In June 2025,enthusiastic students from CEHRO India participated in a five-day workshop on Traditional Block Making and Block Printing (Resist Dyeing) held at the National Museum, New Delhi. This workshop was part of the museum’s ongoing educational initiative, “Playtime at the National Museum 2025,” aimed at nurturing creativity and cultural curiosity among young learners.
Led by Smt. Namita Malika, a renowned artist and museum educator, the workshop provided students with an immersive experience in traditional Indian art techniques, linking history with hands-on learning.
Day 1: Exploring History & Finding Inspiration
The workshop began with an introduction to block printing and its historical significance. Students toured various galleries in the museum, observing ancient textiles, motifs, and artefacts. This exploration helped spark their creativity and gave them a chance to identify traditional designs they would later replicate. It was a day of ideation, learning, and sketching, rooted in India’s rich heritage
Day 2: Preparing the Canvas – Block Making Begins
Students learned the process of preparing blocks using Plaster of Paris (POP). This step involved shaping the base and understanding the intricacies of creating a solid structure suitable for carving. The session blended science and art, emphasizing patience, precision, and care
Day 3 & 4: Carving with Craftsmanship
The next two days were dedicated to carving their chosen designs into the POP blocks using specialized tools. Under the guidance of the instructor, students practiced techniques to carefully transform their sketches into physical blocks. These sessions encouraged attention to detail and offered a deep appreciation of the skill involved in traditional craftsmanship.
Day 5: From Block to Fabric – The Printing Process
The final day was the most exciting as students used their hand-carved blocks to print designs onto fabric. Watching their ideas take shape through color, pattern, and form was a moment of pride and achievement for each participant. They left with a personalized printed cloth — a tangible memory of their learning.
Impacts:
Skill Development: Students acquired new artistic and technical skills, from block preparation to precision carving and fabric printing.
Informal Learning: The museum environment enabled students to learn history by doing — making the past engaging and meaningful.
Creative Confidence: Many participants, initially hesitant, expressed immense joy and pride in their final printed designs.
Exposure & Engagement: The opportunity to interact with a professional artist and work within a national-level institution broadened the students’ perspectives.
This workshop beautifully combined heritage education with hands-on creativity, helping participants explore India’s artistic traditions while building their confidence and curiosity. CEHRO India is proud to have facilitated this experience for its students and looks forward to more such enriching collaborations.
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