Block Prints from India

India has a Ministry of Textiles. I think that says everything you need to know about how seriously India takes textiles.

My BFF (and travel buddy) and I were planning on going to India after we turned 30. That is looking increasingly unlikely to happen before 3-1, but as soon as we’re on the same wavelength with careers and finances, we’re hopping on the plane and going.

I must be prepared. How many beautiful things have you seen in shelter magazines that the homeowner brought back from India? Think inlaid furniture, embroidered tapestries and those brass mermaid door handles. I need them all.

In particular, I will be looking for block-printed fabrics.

Rickshaw Design

Viva Terra

West Elm

PB Teen

Beautiful, yes? Wood-blocked prints are exactly what they sound like: someone carves an often intricate design on a chunk of wood, and then uses it to paint patterns on fabric. I watched several YouTube videos on the practice, but this one is my favorite:

Tell me that doesn’t make you want to go to India!

Well, if in fact that doesn’t make you want to go to India, don’t worry.  You don’t have to brave the craziness of India for block prints; all of the above products are from western retailers. You can also add a personal touch to your fabric by creating your own block print fabric.

If you want to get really crazy, then by all means carve your own block (and send me a picture so I can be jealous of your talent.) But for those of us with far fewer creative skills, we have the option of buying the blocks directly from India through companies like Colouricious:

Personally, I would choose the elephant, even if it is better suited for children. I can be young at heart…or something like that. What pattern would you choose? Anyone have any block print fabrics in your home? Anyone been to India?!? If so, please tell me about it so I can live vicariously!