Transfer Printing
Transfer printing—also known as sublimation printing—is a vibrant and exciting technique that allows you to create rich, layered images on fabric or paper using heat and pressure. It’s an accessible process that bridges the gap between drawing, collage, and surface design, offering striking results and plenty of room for creative exploration.
This form of printmaking uses specially formulated sublimation dyes and heat to transfer hand-drawn or painted designs from paper onto synthetic fabrics or surfaces coated for sublimation. With no press required, just a heat press or domestic iron, it’s a process that’s easy to set up and endlessly adaptable.
The fundamentals of sublimation
In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of sublimation printing. You'll learn how to work with sublimation inks, pencils, and paints to create your own unique imagery on paper. We’ll explore mark-making, layering, collage techniques, and how to compose imagery with shape, colour, and pattern in mind. You’ll then transfer your designs onto fabric using heat, watching your images come to life in bold, permanent colour.
The transfer process is fast and satisfying, making it ideal for experimentation. You'll produce a range of printed samples that can stand alone as artworks or be used as components in textile projects, creative journals, stitched work, or further mixed media pieces.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced creatives alike. Whether you’re new to printing or looking to explore sublimation as part of a wider creative practice, there’s plenty here to inspire.
✨The Sublimation workshop
The transfer process is fast and satisfying, making it ideal for experimentation. You'll produce a range of printed samples that can stand alone as artworks or be used as components in textile projects, creative journals, stitched work, or further mixed media pieces.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced creatives alike. Whether you’re new to printing or looking to explore sublimation as part of a wider creative practice, there’s plenty here to inspire.
The workshop is led by Alison Butler, a textile designer and book illustrator with over 25 years of experience in creative education. Her expert guidance will help you build confidence and experiment freely in a supportive environment.
All materials, tools, and use of equipment are included. Please bring an apron and an A3 folder to transport your work home. The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm and costs £99 per person. Refreshments are provided throughout the day—just bring your lunch.
A Word From the Artist
“Transfer printing has become one of my favourite creative processes—there’s something magical about watching a hand-drawn or painted image transform through heat into a vivid, permanent print. The immediacy of the results is always exciting, yet there’s also space for subtlety, layering, and surprise.
I love how this technique combines so many elements: drawing, collage, design, and colour exploration. It allows for experimentation without pressure, and the results often feel fresh and unexpected. Whether you’re working with loose marks or carefully composed patterns, the process encourages playfulness and discovery.
In this workshop, I aim to share not just the practical methods, but the joy of the process. It’s a chance to slow down, experiment with colour and shape, and enjoy the unpredictable outcomes !
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– Alison Butler, Founder of Blooming Designs
