Use your paper scraps

collage, inspiration, relief prints / /

I trim a lot of paper and usually have a lot of scraps of the same size.

I use these paper trimmings to make:

  • small books
  • cards
  • to do list papers

use paper trimmings for small art works

My everyday print paper is Pacon heavyweight drawing paper, 90lb. I like to buy the ream 12″ x 18″.  Then I can cut some common sizes that are easy to frame.

Most recently I have been making a daily collage with odd scraps in the recycle bin. I pull out 5 pieces of paper and give myself 15 minutes to make a collage.

quick collage Linda germain

15 minute scraps collage

One time I used the trimmed paper from a book project to make a long skinny book for foam relief prints. So don’t throw those paper trimmings away.

drum leaf book of relief prints

I use a lot of little “To Do” lists. So I added some stamped marks to the bottom of some waste paper and made my lists a little more fun!

relief print to do list

So what do you think you could do with your paper scraps and trimmings? I hope I have stimulated your thoughts and you make some fun stuff!

 

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Brown paper bag – stencils

gelatin prints on fabric, stencils / /

I just discovered that bold stencils cut from brown paper bags are durable enough to use with the gelatin plate.

bold stencils for gelatin printmaking

It is quite relaxing to grab a pair of scissors and a paper bag and cut out shapes. Before you know it you will have a pile of new stencils.

masking stencils for gelatin printing

I managed to pick a couple and make some prints on fabric.

gelatin plate prints on fabric

I was surprised how durable the stencils were. I think that they will last for at least a couple of printing sessions.

monoprinted fabric by linda germain

If you would like to explore gelatin printing on fabric, then join us in the online class, Monoprinted Fabric. Class starts soon. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Happy accidents and pulling that last print

fabric prints, inspiration / /

I find the many times the last print of the day, when I am warmed up, and not over thinking things is my favorite print of the day.

happy accident gelatin print on fabric

Some reasons for this maybe:

  • is that the inner critic is not so active at that time.
  • the ink is just right
  • your mark making tools are primed.

So I encourage you to take advantage of that time and pull that one more print.

quilt made with monoprinted fabric

If you would like to have some happy accidents with gelatin printing on fabric, now is the time to do it. The Monoprinting Fabric online workshop starts June 2, 2021.

make marks on fabric

You have time to gather your supplies and join the class.

workspace for printing on fabric

We will explore 10 different techniques. Read all the details on the printmaking workshop page.

inks for make monoprints on fabric with the gelatin plate

Let’s make some happy accidents.

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What I learned from printing lots of fabric with gelatin plate

fabric prints / /

I have been playing with gelatin printing on fabric for several years. I have a big pile of monoprints.

piles of hand printed fabric
piles of hand printed fabric

The pieces are just waiting for a project.

1 – Print in a similar color scheme and even if the marks are different the fabrics can be coordinated.

print in limited color scheme

2 – Use the same kind of fabric and then the small printed pieces can be sewn together for a bigger project.

gelatin printed fabric

3 – Try to make fabrics with light to dark impressions. They will combine for a stronger design.

pillows made with gelatin printed fabric

4 – I like to use the “passage of time” method to set my inks. I have tried ironing and dryer heat setting, but my most reliable method is to just wait a few months to a year to wash the fabric.

gel printed fabric

If you are interested in learning more about monoprinting fabric with the gelatin plate, then check out the details on the workshop page. This online class starts soon.

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Top 3 supplies for monoprinting on fabric

fabric prints / /

1 –  I think that the most important supply is nice old 100 % cotton sheets from the thrift store.

Prepare fabric for printmaking

These high quality old sheets:

  • Create a freedom to explore, because they are not precious
  • are pre-shrunk and ready to print on
  • usually absorb ink/paint nicely

2 – A spongey brayer that fits your print size. I like this 2″ soft foam brayer with a smooth surface (red handle) that I found at hobby lobby. I like this size because I work small and textured. The speedball soft rubber brayers work too.

ink and brayers on the palette

3 – Ink or paint that stays workable and is compatible with your project and fabric. I did a blog post on my experience, but it is best to experiment on your own.

Other supplies, stencils, mark making tools and the gelatin plate.

hand printed fabric with sticky labels a stencils

If you are interested in joining us in the online printmaking class, Monoprinting Fabric, then read the details on the workshop page.

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