INTRO TOÂ REPEAT PATTERNS WORKSHOP
A 3-hour live online workshop with Ali Baecker of 3 Dotted Penguins.
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Learn how repeat patterns actually work — then design, carve and print your first tessellating repeat pattern, step by step.
LIVE ONLINE WORKSHOP · OCTOBER 22 · REPLAY INCLUDED
FROM ONE SMALL BLOCK TO A REPEATING PATTERN
Have you ever wondered how one small hand-carved block can turn into a pattern that fits together seamlessly?
In this live workshop, we’ll take the mystery out of repeat patterns. First, we'll look at what makes a repeat fit together seamlessly. Then we'll put that knowledge straight into practice as you design your own repeat tile, carve your block, and print it again and again to see how the repeat comes together.
By the end of our three hours together, you'll have designed and carved your own repeat block and printed your first tessellating pattern.
And I'll be right there as you work — demonstrating each step, answering your questions and helping you troubleshoot along the way.
🤍 THIS WORKSHOP IS PERFECT FOR YOU IF...
- You’ve carved a few stamps before and are ready to take the next step into repeat patterns.
- You’ve looked at seamless repeating patterns and wondered, “But how does that actually work?”
- You want to go beyond printing individual motifs and learn how to design a block that fits together seamlessly.
- You want to understand the process well enough to start creating repeat patterns from your own ideas.
- You learn best by seeing the process, trying it yourself and being able to ask questions along the way.
Or maybe you simply want to spend three creative hours designing, carving and printing alongside other block printing creatives.
What participants are saying about the workshop:
"Ali made the process very accessible."
"Ali made everything very clear. I had been trying to do repeat patterns on my own, but I was in need of some fundamental steps to really understand the process. Ali made the process very accessible."
- Meghan Phillips, USA - Intro to Repeat Patterns Workshop
LET'S DIG INTO THE DETAILS
YOU'LL LEARN
Intro to Repeat Patterns
During our three hours together, we'll work through the whole process — from understanding how the repeat works to printing your finished pattern on paper.
You'll learn:
- How repeat patterns work in block printing
- How to design and plan your repeat tile
- What to look out for when carving a tessellating block that prints seamlessly
- How to hand-print your pattern onto paper
This workshop is ideal if you’ve carved a couple of stamps on your own - no need to be an expert!
By the end of this workshop, you'll understand how repeat patterns work, know how to design and carve your own repeat blocks, and have the confidence to apply what you have learned to your own projects.
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HOW IT WORKS
 Join us
🗓 Thursday, October 22 – 7–10 pm CEST
- Location: online via Zoom (live & recorded)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Language: English
- Replay: Available for 6 months
You’ll receive a materials list, printable worksheets, and templates in advance.
It’s fully hands-on — carve and print alongside me, step by step.
Repeat patterns created by workshop students
Block prints created by "Intro to Repeat Patterns" workshop participants: Clare Hyatt (UK), Julie Byrne (USA), Meghan Phillips (USA), Sandra (Germany)
What students say
"I loved that I was able to follow along and have my first repeating print by the end of the workshop!"
- Rachel H., USA
HOW STUDENTS DESCRIBE ALI'S WORKSHOPS IN ONE WORD
The workshops are ...
amazing  comprehensive  brilliant  encouraging  creative  fun  excellent  inspirational  thoughtful exhilarating  confidence-building  enthusiastic  artful  illuminating  empowering essential  wonderful  enlightening informative  heartening  exceptional  fantastic  inspiring  great  well-rounded  kind  motivating  timeless  resourceful  suuuuper  magic successful  thorough  fabulous  helpful  engaging
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR, ALI BAECKER OF 3 DOTTED PENGUINS
Hey there, I'm Ali!
I am a self-taught printmaker and surface pattern designer based in Zurich, Switzerland. I am here to teach you all about my passion for block printing and pattern design.
I discovered my love for block printing in 2018 - with no previous experience in stamp carving or block printing and no understanding of how patterns worked.Â
Since 2020, I’ve taught thousands of students from around the world how to carve, print and create their own repeat patterns through my online workshops and classes. I'm excited to share my knowledge and my tips and tricks with students like you to help kickstart your block printing and pattern journey.
There’s nothing I love more than seeing my students experience those aha-moments and create their own handprinted repeat patterns.
When I’m not printing, you’ll find me chasing after my little printmaker (my daughter), exploring the world, or playing board games.
What you can expect in the workshop
Work alongside me live
Design, carve and print as I demonstrate each step.
Get help as you work
Ask questions and show me your block or prints when you need feedback.
Everything you need to prepare
You'll receive the materials list, worksheet and template before the workshop.
6 months to revisit the workshop
You'll receive access to the recording through your private Workshop Hub.
What participants are saying about the workshops:
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"Ali shared great examples and well thought out steps about the process. Very fun and relaxed."
-Lynda P., USA
