Printing on Fabric – feel and use

fabric prints, printing inks, tools / /

When choosing to monoprint on fabric you may want to think about:

  • your intended use for the printed fabric
  • how you want it to feel
  • does it need to be washable

play with printing on fabric

I don’t always know what I will use the fabric for, but I often want it to feel soft and be washable. The main factor that affects these qualities is the kind of ink or paint that you print with.

inks for make monoprints on fabric with the gelatin plate

I have tried lots of brands with monoprinting fabric on the gelatin plate. And I think every artist will have their own preference. You can read about my experience with the different inks in this blog post.

The other factor that affects the hand/feel of the material is how thickly you apply the ink. Often with monotype printing on paper, I can print several layers of ink and I try to limit the layers to 1 or 2 when printing on fabric.

If you would like to explore Monoprinting Fabric with the gelatin plate, then check out the details of the upcoming online class and join us.

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Spring time – Good for rusting paper

artist book, mixed media printmaking, rust prints / /

You may call me crazy. But I like to collect rusted bits of debris found on the side of the road.

Rusted papers in art journal

Spring in New England, is a good time to find bits of rusted metal on the side of the road. And things are even pre-flatted. 🙂

collect rusted metal from city streets

I have a rusted cookie sheet and a collection of flat rusted things. Once or twice a year I like to rust up some paper or fabric.

rust paper

It is easy to do, but yields unpredictable results.

  1. Get your rusty things wet
  2. Wet your paper
  3. Stack the rusty stuff on your paper
  4. Get the most contact possible. I like to put some weight on top
  5. You can spritz with vinegar/water mix
  6. Don’t cover. You need air to oxidize the metal.
  7. Wait over night (that is the hard part)

rust printing paper

Then you have some paper wit wonderfully aged patina. I have used it for:

Give it a try!

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Tweak your found stencils – gelatin printmaking

monotype print / /

One of the things that I love about gelatin printmaking is printing with found stencils, like weeds and ferns.

find stencils in cracks in the sidewalk

What I find changes with the season. I look for very flat, flexible, delicate and strong. Weeds are often stronger than cultivated plants. They have to be to survive!

Spring greens are usually tender and weak

Here are my guidelines for collecting grasses, weeds and botanicals for gelatin printmaking:

  1. Flat is very important. Grasses can be trimmed or thinned out to make it flatter. Better negative space. Gently press between books or Plexiglas to flatten.
  2. Strong means they will last at least one day of printing. And they are easier to handle and position on the plate. But if you can only find flimsy spring weeds – give it a try.
  3. Be aware that they can cut into the plate or shed seeds. Usually it is easy to clean up with water and a rag.
  4. Dried leaves are usually too brittle, but thin dried grasses are usually great.
  5. You can preserve strong green botanicals with 1 part glycerin to 2 parts water. How to here.
  6. You can store strong grasses and ferns for many months. I use, phone books, file folders and cookie sheet trays.

Delicate grasses make great stencils

Hopefully, you will now look at some weeds and grasses with a new eye for potential art making materials. I always find new treasures whether I am in the woods or on the city street.

make prints with botanicals

Check out the current workshops and explore gelatin printmaking with found stencils and more.

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Print Day in May – This Saturday

monotype print / /

May 1st is the global Print Day in May this year! I encourage you to print and share your passion on social media to celebrate printmaking.

It is easy to do.

  1. Print
  2. Share images with the hashtag #PrintdayinMay
  3. You can register as a participant here – https://printdayinmay.com
  4. If you use special hashtags you are eligible to win sponsors prizes more details here https://printdayinmay.com/2021-sponsors/

simplify gelatin plate monotype

So just have fun making prints and share with others. Maybe print with a friend.

I will be printing with the idea of Simplifying to make more powerful gelatin plate monotype prints.

simplified gelatin prints by linda germain

I list some fun printmaking ideas for you and your friends in this post.

Enjoy!

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Failure informs

artist book, collage, inspiration, mixed media printmaking, monotype print / /

Every time things don’t work out as I had hoped, it is an opportunity for me to learn something.

mixed media sketchbook linda germain

I could learn:

  • I don’t really like that technique
  • I need more instructions
  • I could use some practice
  • Am I using the right tools?
  • Maybe I need more time
  • Is it possible with the way that I am approaching it?

Accordion book with gelatin prints

I could ask those kinds of questions about almost any situation in life, art, business, family or well being.

collage poem by linda germain

And I think for me it is easier to fail, and asks those questions in the art area of my life. For some reason, I have let it be a process of discovery that includes lots of learning through “failing.”

make lots of gelatin prints

I have said it before, but if I get two out of 10 prints that I love, then I consider that a success. And it usually takes learning something from those other 8 prints to get those prints that I love.

So it is important that I enjoy the process and not just the end result.

sketchbooks by Linda Germain

I have been doing stuff in sketchbooks lately. And I realized I wanted the end result faster, I wanted to finish the sketchbook. Hmmm? This was not me loving the process.

I tried different approaches:

  • Made smaller books
  • Tried different book forms
  • Carried it with me
  • Allowed myself to write, doodle, collage, paint, print, what ever

I have not found my happy sketchbook practice yet, but I am learning a lot in the process.

make gelatin prints into books Linda Germain

If you would like some guidance and support in Simplifying your gelatin prints, then join us in the online workshop –SIMPLIFY- make powerful gelatin prints. Get all the details on the workshop page.

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