Print Art For Your Home

Overview

This four-hour workshop at TeoLab on Xicoténcatl, in Oaxaca's Centro, puts a gouge in your hand and gives you the chance to make woodblock prints you carved yourself. The session starts at 11:00 and is run by Etnofood Experiencias together with local artists. You begin by drawing a design, then carve it into a wood block, then print it. Materials, an apron and a drink of water, tea or coffee are all provided.

No prior experience is needed. Reviewers repeatedly describe themselves as complete beginners who left with pieces they were genuinely happy to hang on a wall, and several say the instructors demonstrated each step patiently and helped whenever someone got stuck. The group is capped at eight travellers, which the reviews bear out: people describe a relaxed studio vibe, sitting among the artists as they work, with plenty of individual guidance.

It suits solo travellers, couples and families alike. One point to plan around is the drying time. Some reviewers collected their prints a couple of hours later, while others returned two days after the session, so factor pickup timing into your itinerary before booking. The workshop is accessible to wheelchair users, and service animals are allowed. Gratuities are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at TeoLabArrive at TeoLab, Xicoténcatl 609 in the Centro, for a start time of 11:00. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.
2. Draw Your DesignYou start by creating a design of your own. Instructors guide the process but the final look of the piece is up to you, as reviewers describe.
3. Carve The Wood BlockUsing the provided gouge and wood, you carve your design. Several travellers mention the instructors were patient in demonstrating the carving techniques.
4. Print Your DesignYour carved block is used to make your print. Reviewers describe the satisfaction of finishing a piece of their own making.
5. Collect Your PrintsPrints need drying time before you can take them. Some reviewers returned a couple of hours later, while others picked their prints up two days after the session.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the session, from what to wear to when you can collect your finished prints.

• Bring Nothing Special. Wood, a gouge and an apron are all provided, along with water, tea or coffee. Gratuities are the only listed exclusion.
• Beginners Are Welcome. Most reviewers had never tried woodcut printing before and still loved both the process and the product. Instructors walk the group through each step and help with the carving as needed. Travellers with art experience also report enjoying it.
• Small Group Feel. The listing caps the group at eight travellers.
• Plan Print Pickup. Finished prints need time to dry. Several reviewers mention returning to collect them, either a couple of hours later or two days after the workshop. Consider your departure date when booking.
• Accessibility. The operator states the venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible surfaces and transport options nearby. Pushchairs are also accommodated, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.
• Wear Something Practical. An apron is provided, but you are handling ink and carving wood for several hours. Reviews suggest a relaxed pace rather than physical effort, so comfortable everyday clothing is fine.

Common issues. The main practical wrinkle is print collection: one reviewer flagged being unaware that prints must be picked up later, and another noted returning two days after the session, so build that into your plans. Gratuities are not included. One reviewer with a background in graphic art wished for more context on the local printmaking community and more technique tips, describing the learning as partly trial and error.

Common Questions