stamping tools

Stamping backgrounds

mark making, stamping tools / /

I used my tiny handmade stamps to print some over all backgrounds. It is an easy way to get started in my sketchbook when I am feeling distracted.

hand stamped sketchbook page

I made a bunch of unique stamps with sticky backed foam. I like to ink these small stamps with broad tipped markers. This way I can ink the stamp with more than one color.

hand printed sketchbook page

Making several impressions with out re-inking allows me to make impressions with a range of value from light to dark. This makes for an interesting print.

hand stamped trees

Because these marks are hand printed, I can apply pressure to different parts of the stamp to get darker or lighter prints. The imperfect and incomplete trees above were created with just the one stamp. If you would like to explore this low tech method of mark making then check out the online class Stamp Making + Mixed Media Books.

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Join Me – New Class – stamp making

artist book, collage, combined techniques, monotype print, sketchbook ideas, stamping tools / /

I am excited about the new class that starts October 25th. This class is about:

  • Making small stamps out of sticky backed foam
  • Slipknot book form
  • a gelatin print lesson and
  • a bit of collage

I love this combination of techniques. There is something for everyone. So you can choose a focus that fits your interest at this time.

slipknot book with gelatin print and collage

The slipknot binding is great for sketchbooking, because it can be flipped and folded to always lie flat. It takes a bit of thread management to link the pages together, but it is a pretty easy book form.

Gelatin monotype with stamping

I am including a gelatin print session so you will have prints to respond to with collage and stamping.

The collage lesson is just to get beyond the blank page.

slipknot bound books

Read all the details and join us in Stamp Making + Mixed Media Book Workshop.

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Stamp some marks

foam plate printmaking, mark making, mark making tools, mixed media printmaking, stamping tools / /

Why I like to work with tiny foam stamps:

They are fast and easy to make. You just need sticky back foam sheets and something to stick it to. I like to use recycled styrofoam produce trays. But you can use sturdy thin cardboard too.

supplies for making foam stamps

The stamped image can be simple but still impactful. Sometimes geometric shapes and patterns are enough. I like to keep the stamps small so they are easy to ink and print.

It can be addictive to make piles and piles of stamps. And yet they take up very little space and are quite easy to store.

tiny foam stamps by linda germain

I like to keep a sample book with a record of stamps that I have already made especially the word stamps.

They are easy to ink and print. I like to use broad nibbed markers. This avoids the need to buy a bunch of stamp pads that just dry out too fast. I can even use more than one color at a time.

foam stamp image

It is easy to make impressions of different values rather quickly. This can add depth to the print.

And they dry quickly and support the flow of working in my sketchbook.

foam stamping in sketchbook

I invite you to explore tiny stamp making with me. Read all the details of the new Stamp Making and Mixed Media Workshop.

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Video – Simplify – online printmaking class

monotype print, stamping tools / /

I wanted to share this quick video, so you could get an idea of the skills you will learn in the Simplify – Powerful Gelatin Prints class.

In this class we will:

  • Use limited colors to ease layering
  • Modify and choose stencils to create delicate impressions
  • Explore stamping tools to create texture
  • Play with Mock Cyanotypes

READ all the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Space and Time – art making

stamping tools / /

I have been thinking about space and time these days.

sunset rye beach nh

Often open space and grand vistas can create a happy peaceful feeling. I think that is why I am drawn to the ocean’s edge and mountain top views.

view Mt Major NH

But even on a much smaller scale, I use the space of a breath to sigh with relief.

gelatin plate print wit text

In my printmaking, I do think a lot about the division of space. And I try to create interesting negative space. the open space around objects.

Often it is easy to fill the print with marks and impressions very quickly. And then we struggle to get back some open space.

make marks with simple tools

Quiet, light areas of a print give the eye a place to rest and time for the viewer to add meaning. So if you can leave some open space, your viewers may enjoy your work longer.

Time

I like to do things that make it easy for me to take time to print.

  • Organize my work bench
  • And leave supplies out and ready to use
  • Know that even 20 minutes of mark making supports my practice

leave space set up for printmaking

If you would like to take some time and explore mark making, while creating space for your viewer, then check out the workshop, MAKE MARKS.

If you think you are too busy, then it may be the perfect time to take this 3 lesson workshop. Taking time to make marks can be a great way to support your mental well being.

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