Experimental Gelli Printing

This playful session focuses on texture, layering, and bold mark-making to generate spontaneous and visually striking prints. Through a series of guided experiments, you’ll explore how colour, shape, and repetition can be used to build dynamic compositions that celebrate happy accidents and intuitive image-making.

Using a mix of stencils, botanical forms, found textures, and freeform techniques, you’ll discover the joy of working quickly and without overthinking—letting the process lead the outcome. As your collection of prints grows, we’ll explore ways of collaging and refining your results, opening up possibilities for future textile, surface, or mixed-media applications.

Led by textile specialist Jules, the workshop will also highlight how your experimental prints can translate into design solutions for pattern and surface design. You'll be introduced to ways of extending your work digitally using Photoshop, where playful layering and manipulation can open up new directions for development—from repeat patterns to digital collages.

This workshop is ideal for art and design educators looking to trial accessible, high-impact techniques they can take back to the classroom, as well as creative practitioners and textile enthusiasts seeking fresh approaches to their work.

All Materials Provided:
Gelli plates, acrylic paints, rollers, stencils, papers, plant forms, found textures. Feel free to bring your own stencils, papers etc. Things will get messy so apron or old clothes that you don’t mind getting the odd blob of paint on is advised.

Artist bio:

Jules is a passionate freelance print designer and Senior Lecturer in Textile Design at Leeds Arts University. With a lively, hands-on teaching style, she brings a wealth of experience in both practical and digital techniques, equipping students and workshop participants alike with the tools they need to thrive creatively and professionally.

In 2015, she founded The Pattern Social, a collaborative design platform that connects designers and educators to explore, promote, and celebrate contemporary pattern design. Jules believes deeply in the power of creative play and is always encouraging those she works with—whether in the classroom or at a workshop—to push their boundaries, take risks, and embrace their own unique design voice.

She has worked with an exciting mix of clients across fashion, interiors, stationery, greetings, and publishing, and has exhibited her work internationally at events like Surtex in New York under The Pattern Social name.

Jules’ design process is playful and experimental, often beginning with bold, hand-crafted elements—like collage, mark making, and sketchbook explorations—that evolve into polished digital designs using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate. As a workshop attendee, you’ll get a glimpse into this process, discover new ways to make patterns, and gain the confidence to develop your own vibrant, personal style.

Whether you're a designer looking for fresh inspiration or simply someone curious about the world of pattern, Jules brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a supportive energy to help you explore, make, and most importantly—play.

www.thepatternsocial.com Instagram - @thepatternsocial

When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.

If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

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Host or Publisher Sunny Bank Mills Gallery