My project is part of the Creative Scotland Crowdmatch - I am 1 of 20 shortlisted creative projects in Scotland - that have the opportunity to win a share of £75,000 in match funding, up to £10,000 per project.
I need your help to raise £12,000 start up costs for Ink on Mesh.
Under my business name, Blessed Unrest, I hand screen print my own fabric collections, textile artworks and make/manufacture more functional products for interiors and fashion. Exhibiting and selling throughout the UK at design fairs, galleries and lifestyle retailers and working to commission.
Since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with a 1st Class hons degree, post grad diploma in design and a further teaching qualification in Further and Adult Education from The Edinburgh College, I’ve worked as a freelance designer and educator for over 25 years.
With your support I’m looking to achieve my dream of establishing INK on MESH in the heart of my local community. The studio will allow me to continue to develop my own textiles brand as well as providing invaluable space and specialized equipment for developing, emerging and graduate textile practitioners. "I know just how challenging it is to pursue your professional career as a textile graduate without access to screens, studio space and the support networks that college life offers".
Ink on Mesh will be a new welcoming and creative space for all the community. Based in North Edinburgh the studio will provide affordable communal studio space for the intergenerational community, artists, makers, graduates and hobbyists to meet, learn, explore and connect through the craft of screen printing and stitched textiles.
The Ink on Mesh community will have access to a fully equipped studio space, a wide range of classes and expert technical support. It will provide a learning environment that nurtures creativity at any age, stage and ability and offers one off experiences, progression routes and professional development in screen printing, textile dying, machine and hand stitched textiles. Post - pandemic I believe this studio can become a space to bring people back together, to re-establish community connections and build creative confidence through these hand craft and heritage skills.
Free access spaces will be offered each term with the intention of making these valued craft skills accessible to all with barriers to creative education.
Members will be inducted through a short technical workshop program which will allow them studio access to work unsupervised but with technical support to hand. Members will be able to use the studio via the open access booking system and will have a small personal storage space in the studio. Becoming a member creates opportunity for artistic exchange and collaboration. You'll receive discount to materials and screen hire and premium access to creative workshops, talks and demos hosted by guest professionals from the contemporary printed, stitched, embellished, woven, knitted, quilted and constructed textile community.
Extending a strong sense of community, for the development of skills and practice, whether your a curious beginner or a trained practitioner, there will be a range of evening, day and weekend classes on offer. Classes can be a ‘one off’ learning experience or a progression route to a more advanced skills level, option to become a member and link with wider education courses. "A lot of thought goes into developing class programs that cover all the essential skills but are fun, experimental and let the students express who they are". As well the programmed classes I'd love to develop crafting community socials, where people can get together, have coffee, show, share and support each others project work.
Newhaven is my home, a former village and harbour, in the neighbourhood of North Edinburgh and Leith. With enduring affection for it’s fishing heritage and ship building past it is now a thriving, multicultural and expanding community. The Print studio is one of the partners planning to potentially set up in The Heart of Newhaven Community Hub, one of the first dedicated intergenerational centers in the UK, awaiting funding for their purchase of the local Primary School in Autumn 2021. Alternatively I will set up Ink on Mesh in another local commercial space.
I have the foundations of a print studio through investing in equipment for many years which includes a 6 meter print table, screens, exposure unit and vacuum printing press.
Your support will go towards setting up the new studio space with:
- A dark room.
- Upgrade exposure unit and upgrade to current equipment.
- Screen wash out area with wash out bay.
- Light box and photocopier
- Class screens – A4, A3, A2 size paper and cloth mesh.
- Eco printing inks, screen printing emulsion and cleaning system
- Tools, materials to run classes.
- Storage, shelving and drying racks, chairs and work benches.
- Cutting and sewing table, sewing machines and over lockers.
- Website, booking system
As a huge thank you for believing in this project you receive an invite to the launch party. You also receive a very special creative soundscape download – The Blessed Unrest. This collaborative audio between Blessed Unrest and Malba offers you a moment to breath, to slow down, to re connect with your creativity.
£5 Reward - Brooch Badge
£10 Reward – Origami/craft paper bundle
£15 Reward – Limited edition Gift Cards set
£22 Reward – Organic Cotton Tote and Sketchbook
£30 Reward - Exclusive 'Flourish' make up bag
£30 Rewards - Specially designed Giclee Art Prints.
£55 Reward - Make at Home lampshade kit.
CLASSES/MEMBERSHIP
Pay it forward class, you can give the opportunity of a free class to someone that is unable to afford it.*
£50 Reward - Taster class 3 hrs.
£80 Reward - Day class & sweet treats 5.5 hrs
£170 Reward - Weekend class with sweet treats 5.5hrs x 2
£170 Reward - Weekend Book Binding Collaboration 5hrs x 2
£255 Reward - Membership 3 months
£540 Reward - Annual membership
£630 - Group Experience Day (for 6) with treats & glass of fizz
Currently I will continue to print and run socially distanced classes from a temporary hire space for six months where I can also start to roll out the product rewards. When you sign up for memberships or classes today through Crowdfunder, this will guarantee you a place at the reduced rate and the included extras. This will also help create the perfect environment for you to work in when Ink on Mesh opens towards the end of the year. You can also support this through smaller donations and help the studio become a reality.
*experiences that are paid forwards by your generosity will be honoured once Ink on Mesh moves in to it’s new home in Winter 2021 . In the event that the studio move is delayed I will offer the print experiences at an alternative location.
Terms & conditions:
The rewards offered by Blessed Unrest will be posted or hand delivered locally from end of April - mid May 2021.
Classes will only go ahead if 6 people sign up. In the event of us not reaching this target you will be offered alternative dates/times or to defer starting a block of classes. If we cannot come to an arrangement we will offer a full refund.
Thank you so much for being part of the CROWD that made this happen and I look forward to inviting you to the big celebration launch party when Ink on Mesh becomes a reality later in the year.
Please continue to spread the word and share the Crowdfunder link.
@inkonmesh @print classes
@inkonmesh @blessedunrest
#inkonmesh #blessedunrestscotland
