Discover how artists create patterns in a variety of ways and make your own block print using recycled or found materials.
The two works of art below show how artists create patterns in a variety of ways. The artists who made them used different art-making processes, including stitching, drawing, and dyeing. Use the downloadable resource guide or the information below to create your own block print using recycled or found materials.
El Anatsui, Ghanaian, born 1944; Fading Cloth, 2005; metal bottle tops and copper wire; dimensions variable according to installation: 126 inches x 21 feet; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Minority Artists Purchase Fund, funds given by the Third Wednesday Group, Director's Discretionary Fund, and funds given by the Saint Louis Art Museum Docent Class of 2006 in honor of Stephanie Sigala 10:2007; © El Anatsui, Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
Yoruba artist, Nigeria; Wrapper (adire eleko), mid-20th century; indigo-dyed cotton; 65 x 79 1/2 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of William C. Siegmann 1165:2010
Block printmaking
Create your own block print using recycled or found materials. Gather materials such as those listed below to get started.
Suggested materials
Cardboard, paper, fabric, recycled materials and found objects, glue, scissors, paint, brushes, markers, crayons, and pencil. Optional: yarn, string, and hole punch.
Instructions for block printmaking
Arrange the recycled or found materials on a piece of cardboard that becomes your printing block. When you are satisfied with the arrangement, glue them in place.
Apply paint to the surface of the materials or dip the block gently in the paint. Press the block firmly for a few seconds on paper or fabric and then lift it off.
Don’t have paint?
No worries—you can use markers, crayons, or pencils to create patterns by drawing and coloring.
You can choose to make small postcard-size prints or pattern drawings, or you can stitch together many prints to form a larger artwork.
To make a larger collaborative artwork
A family or community group could decide to have each member make their own print or drawing. Punch holes in the prints or drawings and stitch them together using string or yarn. Tie and knot the strings to complete your collaborative artwork.
