fabric prints

I am getting ready for the upcoming Monoprinting Fabric class. So I have been playing with my gelatin plate, ink, brayers and tools.

As you can see below I have a variety of inks and paints to print with. I am often thinking of my students when I experiment. I want them to be able to find inks and paints that work well for them.

I think it would be more beneficial for my students to understand the qualities that make for a good ink/paint for the process, since we all have access to different supplies.

The qualities of a good ink or paint for gelatin printing on fabric are:

• easy to roll up with a brayer, so not too thin and not too thick
• slow drying
• compatible with the fabric
• compatible with the gelatin plate (homemade or commercial)

The qualities of a good brayer for monoprinting on fabric with the gel plate are:

• spins easily
• holds a nice even coating of ink
• releases that ink evenly on to the plate
• does not skid

I the picture above I like the bright red handled brayer at the top. It is an inexpensive brayer that is soft foam with a slick outer covering. It is soft enough to pick up and roll out the screen printing ink and fabric paints that I use. I found that brayer at Hobby Lobby.

If you think that making monotype of fabric would be fun! Then read the details and join us. Class starts soon.

Making prints with the gelatin plate is experimental and spontaneous.

It is possible to print on fabric as well as paper. In the video below get an idea of what types of marks are possible when printing on fabric with inks and the gelatin plate.

If this looks interesting read more about the online class, Monoprinting Fabric.

In this class you will learn how to make the most of your:

• tools
• marks
• skills and ideas.

Hope to see you in class!

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!

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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….

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.

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.