It all starts with a piece of wood...
Block-printing, the age-old printing technique we use to create Beastly textiles, is a beautiful, labor-intensive, multi-stage process. It is the ultimate example of slow fashion. What does block-printing look like? Let’s start with the hand-carved wooden blocks.
Block-carving is a critically important part of the printing process. Without a perfect tool to print with, the final prints will be messy and off-kilter. The block-carving skill is passed from generation to generation, allowing this stunning artform to endure even in these technology-heavy modern times.
It all starts with a sketch, drawing, or painting or more often, several of them, evolving and changing over time, slowly getting closer to the final, perfect design. Once the design is complete, I send images to the carvers to create the 8 x 8 inch blocks, one per color. So if the design only has one printed color (other than the background color) like the Jaguar, only one block is required. Designs like the Mollusk and Wild Dog include more printed colors (four and two respectively), so require more blocks. Obviously the more colors and blocks mean a more time-intensive printing process.
Each block design is printed out and traced on to the block of wood. This has to be done very carefully to ensure that the printed shapes line up and the edges are smooth. Once the design has been drawn onto the wood, the carver begins to cut away extra wood with chisels, hammers, and a small bow drill. The carved block is then cured to ensure that the wood doesn't warp and can be used over and over again.
With finished blocks, the printing can begin. Stay tuned for our next post to learn more about block-printing!
(Photos by Anchit Natha)
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Introducing Our New Peace Silk Square Scarves — The Perfect Gift for Her
Our New Peace Silk Square Scarves are truly special.
Yes, they are beautiful but they are more than just a pretty piece of fabric. Much more.
Let's start at the beginning with how the raw silk is collected. With regular silk, the silkworm cocoon is boiled with the live worm inside. With the peace silk (also called Ahimsa Silk) that we use, the silkworm is allowed to naturally leave the cocoon as a moth and only then is the silk of the cocoon harvested. The fibres of the discarded cocoon are spun into thread and then woven into cloth.
Now THIS is slow fashion...
My excitement about the launch of our new peace silk square scarves is a bit overwhelming. The scarf is where Beastly began as it was the first product we produced and sold back in 2015. Since then, we have added many new pieces from skirts and dresses to aprons and weekender totes. To get back to scarves, such a timeless and essential accessory, feels appropriate and just right as we round 10 years in business.
This product might be new but the beautiful, slow creation process certainly is not...