Mixed Media Workshops & Retreats
April Sproule Printed and Stitched Mixed Media Immersion Five-Day Retreat
Sunday, August 9th, 5:30 pm: Meet & GreetAugust 10-14, 2026 |$1,295
Block printing on fabric and paper is an exciting, hands-on way to create expressive work with your own personal style. In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore both simple and more intricate designs while embracing the importance of play and experimentation. The use of repurposed materials in the form of old linens, clothing, scarves, papers, maps, or just about anything else is perfect for this process.
You’ll carve your own printing blocks using provided designs and learn how to develop and transfer original imagery of your own. Using easy, practical methods and basic tools, you’ll print on fabric and paper, then discover the magical, transformational effect of adding secondary color.
With your printed materials, you’ll create an approximately 14” x 18” collaged mixed media textile piece with fabric and paper that emphasizes color, design, and composition. Hand stitching, embroidery, and appliqué will be used to embellish and bring your work to life. You’ll leave inspired—and with a rich collection of printed and painted fabrics and papers for future projects.
Learning Objectives
The "Printed and Stitched Immersion" retreat offers a comprehensive learning experience focused on textile art. The key learning objectives for participants include:
Develop Original Block Print Designs
● Learn to develop original design ideas● Create, transfer, and carve your designs for block printing
Master Diverse Printing Methods
● Apply block printing techniques on fabric and paper● Explore adding secondary colors to prints
Construct Collaged Textile Art
● Learn how to combine printed fabrics and papers● Practice designing and assembling mixed media textiles● Focus on effective color, design, and compositional elements
Enhance Work with Hand Stitching
● Utilize hand appliqué, embroidery, and innovative stitching to create texture, pattern, and dimension ● Discover the meditative aspects of hand stitching
Refine and Present Finished Pieces
● Learn professional finishing and display options● Share and receive supportive feedback
Skill Level
No experience is required, and this workshop is suitable for all skill levels.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1
Getting Started
We’ll review the tools, materials, and the general workflow of the printing process.• Familiarize yourself with the components of successful printing.• Explore block design options for single motifs.• Begin creating your first blocks exploring your personal preferences.
Day 2
Printing and Painting
Learn the basics of printing single motifs, and then move on to more complex designs.• Be bold and expressive, or delicate and detailed, find the “you.”• Express your individuality as a creative being.
Day 3
Color, Design, and Confidence with Compositional Options
This is where the fun really begins as you discover the joys of combining your handmade papers and fabrics together.• Develop your basic layout, learning why less is so much more.• Begin the stitching, while contemplating the embellishment.
Day 4
More Embellishment
Gain a deeper understanding of how to create texture, pattern, and dimension in your work with innovative stitching techniques all done without a hoop!• Experience the icing on the cake.• Discover the meditative, soul-soothing aspects of hand stitching.
Day 5
Finishing and Critique in a Supportive Group Environment
Discover finishing and display options for your hand-stitched piece.• Learn professional finishing techniques.• Discover display options.• Share your progress and participate in a supportive group critique.
Pre-Retreat Prep Video
Pre-Retreat Prep
Watch this video to be fully prepared for your retreat.
This essential retreat preparation guide reveals how to transform everyday materials into unique art. You'll discover the ideal fabrics to use and learn the crucial "needling test" to ensure comfortable stitching while avoiding straining your hands.
Dive into the world of paper, exploring how vintage letters, maps, and even tea bags can add rich texture and storytelling to your work, with clever solutions for heavier papers
You'll get a comprehensive list of carving and printing supplies, embracing the delightful imperfections of hand-carved blocks. Plus, get a glimpse into the rewarding simplicity of botanical printing.
Watch before your retreat to gather your perfect kit, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your creative journey is enjoyable and full of delightful discoveries.
About April Sproule
April Sproule is a textile artist with a great love of design and the numerous ways it can be used to enrich our lives. She has been sewing and creating with fiber since she was old enough to hold a needle.
She received her early professional training at the San Francisco School of Fashion Design, and after graduating, continued studying textiles, art, and business.
For 20 years, April worked for several different fashion and accessory manufacturers in the US and Canada. She specialized in design, new product development, and production management. She loved the challenges of transforming a vague idea into a tangible product.
April has been a full-time textile artist since 2001 when she opened Sproule Studios. Since then, she has won numerous awards for her work and also developed her own commercial product line of textile-related goods.
April works in her studio in northern California where she offers workshops in surface design techniques, contemporary hand embroidery, and private consultations. She loves the opportunity to share the ideas, inspiration, and techniques she's learned with others while encouraging them to develop their own unique style.
April's website is sproulestudios.comHer YouTube channel is @sproulestudiosFind her on Instagram @sprouleapril
Important InformationRead Before Registering
Cancellation Policy
If the Estelle Center must cancel a retreat, you will receive a full refund.
Your $450 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you cancel your reservation and the Estelle Center is able to fill your space, your deposit of $450 will be refunded less a $100 cancellation fee.
We have limited guest accommodations. If you cancel your room reservation at any time, you will be refunded your payment minus a $150 cancellation fee.
Payments
A deposit of $450 is required to register. The balance of $845 is due by June 10, 2026, which is 60 days before the start of the retreat.
After June 10, 2026, the full retreat cost of $1,295 is required to register.
Meals & Lodging
The Printed and Stitched Mixed Media Immersion Five-Day Retreat includes meet and greet with appetizers, light breakfast items daily, three lunches, two dinners, and five days of instruction. Other meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee.
Estelle's Upstairs guest rooms are available for retreat participants. There are single, double, and triple occupancy rooms that share a large bathroom down the hall. There is a separate button below where you can see which rooms are available and book a room.
Click here to learn more about our guest rooms.
Click here to find other accommodations in La Veta.
What To Expect Next
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Payment
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