I was inspired by the geometric patterns of African mud cloth in this pillow project.
I made a few small 2″ x 4″ soft foam plates and played with creating pleasing patterns. I printed on linens and napkins from the thrift store.
I found that I liked the simple designs best and to leave a little space between impression gave the eye a place to rest. These foam printing plates are made from recycled styrofoam produce trays.
I heat set the printed fabric with an iron. I use the hottest possible temperature and use a thin cloth in between the iron and printed fabric. The longer you can wait to wash the more permanent it becomes as well.
If you would like to make a bunch of foam plates and play with printing on paper or fabric, then join us in Soft Plate Relief Printing, the online class starting soon. Get all the details on the printmaking workshop page.
I was ambitious and made this ocean inspired quilt from a stack of relief printed swatches. FUN!