mixed media printmaking

15 things I learned doing a craft fair

2010, mixed media printmaking / /
Page from Things I know book
copyright 2009 Linda Germain
I had a great couple of days at the craft fair in Ipswich.  I was grateful for all the help that my young nephew gave me in set up and booth attendance.  As I caught my breath I started to think about everything that went right in the last couple of days I realized,
  1. People really like my art.
  2. Say yes to opportunities even when I don’t fee quite ready
  3. Be nice, saying Hi and talking about the weather can go a long way.
  4. Give first, even if it is just a little shade on a hot day
  5. Let other people help and express gratitude
  6. Smiles and laughs are infectious
  7. Be myself as much as possible
  8. It’s not over ’til it’s over and not even then is it really final
  9. Give people space
  10. Share what I know or love
  11. Set goals and let them go
  12. It’s never a waste
  13. Trying to control everything just makes me crazy
  14. Follow up
  15. Create new goals

How to make a gelatin Plate for printmaking – the video

Quick video on the basics of gelatin printmaking

Gelatin printing artist trading cards – a short video

48 second slideshow of gelatin prints by linda germain and why she loves it.

Or Take the next gelatin printing workshop

Post by Linda Germain

 

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Stamping with Gesso

2010, mixed media printmaking, stencils / /
Untitled ©2011 linda germain
mixed media print on cotton with machine stitching
approx 8″ x 10″
I came across this process to stamp/stencil with gesso in two great blogs in the last 2 days.  Jane LaFazio has a tutorial  and Linda Dunn took a workshop with Alexandra Sheldon.  So you don’t have to hit me over the head again, I tried it.  I am in love.  The image below is the before picture.  I did not really like it so I took it off the wall and  used a stencil to gesso the circles and the glazed the whole thing with gold fabric paint.  I darkened the bird.  It still may not be done, but I am liking how it is improving.

Image before it was stencilled with gesso circles
©2011 linda germain

Post by Linda Germain

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Stencilling and Stitching

2010, mixed media printmaking, stencils / /
Untitled Mixed Media Print on Shibori Dyed Cotton
aprox 8″ x 10′
© linda germain 2011
A light bulb went off in my head when I came up with the title of my last post rough around the edges.  Stop fighting the finish and let the edges be rough.  I work messy and I love the process, and I was trying to make “messy” look neat.  So with the last 2 pieces last I have posted I let the edges be rough.   I think this leaves me with options too.  I am feeling better and I little excited about this next series of prints.

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Rough around the Edges

2010, mixed media printmaking / /
Mixed media print on Newsprint with machine stitching
“10 x “10 © 2011 linda germain
So I like to use what I have in my art making. And I am trying to figure out a way into a new series.  I like the idea of a daily piece.  I think I need some structure, boundaries or form to help me commit to the project.  I got the book the Uncommon Quilter by Jeanne Williamson at the Library today and was inspired by her commitment.  I started with a paint splattered piece of newsprint and paper scrapes from the floor of my studio, added the birds, some stamping and eligible writing.  I machine stitiched it with a piece of blanket for the middle and brown bag for the back.  I always feel better when I just do something. 

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Mixed media Prints on Shibori dyed fabric

2010, mixed media printmaking / /
Lessons 8″x 8″
Mixed media print on shibori dyed fabric
©linda germain 2011
I am determined to use some of the fabric that I have been dyeing in the shibori class that I am taking.  I picked two of my least favorite dyed pieces and just started stencilling and writing on the surface.  I have to say I am pleasantly pleased.  I mounted the first two on a box.  They look good but you kind of lose the feel that is is fabric. I don’t think that I want to go the quilt route.  so I guess I will just keep playing.
Untitled  8″ x 8″
Mixed media print on shibori dyed fabric
© linda germain 2011

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