Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Printmaking tools from the Bathroom

tools / Linda Germain / January 26, 2016

I alway check out rubber things at the local shop. Rubber is spongey and can make an interesting mark in the thin layer of ink on the gelatin and glycerin printing plate.

Non skid bath mats and pads come in lots of patterns and shape. I use them to lift off and then apply a thin layer of ink to the printing plate.

If you would like to explore making monotypes on the glycerin and gelatin plate with ink on paper, then join the next session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course. Check out the details here.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!

Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

Printmaking tools from the Bathroom Read More »

Cardboard as a relief stamp

I used a circle cutter to cut the first layer of this piece of corrugated cardboard. I love cardboard as a mark making tool. You could use a razor blade or exact knife to do the same and cut whatever shape you would like.

I rolled out a thin layer of ink and then pressed the the carved cardboard into the surface of the ink. Then I placed the print paper on top and burnished.

If you want to explore printmaking with the glycerin and gelatin plate the check out the printmaking workshops page.

Love Making Monotypes?

Get my Top Ten Tools

Join today and get notice of future classes.

You will also get weekly emails about printmaking, tips, tools and classes.

Cardboard as a relief stamp Read More »

Stamping tools for Making Monotypes

mark making tools / Linda Germain / January 24, 2016

Search the seasonal plastic section of your local dollar store for stamping tools for printmaking. I found this paper plate holder with this circular pattern.

The beauty of printing with the gelatin and glycerin printing plate is the great detail is possible with just hand pressure for printing.

Use the thin layer of ink on the plate to ink the tools. Press the stamping tool into the thin layer of ink, transfer the thin layer to the tool and then print it back on to the plate.

Then place the print paper on top and burnish. All with just hand pressure.

Check out current workshop offerings.

Stamping tools for Making Monotypes Read More »

Elastics to make a relief plate

relief prints / Linda Germain / January 23, 2016

Elastics can be a great line element. I like the circular nature of the elastics as well.

I used carpet tape to stick the elastic on to the foam plate. Carpet tape is great because there is not waiting. You can start using the there relief plate right away.

Anything that is fast and easy is a good tool in my printmaking process.

If you would like to explore making relief plates with lots of common materials and then use them with the glycerin and gelatin printing plate then, join us in the next session of Making Monotypes. Read the details here. Class starts soon!

Elastics to make a relief plate Read More »

Sprocket as a printmaking tool – monotypes

mark making tools / Linda Germain / January 21, 2016

You need to be gentle with metal tools when you use them with gelatin plate. Metal could easily pierce or cut the gelatin plate.

I like how I can lightly run the sprocket over the inked area of the plate and then print of the sprocket on a clean area of the gelatin plate.

Line element can be:

bold
chaos
meandering
directive

If you would like to explore making monotypes on the glycerin and gelatin plate join the next session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course. Read about the details of the class. Class starts soon.

Sprocket as a printmaking tool – monotypes Read More »