Creating An Artful Home
Three years in the making…we are excited to announce Tulusa Month will finally happen at Boxwood this September! Throughout the month, we will transform the store with the artistic expression and creativity of local textile artist Sue Henry of Tulusa.
As you enter Boxwood during our Tulusa Month, prepare to be greeted by a colorful display of Sue’s designs, ranging from block-printed pillow covers, table linens, Shibori prints, and her latest offering – wallpaper! You won’t be able to miss the wallpaper, as we’ll have samples hanging in our window starting September 1. Also, we are delighted to announce a series of hands-on Tulusa workshops that will celebrate artful living and dive into block- printing techniques.
Based in Del Ray, Tulusa is a textile studio showcasing the exceptional talent of its owner and creative director, Sue Henry, whose intricate designs are inspired by nature's beauty. Sue's block-printed creations transform everyday items into exquisite pieces of art. From eye-catching pillow covers to elegant table linens, each piece reflects Sue’s dedication to craftsmanship and her love for hand-printed textiles.
I first met Sue in New York City at Shoppe Object, a market where retailers go to buy inspired goods. I had previously heard about Sue and her art before heading to NYC. And then there she was – with her curly, braided hair, wearing a white-denim jumpsuit with this funky hat that only she could pull off. She made an impression! And that's why I can’t wait to dedicate an entire month to her work at Boxwood.
To kick off Tulusa Month and the workshop series, Boxwood is hosting a very special event you won’t want to miss. On Wednesday, September 13, join local artists and home-design experts for “An Evening of Conversation: Creating an Artful Home.” Moderated by Britt Patterson of The Patterson Group, the panel of speakers will include Sue Henry of Tulusa, Lindsay Boudreaux of Shotgun Double Interior Design, Alexandria-based artist Judy Heiser, and others.
The following evening, September 14, we will start the Tulusa workshop series. Join Sue for an inspiring workshop on hand-blocking basics. Block printing is an age-old technique that involves carving designs into blocks, applying ink or dye, and transferring the patterns onto various surfaces. In this engaging workshop, Sue will introduce you to the art of block printing as she shares her expertise on and passion for this beautiful craft.
On Thursday, September 21, the second workshop will cover the art of Shibori fabric dyeing. Shibori is an ancient Japanese resist-dyeing technique that involves folding, binding, and compressing fabric to create exquisite patterns. In this workshop, Sue will introduce you to the fundamental folding techniques used in Shibori and will guide you through the dyeing process. You'll learn how to layer ink with brushwork to achieve stunning results. By the end, you'll take home a finished Shibori fabric masterpiece!
Then, on September 26, create your own hand-blocked wrapping paper in the final Tulusa workshop. With the upcoming holiday season in mind, Sue will guide you through the process of block printing your wrapping-paper design. You’ll learn how to carve intricate designs into blocks and then how to transfer the image. Your original wrapping paper could be a gift, in and of itself!
So, mark your calendar for a month filled with artistic inspiration, and join Boxwood in celebrating the allure of block printing and the ingenious talent of Sue Henry, the visionary artist behind Tulusa. Won’t you join us in creating an artful home? Click here to see our full Tulusa Month details and schedule.
