mark making tools

I recently started the Purple Carrot, meal service and one bonus is that I get beans in Tetra Paks.

My style of learning is to play, make mistakes and discover what I like. I had some trace monoprints of chairs on the wall and decided to make one into a Tetra Pak printing plate.

The plate is part collograph and part intaglio. I like the really dark areas which is the collograph style mark. The dark areas are created by slicing into and removing the top sliver layer of the Tetra pak.

It reveals the thin cardboard layer that sucks up a lot of ink. I really like the way the folds of the package hold the ink.

I use the Akua Intaglio ink and the X-cut Xpress embossing press to make these prints. I used dry Masa paper to print on.

This one above I was just playing with mark making tools to see what is possible the the Tetra Pak and the tools that I already have. I used embossing tools and tracing wheels and knife.

Happy Printing!

One of the main mark making approaches to gelatin printmaking is using what I call “stamping” tools to manipulate the thin layer of ink on the gelatin plate.

In the thumbnail collage above I used:

1. handmade relief stamp
2. cut corrugated cardboard
3. die cut thing
4. plastic plate holder
5. pattern tracing wheel
6. threads
7. jar opener
8. plastic doily
9. relief stamp made from rubber bands

So search your:

• studio
• kitchen
• recycle bin
• toy chest
• sewing box

for new stamping tools to use for gelatin printmaking.

If you would like to study with me and other artists from around the world, then join us in the next session of Make Monotypes.

It is a 4 week online gelatin printmaking class. We will explore all the tools and techniques for gel printing with ink on paper.

One of my mottos is:

Use what you have.

I still have the urge to go out and buy new supplies. But sometimes I have the ability to resist that urge.

Recently I have been taping down paper for some watercolor play.

One of the projects called for very thin masking tape that could be removed from the paper without ripping the paper.

I had some cheap blue painters tape from the dollar tree store. So you know it is not as good as the 3M version.

The trick to making it less sticky is to stick it to your pants, apron or cutting mat a few times before you use to tape down your paper.

This method has been working for me for a couple of weeks. I even cut the 2″ tape into 1/4″ strips to do these thumbnail studies. I was surprised how easy it was.

I do remove the tape very carefully and watch for paper tears.  If the paper starts to tear, I gently remove the tape from another direction.

Enjoy!

Ink the brayer

It seems simple to ink the brayer, but it may take some practice.

The thing is, that every ink, brayer and plate may be a little different and require a little bit of finesse to get a nice thin coat of ink on the brayer and then on the plate.

Check out this video and post if you want some tips on how to ink your brayer.

Kirigami stencils

That is simply stencils cut from folded paper. I like to cut stencils from paper and then make them strong by coating them with mat medium.

Read this blog post to get some tips on cutting and coating masking stencils for gelatin plate monotype printing.

Stamping tools

Once you start gelatin printing you will see the world with new eyes. All of a sudden everything with pattern and texture because a mark making tool. In the image above I used a glass plate to make the designs in the turquoise ink.

If you would like to see more of my top stamping tools for gelatin printing then check out these 2 posts:

• Stamping tools for Monotype Printing
• Ten Tools – Gelatin Monotypes on fabric

Of course if you need the recipe and instructions on  how to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for making monotypes then sign up below and you will get the FREE tutorial.

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I am happy to share these instructions on how to make the gel printing plate. I want you to try this monotype printmaking technique and enjoy years of spontaneous printmaking.

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One of the skills I hope to instill in my printmaking students it to see their world with a new lens.

I hope they start to see printmaking tools and mark making inspiration in their everyday doings.

This can be a blessing and a curse. All of a sudden trash, recyclables, and rusted things become treasures for the studio.

Printmaking Tools Above:

1. The frame corner piqued my interest as a possible item to use to make a wax rubbing resist screen for screen printing. It may or may not work.
2. The rubber dots on the coffee cup called to me as a tool to lift off and apply ink when working with the gelatin and glycerin plate for making monotypes.
3. The drawing of me by my nephew makes me smile and encourages me to be bold and expressive.
4. The other side of the heart shaped candy box is a clean edged stamping tool for using with the gelatin plate.
5. The dried hydrangea is an inspiration for drawings and doodles. Or maybe to be used in a paper making project.

As mark makers and artists we see the world a little differently and that is our gift, when we share it with others.

Pause – See – Share

Want help developing this new way of seeing your world and working it into Making Monotype prints? You have time to join the next session of Make Monotypes – the online printmaking class. Check out the details on the workshop page.