monotype print

Thermofax Screen Printing on Tea Bags

monotype print / /

Thermofax screen printing on tea bags and fabric with Linda GermainThe weather has been chilly here in New England, and I have a big pile of tea bags.

I love the fragile decay.

I have used tea bags for printmaking, collage and some sewing projects. But the pile is so big, I needed a process that would consume a bunch of bags.

Thermofax screen printing is the answer.

This is what I did:

  • Suspend judgment & play
  • Gather lots of tea bags and fabric for printing
  • Set up my workspace
  • Padded surface covered with plastic
  • Credit card for my squeegee
  • Damp rag for messy fingers
  • Big table for laying out my prints
  • and then pull prints
  • I used brown, gold and a bit of white

Thermofax screen printing is a great way to add line elements, text and delicate details.

What types of images would you like to make into a thermofax screen for your artwork? Tell me in the comments section above.

Happy printing!

 

Thermofax Screen Printing on Tea Bags Read More »

Printmaking – Use What You Have

inspiration, monotype print / /
Peace Love and Joy thermofax screen print with hand coloring by linda germain
Pause and Consider

Happy Friday!

You are busy! So a quick thought to give you a little Peace, Love or Joy!

Use What You Have………

Pause for a moment, You may find that you already have what its takes and you do not have to run somewhere to get something.

You probably have:

  • an idea to solve the challenge
  • a special skill to get the job done
  • a unique perspective that could change the mood

I “use what I have” all the time:

  • Printmaking tools, and techniques
  • Problem solving with folks
  • Coming up with new ideas
  • or just fixing dinner

Enjoy!

 

 

Printmaking – Use What You Have Read More »

Printing Projects for the Fabric Printmaking Course

monotype print / /
4 Week online course Printing on Fabric with - Linda Germain
Planning the details for Printing on Fabric Class – Linda Germain

I am pleased to share that everything is falling into place for the upcoming Fabric Printing Class – Make Monotypes – Focus on Fiber. 

The more I explore this process the more excited I get. I love to think of new ways to make marks with unexpected tools.

Working with fabric is much different than paper for me. Basic principles and tools carry over, but there are new challenges and new types of marks to take advantage of.

I have set the dates for the Online Printmaking Workshop, class will start January 12th and run for 4 weeks.

Early Bird Registration will open Friday, November 14th at 8:00 AM EST.  So mark your calendars and plan for some printmaking fun this January.

Here is the schedule:

Week 1 – Let’s Get Printing – optimize your workspace, make the gelatin printing plates, find some super simple tools and begin to make the most of your inks and marks

Week 2 – Mask and Transfer delicate marks – choose and preserve natural materials, cut and use stencils to block and transfer ink as desired to create those amazing details that are only possible with this gelatin printmaking process

Week 3 – Make the most of your brayer, identify and create stamping tools that will print best on fabric, transform a small printing plate and create a large printed cloth

Week 4 – Play with painted and brayered abstracts, create textured backgrounds, explore alternative plate use and what to do with less than perfect prints. Identify your strengths and preferences and embrace your new printmaking skills.

Tell me what would you do with all your monoprinted fabric? Would you make quilts, wall hangings, mixed media art, embellish other fibers with it?

Printing Projects for the Fabric Printmaking Course Read More »

Inks & paints for printing on Fabric with the Gelatin plate

fabric prints, monotype print / /
monotype printing on fabric with the gelatin plate by linda germain
monoprinting on fabric with the gelatin plate

I am playing with all types of printmaking inks and paints for making prints on fabric with the gelatin and glycerin plate.

I am looking for inks that are compatible with the water based printing plate.

I am drawn to the type of fine detailed impressions that are possible on the homemade glycerin plate. I am always amazed at the fine details that are possible with mere hand pressure and the gelatin and glycerin plate.

It is important to me that the inks permit the printing of these types of detailed impressions.

The perfect ink will:

  • roll out thin layer with brayer
  • hold the edge of a detailed mark
  • stay alive/workable as long as possible
  • non-toxic and low fumes
  • dry fixed on the fabric

The monoprints in the photo were printed with the Versatex screen printing inks. I am pleased with these inks so far.  A bonus is that they work well with paper too.

These screen printing inks have a nice consistency and they roll up nicely on the glycerin and gelatin printing plate.

If you would like to learn more about Monoprinting Fabric with inks and the gelatin plate read all the details on the self study workshop page.

Inks & paints for printing on Fabric with the Gelatin plate Read More »

Less is More when making prints

monotype print / /
Gelatin and glycerin plate print by linda germain
Gelatin plate monotype with found stencils

I  am entertaining the idea that less is more.

Less is more…

Where could I apply this idea?

  • Colors in a print
  • Textures in  a print
  • Objects in the composition
  • Stuff in my studio
  • Things on my to do list
  • Time to complete a project

What do you think could less be more for you in some areas of your artwork or life?

Make minimal monotypes

Share your thoughts below.

Would you like to explore gelatin printing with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate in Make Monotypes, the online printmaking class. Check the workshop schedule and sign up.

This is what one student expressed about Make Monotypes, printmaking class:

“Now, I have the confidence to try different printing techniques and to even cut up the gelatin plate to get interesting shapes.” says Lynne P.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

Less is More when making prints Read More »