stamping tools

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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Find and Make stamping tools for gelatin Printmaking

stamping tools / /

Stamping tools are one of the 2 main tools that I use in gelatin printmaking. The other is stencils.

Watch the video and get a look at some of my favorite stamping tools.

I use stamping tools to lift off ink and apply in to the gelatin plate. Delicate marks can be made with these tools because of the malleability of the gelatin plate.

stamping tools for gelatin printing

We will find stamping tools like, caps, bubble wrap and cut glass.

handmade tools for stamping on the gelatin printing plate

And we will make tools with cardboard, foam and string.

found stamping tools to use with gelatin printmaking

To learn more about using stamping tools with the gelatin plate check out current online courses on the workshop page.

 

mark making tools for gelatin printing

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Simple Printmaking Technique

stamping tools / /

Sometimes simple is the most powerful and has the most impact. Think of famous logos, Nike, Apple and Amazon.

tiny hand made stamps for repeat printing

I like to use inexpensive and everyday items in my printmaking process as well. So for this easy printmaking process I used:

  • set of smooth sided alphabet blocks $1
  • Sticky back foam
  • scisosrs
  • pencil
  • waterbed colored markers

sketchbook to develop ideas for printmaking

I traced the block and did a bunch of sketches while I was watching TV. But these sketches were to complex for me to cut out of the easy to use sticky back foam. I had to go even simpler!

Hand stamped pattern

I learned a lot about simplifying my marks:

  • Use the edge of the block for reference
  • If it is too complex, just remove the foam and start over
  • Think about shapes
  • Think about how they can fit together
  • Use the negative and positive shapes.

homemade foam stamp

If you would like to explore added stamped marks to your papers or prints and creating some printed gifts, then check out the details of the new online printmaking course, Printed Gifts, get the Free origami Box tutorial too.

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Stamping tools for Monotype Printing

stamping tools / /

stamping tools for monotype printing

Stamping tools can be found anywhere.

I have a whole 8 foot table dedicated to my stamping tools for monotype printmaking. I share a few of my favorites with you in the photo above.

  • Relief stamp of elastic bands
  • Caps and thread spools
  • Sprockets
  • Rubber bath stickies
  • Handmade stamper with ear buds
  • Block of wood with great grain
  • Kids wooden blocks
  • Wide combs
  • Cut glass

I am always noticing objects as potential mark making tools. These tools work especially well with the gelatin plate. Because the plate is malleable it can hold the delicate mark that is made in the ink. Then with mere hand pressure you transfer the impression to your print paper.

If you would like help and encouragement as you explore gelatin printmaking with the glycerin and gelatin plate, consider joining us in an online class.  Check out the current online printmaking classes.

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Ten Tools – Gelatin Monotypes on fabric

stamping tools / /
stamping Tools for monotype printing on fabric with ink on the gel plate
Ten Tools for monotype printing on fabric with ink on the gelatin and glycerin plate

I have been exploring the process of monoprinting on fabric with the gelatin plate. I am finding that I like tools with:

  • Raised patterns
  • Organic shapes
  • Circles and ovals
  • Easily hand held
  • Always “found”

I use these tools to apply ink to the fabric or plate and to lift off ink from the plate. The picture shows:

  1. Carved wooden block
  2. Corrugated cardboard
  3. Yellow spool
  4. Dress makers pattern tool
  5. Handmade string relief block
  6. Chunk of weathered wood with great grain
  7. Big Sponge mop
  8. Back side of floor sample
  9. White lid to a plastic container
  10. Rectangular piece of patterned styrofoam

Bonus  – Round, white, paper plate liner with cool patterns

What are your favorite found stamping and mark making tools?

Join us for the next session of Make Monotypes – Printing with ink on fabric and the gelatin plate 

Early Bird Registration is open now. Check out the details and join us today. Space is limited, so don’t wait too long.

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