Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

New style of masking stencils with Tyvek®

stencils / Linda Germain / October 19, 2017

I am excited about a paper cutting class that I will be attending this weekend with Beatrice Coron.

In preparation for the class I have been cutting stencils in a new way. I am using:

Tyvek®
cutting more detailed designs
creating designs with a square edge

Then I did some printing with the gelatin plate. I noticed that Tyvek® has a texture. I think it may change when the ink starts to build up.

Tyvek is so nice to cut with a nice sharp blade. It is strong and lasts very long time. I have been collecting images and ideas for things that I might want to cut during the workshop.

I am gathering shadow images and skyline photos and magazine clippings.

Maybe I can use some everyday images to make a interesting and person stencil or two.

I could simplify this complex shadow into a couple of different stencils.

Enjoy some of the incredible work by Beatrice Coron

Watch her TED talk – be amazed.

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Dried grasses for gelatin Printing

monotype print / Linda Germain / October 18, 2017

Fall is a good time to find thin sturdy grasses for printing with the gelatin plate.

When you are looking for good grasses and weeds to use as masking stencils look for:

very flat
very thin
good spaces between the branches
size that will work well with your plate
sturdy – so it does not fall apart on your plate

I always gather 3 to 5 pieces of different sizes, so I can have some variety and repetition with my imagery.

The grass above has very interesting branches, but it was pretty fragile. So I probably will only get a few uses with it before it falls apart. I printed the image on long strips of paper. This is one way to vary a simple impression – change the paper size.

Another way you can make a simple impression interesting is to embrace and use the brayer marks as part of the design.

If you would like to transform some of your prints into gifts and you would like some help, then sign up for the online class Printed Gifts. It is available to you right now. This gives you plenty of time to make some holiday gifts.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Are you thinking about making holiday gifts?

combined techniques / Linda Germain / October 17, 2017

Time to start making your holiday gifts!

Do you love to play with printmaking?
Do you have a pile of prints in your studio?
Do you like to make handmade gifts?

Printed Gifts is an online art class to help you turn some prints and printed materials into holiday gifts. This class is for folks who already have a pile of gelatin prints and who may need design and compositional help.

It is a short actionable class designed to help you transform prints into small gifts that you can enjoy, give away or even sell.

With the holiday season just around the corner, this is the perfect time to join us in this online printmaking class.

Check out the details and register today, so you have plenty of time to turn some prints into gifts!

Are you thinking about making holiday gifts? Read More »

Printing from Manhole cover

fabric prints, relief prints / Linda Germain / October 16, 2017

I have seen the wonderful videos floating around by https://raubdruckerin.de I have been looking for some local manhole covers that might make an interesting print.

I have admired the texture and patterns of things in the street for years.

I was searching for a safe place to print from a manhole cover. And a place that was a little inconspicuous.

I used this pattern to make a screen print many years ago. Do you notice what is at your feet?

Get in close and see if from a new angle. You might be inspired.

I found this one right near the shop. It is one the side walk instead of the street. So I could safely play with making some prints.

I pulled a couple of prints on some old t-shirts. I was quite pleased with the impression. This is a mirror image so the you can read the printing.

I think that the asymmetrical placement of the marks is interesting. It takes quite bit of ink to get the surface “primed” so it would be better to print several at a time.

I encourage you to pause and notice the textures and patterns at your feet. Who knows it may inspire your next printmaking session.

Embrace the beauty before you. Be inspired.

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Where to find Glycerin for printing plate?

gelatin plate tips / Linda Germain / October 9, 2017

I am getting ready for the gelatin printmaking class at the Museum of Printing, this Saturday. I am excited about the live in person workshop. You still have time to join this in person class.

I am making the gelatin and glycerin printing plates for everyone in the class. The long lasting printing plate is made of only 3 ingredients:

Water
Gelatin and
Glycerin

I have lots of gelatin, but I needed to buy some glycerin. Glycerin can be hard to find.

It is usually in the first aid section of the pharmacy near the calamine lotion and band aids and witch hazel.

I needed a lot. Each plate takes two 6 oz bottles of glycerin, so I thought I would order it online from Walmart, as I had done in the past.

But the online price was $1 more per 6 oz bottle. Hmmm? Well I drove around and found what I needed at a few local superstores. But I guess I am going to have to plan a head for getting glycerin. The online prices and quantities are all over the place as far a pricing. I wonder what is going on?

In the past, I have found 6 oz bottles of glycerin at:

Walmart
CVS
Walgreens, Rite Aid and similar pharmacies

But in the future I may need to go online to:

Bulk Apothecary

Glycerin gives the gelatin printing plate longevity and strength. You can make a printing plate with just gelatin and water, but it only lasts for a few weeks.