabric swatches
75 minPrinting your own tote bag
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 tableSaturdays at 14:00 in Kastanienallee, Mitte. Gift cards available.
