We are the UK's most loved provider of Indian block printing supplies & workshops. We believe anyone can find lasting joy and confidence through creativity and craftsmanship.
The Indian Block Print Co. is truly a family business inside and out. Since leaving her corporate role in the city 20 years ago, Maggie Sheehan has been dedicated to creating space and support for anyone to create, especially those who feel that perhaps they aren’t ‘arty’. Along the way, she has gathered a loyal team many of whom have been with her for well over a decade including her own daughters Tess and Annabel.
With a thriving local pottery painting café and a successful craft supply business, Maggie will forever be grateful for a chance meeting with a lovely lady selling Indian wood printing blocks at a craft show. This lady had discovered them on a trip to India, and supplied a few to Maggie to offer at a craft show herself, and put her in touch with her contact in India.
Immediately from that first show, Maggie felt the thirst in the craft community for the simplicity, accessibility and beauty of block printing, each one a work of art in its own right. Just like Maggie’s business origins of pottery painting, which allows anyone to create beautiful ceramic art without prior artistic training, she recognised the capacity of block printing to allow anyone to create something beautiful, and in doing so build confidence and wellbeing. “I was immediately hooked, and knew others would be too”.
Our mission & values
Seek a good life for all
We are a good life business, which means we believe that everyone deserves a good, joyful life. We are dedicated to not just supporting but actively seeking joy for our community, our carvers & ourselves.
Honour the craft
Block printing is a craft dating back thousands of years. We don't believe in claiming to know everything there is to know about it. Rather we believe firmly in honouring, celebrating and learning directly from those who do - our carvers and print teachers in India. Through regular visits, family friendships and constant learning, we hope to act as a respectful conduit from those very craftspeople to our studio and your kitchen table, allowing anyone who wishes to find joy and confidence in creativity and craftsmanship.
Not only can we tell you in which workshop each block has been carved, we also credit and celebrate our block designers locally, and the beautiful creations you make in our studio sessions and workshops.
Art & creativity heals
We have all witnessed firsthand the power of art and creativity to heal, be that in our own lives or having the honour of seeing our customers' lives improve through craft. Our studio and team will always offer a safe space for all, whatever your background, mood or needs.
We are now beginning to work with charities to offer workshops and bespoke kits to marginalised communities who might benefit from creative activity for mental health.
Tread lightly on the planet
Having a global supply chain, from India to Oxfordshire and beyond, we are acutely aware of leaving as light a footprint on the planet as possible. We offset as much of our carbon as possible through regular tree planting projects. We also believe in one-time purchases: you shouldn't have to replace your blocks. Ever. Our blocks are carved from Sheesham - a very hard and very fast growing tree - meaning not only does the wood used replace itself swiftly in its natural environment, the blocks themselves are designed to last a lifetime of making. You should only need to buy each block once. Look out for our quality kitemark ensuring your block has passed our quality approval checks, to be trusted and relied upon for a lifetime of making.
Space to create
Finally, we believe that anyone deserves the opportunity to create, whatever their level of skill or experience. In our studio, there is no question too silly, no beginner too new, no print too blotchy - as far as we're concerned, it's all making and it's all art. We believe wholeheartedly in holding a space for anyone and everyone to learn, whether or not you feel you're an 'arty' person or not.
Equally, if you create regularly, but are craving space to explore and grow creatively, we're here for you too, from advanced taught workshops to open printing sessions to work on your own projects in peace. Whatever you need, we've got you, and the kettle is always on.
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