Blog - Cotton & Flax

workshop

Ready to learn how to screenprint?

Learn how to Screen PrintIt’s been two years since I taught my Screenprinting Class for CreativeLive, and it’s been amazing to see positive reviews of the class, and to hear from students who are diving in to their first screenprinting projects. I’m not teaching any in-person screenprinting workshops in 2019, but this class is always available for those of you who’ve been curious about how I create Cotton & Flax products.

I love ringing in the new year by exploring new creative projects! My introductory-level class is a perfect place to start if you’ve never tried screenprinting before, or if you need a refresher on the basics of how to get started. I walk you through all the steps of creating screen prints from home, and share my tips and tricks for creating amazing prints in small spaces. It’s not as tough as you’d think!

Erin Dollar screenprintingScreen printing is a great way to see your designs come to life as you apply them to paper, fabric, or other surfaces. It’s a medium that has tons of practical uses, and adds a dynamic edge to your creative toolkit. Sign up for my screen printing class on CreativeLive, and enjoy anytime access to the full class, so you can learn at your own pace!

Life as a Creative Business Owner

Creative business eventNext week I’ll be joining Suann Song, founder of Appointed Co., for a panel discussion about life as a creative business owner. I’m looking forward to connecting with other makers and entrepreneurs — the best part of my job is building community so that we can all see our endeavors thrive. If you’re a creative living in San Diego, don’t miss this engaging event! RSVP and secure your (free!) tickets on Eventbrite.

Stenciling on Fabric with The Crafter’s Box

Hand printed linen throw blanket - DIY via The Crafter's Box

This month, I’m thrilled to be partnering with The Crafter’s Box, to bring you another fun workshop: Stenciled Linen Throw Blankets! This is my second time collaborating with The Crafter’s Box for an online workshop, and I still love their format: you receive a box of high-quality craft materials in the mail, and log-in to enjoy the online workshop at your own pace. If you’ve been curious about stenciling on fabric, or creating your own large-scale designs on fabric, this is the workshop for you!

Hand printed linen throw blanketPatterned throw blanket - DIY via The Crafter's BoxThe Crafter’s Box is different than a lot of other creative workshops out there. They focus on workshops led by experts, who guide you through every step of a creative project, and provide live feedback during a monthly maker chat in their forums. The materials they send for each project are always beautiful — this month, we’ll be sending a gorgeous flax linen throw, which will look beautiful with the vibrant cobalt blue and black inks we’re including for the project. It can be used as a blanket, or a tablecloth for all your summer adventures!

Patterned linen tablecloth - DIY via The Crafter's BoxI hope you’ll join me for this workshop! You can sign up from today through June 20th — after that, enrollment closes, so they can pack up your boxes, and get them delivered in July. It’s a short sign-up window, so don’t delay. I can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

Intro to Wholesale for Creative Businesses

Intro to Wholesale for Creative Businesses - creative business classes from Erin Dollar of Cotton & FlaxI was so thrilled when Craft Industry Alliance invited me to teach an online workshop for their community this month! I presented a hour-long webinar called Ready for Wholesale: Introduction to Wholesale for Creative Small Businesses.

The class features my tips and tricks for selling handmade products to brick and mortar retail shops, and how to grow wholesale clients in a creative business. I love sharing my experiences with fellow creative business owners, and getting the opportunity to teach what I know.

Intro to Wholesale for Creative Businesses - creative business classes from Erin Dollar of Cotton & FlaxIf you’re an artist or maker who wants to sell their work to retail shops, sign up for Craft Industry Alliance, and check out my Intro to Wholesale class! There are tons of webinars on other relevant topics in their archives, but you have to be a member to access them – if you’re looking for a community of makers to connect with, this might be the place for you.

Creative Hobbies + New DIY Projects

Block printing DIY project for The Crafter's Box

It’s been a creative whirlwind in the studio lately! After four years of designing and producing textiles for Cotton & Flax, I’ve been branching out in 2016 by taking on projects that are stretching my creative muscles. While I’m still creating lots of new work for Cotton & Flax, this year I wanted to spend time learning some new skills. I love taking up a new creative hobby — it brings fresh ideas to all my creative work!

One way I’ve been trying out new techniques is through a new creative subscription box called The Crafter’s Box. I was introduced to this company last year, and I’ve tried three of their craft projects: Rya Weaving with Maryanne Moodie, marbled clay pots taught by Emily Reinhardt, and this giant arm knitted blanket taught by Elise Blaha.

Beautiful, super thick wool yarn from The Crafters Box

The quality of the materials in every Crafter’s Box has been amazing. Supplies and materials are sent along with instructions for each project, and they source materials from some of the best manufacturers around. The wool roving and yarn was particularly gorgeous, and I’ve been saving up the leftovers from my projects to use for something special.

DIY Table Runner - The Crafter's Box

I’m excited to share that I am partnering with The Crafter’s Box this month to teach block printing! When you sign up for a subscription to The Crafter’s Box, you’ll receive all the materials and supplies you’ll need to create a gorgeous block-printed linen table runner. You’ll gain access to an exclusive video tutorial showing you how to carve a linoleum block, and print a repeat pattern of your own design.

Sign up to receive this block printing kit today, it will only be available to purchase for a week or so! This box is an incredible value, so if you’ve been dying to take one of my classes in LA, now’s your chance to have me beamed into your home studio.