stencils

Roll with what “Life” gives you

stencils / /
Embrace the surprises of making monotypes - linda germain
Embrace the surprises of making monotypes – linda germain

Today I cleaned my brayers, palette and workspace. Sometimes it is nice just to start fresh, clean brayers and fresh ink and different stencils.

I was surprised that the surface of my plate developed tiny holes overnight.  I actually love it when my plate starts to deteriorate. I dug through my stack of stencils and found a few that I wanted to work with, but they were not holding and transferring the ink the way that I wanted.

So I pulled several prints experimenting with different techniques.  I got a few interesting mark, but I decided to give my stencils a quick coat of white acrylic paint.  Maybe that will help the stencils to hold and release paint in the way that I desire.

If you want some support to learn to roll with the opportunities that making monotypes can present, then register for the next session of Make Monotypes.  Read all the details here and check out the FAQ’s. Early bird savings until Friday, May 16th.

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Let it Snow

stencils, video / /

Easy 6 point Snowflake from Linda Germain on Vimeo.

Snow and I have an every changing relationship.  For years, I was a ski pro and was out on the slopes every day from November to April.

Now that I am in the city, it is hard crusty stuff that takes up my parking space.  However, as I type this teeny, tiny flakes are falling outside my window, and I kinda like them.

What do you think snowflakes as stencils or decoration—–hmmm?  Well a friend of mine, Sandra Golbert, taught me how to cut the 6 pointed snowflake, and I made a quick video of the process.  I did not know that real snowflakes have 6 points and not 8.  Some true flake-lovers get quite annoyed by the 8 point “flake.”

It is easy to cut the 8 point flake because it is easy to fold the paper into quarters.  The magic trick to the 6 point snowflake is accurately folding the paper into thirds.

Grab some copy paper and scissors, watch the video and Make it snow!

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Printmaking with Stencils – no press needed

stencils / /

Paper stencils for making monotypes by linda germainI have been playing with cutting simple stencils from paper.  I like to keep the stencils small so they are easy to print with.  The duct tape on the edges is a great way to stabilize the stencil and it gives you a nice border to block the transfer of unwanted ink.

Stencils are a great way of making prints without having a press.  They are easy to clean and care for.

Make some stencils today and go and play!

If you want to join me in “Make your Mark with Monotype Prints” the E-Course then sign up for the mailing list and be the first to know when registration opens.

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It’s all about Balance

2010, stencils / /

Balance a gelatin Print by linda germainI had  to take a breath and get a little balance in my day and life today.  I tend to set goals and get excited and overwhelmed at the same time.  Things get off kilter and I get to be not so happy. I think:

  • knowing what I want
  • setting priorities
  • keeping them front and center
  • saying no

can all help to keep my balance.

What do you do to stay balanced?

Happy Printing!

 

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