Go beyond your assumptions – printmaking tools

gelatin prints on fabric / /

Today I found a twig in the snow at the end of my snowshoe though the woods. It stopped me and I picked it up with the hopes of using it as a stenciling tool for printmaking.

twig to use as a stencil for gelatin printmaking

It is much thicker than what I usually use for found object stencils when gelatin printmaking. But I gently flattened it the best I could.

5 by 7 gelatin plate for monotypes

I had a small 5″ x 7″ plate, so I randomly printed on a sack cloth yellow, orange and brown inks.

screen printing inks for gelatin printing on fabric

I tried using the twig in the traditional way, as a masking stencil. And it was ok, but I did not love the impression. So I tried using it as a “rubbing” tool. I place it under the fabric and gently rolled over the area of the fabric with an inked brayer. That approach worked pretty well.

hand printed sack cloth

So I learned that if something inspires me, then keep playing with the possibilities until it works. Keep on playing!

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Making Gelatin plates for Printing Workshop

monotype print / /

Today, I am making some small gelatin and glycerin plates for the Printing with Botanicals Workshop on March 11th at Nunan’s Florist.

Supplies to make a small gelatin plate

We will be printing cards with small ferns and leaves, ink and the gelatin plate.

Printing botanicals on the gelatin plate

There is one space left in the 3:30 to 5:30 session. Read the details on the workshop page and join us if you can.

If you are not local and would still like to explore gelatin printing making, I have 2 options available to you right now.

  1. The Gelatin Printmaking Workshop – 15 lesson online self study – get more info here.
  2. Or the Monoprinting Fabric class – 4 week online group class that explores printing on fabric with ink and the gelatin plate. This class starts Monday March 12 so read the details and join us today.

 

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Flour sack towels fun for printing

fabric prints / /

If you follow me, then you know that I am a process person and often don’t care about getting a result. But I have found a way to play and have a product.

Flour Sack Cloths!

gelatin print flour sacks

I got 5 white flour sack cloths at Walmart for less than $5. They are about 27″ square. They are thin and a bit textured.

I find that they are a good size for printing on. They are pretty ease to move around my work table and still be able to reach all of the fabric.

print on flour sack cloths

One thing that I love about printing on these flour sack cloths is that I get to enjoy my handiwork. I use them for hand towels and dish towels around the kitchen.

If you want to explore hand printing on fabric, then join us in the next session of Monoprint Fabric, the online printmaking class. Read the details and sign up today. Class starts March 12th, 2018.

 

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20 reasons to Learn to monoprint fabric

fabric prints / /

My students have shared their reasons for wanting to learn more about monoprinting fabric with the gelatin plate. Read on and see if you can relate.

Monoprint on fabric with hand stitching by linda germain

  1. Make fun fabrics to make clothes for grandchildren.
  2. Learn the benefits of different applications of hand-printing at home.
  3. Discover and master the differences between printing on fabric and paper.
  4. Get ideas on how to incorporating the fabric into work.
  5. Just get started with gelatin printmaking
  6. Obtain lots of time saving information about products, inks and tools
  7. Learn to use objects and color to create a great impression
  8. Discover how to fabric keep looking good and bright
  9. Make choices to keep the soft hand of the fabric
  10. Add printing on fabric to your mixed media skills
  11. Make completely unique fabrics for mixed media projects
  12. Accent woven fabric with printed marks and surface design.
  13. Expand your knowledge of how to compose a pleasing image/pattern
  14. Be inspired new ideas from everyone in the class
  15. Explore and develop your sense of design
  16. Have such messy fun!
  17. Embrace a little play time
  18. Expand the possibilities using the gelatin plate!
  19. Make new fiber art projects
  20. Learn to make clear prints

Do you have a reason to explore gelatin printmaking on fabric? If so, then join us in this session of Monoprinting Fabric.  This online printmaking class starts soon.

Read the details on the workshop page.

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Is monoprinting your style?

fabric prints / /

When many folks think of printmaking they think of t-shirts or multiple impressions of the exact same image.

Monoprinting and monotype are quite different. They are one of a kind impressions. There is a element of spontaneity and discovery in each print.

hand printed tote bag using the gel plate

Which style sounds like you?

Me. I am definitely a monoprinter. I love the playful discovery process of techniques like gelatin printmaking, trace monoprinting and other mixed media approaches.

hand printed dog tote bag

Because I teach, I am sensitive to both the tight and technical approach and the freer monoprinting style. Sometimes I find myself trying to push myself into the tight and technical. Frustration is always the result. Then I realize I am trying to be something that I am not.

Ahhhh….

monoprinted book bag with the gelatin plate

I let go of the tight and technical expectations and generally my printmaking gets a lot better.

So if you are aware of your style – embrace it fully and let your magic be revealed.

hand printed fabric using the gelatin and glycerin plate

Monoprinting on Fabric is for folks who want to create unique pieces of fabric for other projects, wall art, quilting, home decor and crafts.

Read the details and join us.

Is monoprinting your style? Read More »