Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Use Tyvek® to make strong stencils

stencils / Linda Germain / October 7, 2019

Stencils are one of the main tools that I use when gelatin printing.

I use stencils to:

block the transfer of ink (masking stencil)
shape the transfer of ink through holes in the stencil(traditional hole stencil)
define and transfer ink in the shape of the masking stencil

A few years ago I took a class with Beatrice Coron, a paper cutting artist, who uses Tyvek® a lot. Check out her TED talk.

Since then I have enjoyed using Tyvek® stencils. And I think that the combination of strong Tyvek® stencils and malleable gelatin and glycerin plate allows for some unique mark making.

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

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Limits can create structure

Gelatin plate print / Linda Germain / October 2, 2019

I am still pursuing the idea of simplifying my studio and printmaking process.

I started by cleaning my space and limiting my tools. This helps to clear my mind and start fresh.

Once I get printing it is a challenge to keep the tools and space clear and clean. But I think that the time spent staying organized may create a fresh perspective.

When I first started gelatin printmaking, I started with simple stencils like threads and circles. These stencils still appeal to me. The “boundary” of these limited stencils open the way for a new level of abstract design.

Ask yourself:

Have you wondered away from your roots?
Could benefit from cleaning your workspace or tools?
Does the idea of simplifying appeal to you?

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

Limits can create structure Read More »

Easier instructions – Make the Gelatin & Glycerin plate

I am very pleased to share with you that I have simplified the instructions on how to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for making prints.

One of my students actually simplified the steps and has graciously given me permission to share with you her discovery.

I have found that I only need 3 boxes of gelatin, 2 bottles of glycerin and 2 cups of hot boiling water.

The new trick is to really let the gelatin and glycerin bloom, before adding the hot water. And then use the microwave or double boiler to finish dissolving.

You can get the full instructions and the video tutorial when you join the list.

If you are already on my list and you have lost the link and password, just start to fill out the box below as if you were joining, and you will get a message with the info that you need.

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!

If you are looking for some help making gelatin prints that you love, then you might be interested in the Gelatin Printmaking Workshop.

It is an online self study with more than 30 short videos teaching:

how to make and use stencils
find and alter stamping tool
control and modify inks
maintain the plate and much more.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Be inspired by your own work

inspiration / Linda Germain / September 11, 2019

As I sort through stuff in my studio, I have been pleasantly surprised by some of my older prints and drawings.

I was reminded of:

ways that I fearlessly used tools
how I explored and exhausted a subject matter
to try it and see what happens
use non-traditional papers
made lots of prints get a few that I loved

I found these gelatin prints and was reminded to work with an attitude of play and discovery.

Here I freely scribbled with pastels to unify and complete this little gelatin plate monotype print. I am looking forward to add some scribble and play back into my daily practice.

Here I was reminder to get my sewing machine out, pull out the thread and make some perforated prints. I love the texture and surprise that thew sewn mark makes on paper.

Here I thought about how much I like to simplify and make a few bold marks. And to even let the imperfection show through.

This gelatin plate monotype print was made on a stream of conscious style typed paper. Tells me to start playing with my old typewriter again.

I hope this encourages you to look through some of your older work with a sense of discovery.

Maybe you will how much your style has:

stayed the same
changed or developed.

Hopefully what you do find will make you smile.

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

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Let go of stuff you don’t use

studio / Linda Germain / September 3, 2019

Maybe it is the change of seasons, but I have had the urge to simplify my studio space. I have collected:

paints
pencils, pens
markers
cutting tools
mark making tools
stencils
brushes, sponges
books, papers
brayers and inks

I want to:

go through my stuff
keep what I love and use
let go of the rest, that includes the “should” keep and “might use someday”

Now it has taken years to collect all this stuff, so I am going to be patient and give myself plenty of time to sort through it and let go of what I no longer want.

As a mixed media artist, I go through phases and try out different techniques and tools. Some processes I like and keep and others while it was fun to try, I know it will not be part of my daily process.

I couple of ways I approach the process:

Sit in my studio and look around. Notice what inspired me and what drags me down.
Clean my main worktable. That gets me feeling good quickly
Sort and purge stuff that is stored under tables. This is the stuff that I have not used in a while, so it must not be that important to me. This also creates “new” space to store stuff that I do use.
Sort a little each day
Take breaks and acknowledge the process that I have made
Take pictures to document the process
Even 5 or 10 minutes of sorting will create improvement

I hope you find some of these ideas helpful. Enjoy your studio!!!

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

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