tools Archives - Linda Germain

Enjoy the hunt

altered books, collage, tools / Linda Germain / June 9, 2023

I recently realized that, I enjoy the hunt when making mixed media pieces. It is the process of sorting through papers and materials to find a pleasing combination that is most fun.

I like to use old books as art materials. And going to a library book sale is a treat. I like the last day when I can fill a bag with books for a few dollars. If you want to find a book sale near you check out this website. These are books that are headed to the recycle bin, so no reason to feel guilty.

I love gently taking the spine apart and revealing the materials that make up the spine of the book. These treasures make unique collage materials.

Every book is different and has something special to offer. Some books are good for black out poems.

It is fun to hunt for words that when combined give new meaning to the page. Recently, I realized that it matters to me what the book is about. Even though I am not reading the books and using them for their intended purpose the words matter. I want words to peek through and to draw the view in.

Another hunting expedition that I enjoy is finding mark making tools. I love to find a tool that I can dip into ink or paint and make patterned paper or delicate inked marks. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Making a collage is a lot of hunting and deciding what to keep and what to let go.

Ask yourself:

Do you hunt for materials and ideas in your art process?
Do you enjoy the hunt?

Consider joining me in Books as ART Materials, a mixed media online class. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Art supplies and your style

tools / Linda Germain / January 10, 2023

The tag line I have at the end of my emails is “Use What You Have.” I like to think that we can do this in many areas of life including art making.

I think that it implies that the answers, skills and ideas may be with in each of us.

I love buying art supplies. And yet I really have more than I need. So I gently remind myself to use what I have.

When I am working on a project that calls for paint, ink, glue or paper that I don’t have, I often test the process with something that I do have. That way I can:

Get started right away
Save money and a trip to the store
See if I even like the process

Sometimes the “right” supplies do make a big difference. Some supply combinations that are important to me are:

Speedball water based block printing ink and the homemade gelatin plate – I like how they stay alive and how I can get the delicate marks that I like
Akua intaglio ink and the Pacon 90 lb sulphite drawing paper. I like how the ink stay wet and workable and is absorbed by the paper.
Lineco – PVA glue and any paper for making glued books. When I am patient enough to let things dry this glue is strong, flat and flexible.

Maybe you have supply combinations that work best for you. I think you should celebrate that. Those select tools could be one of the qualities that makes your work uniquely yours.

I invite you to test out your supplies and join me in the Bound Prints Workshop. Transform a pile of papers/prints into lovely journals and books. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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a couple of glue tips

mixed media printmaking, techniques, tools / Linda Germain / April 5, 2022

I have been using glue in my sketchbook and with some gelatin prints and I wanted to share a couple of glue handling tips.

Keep the nozzle clear

I found that if I stick something like a matchstick or 1/2 of a cotton swab into the top of the glue bottle it keeps the nozzle clear. I do have to replace the cotton swab every so often. Generally a bit of glue builds up at the top to “seal” the opening.

Squeeze out small amount of glue

I have a bunch of small ceramic dishes that have become glue plates. I generally need just a little bit of glue. So I try to put just a little bit on to the glue dish. When the glue dries I can easily peel it off the ceramic dish.

Have dedicated glue brush

I use 2 small brushes just for glue. I leave these inexpensive brushes sitting in a small container of water. That way I don’t have to clean them or worry about them hardening.

Use foam roller

If I am gluing large areas, like to cover a book, I use a foam roller and limited passes. I use the pop out foam roller that speedball sells as a kit. Just be sure to wash the roller thoroughly. And try to coat your project in one or two passes. The paper gets weak and sticky the more you roll over it.

I used the foam roller to glue these 5″ x 7″ gelatin prints together. Have you explored gelatin printmaking? Make your own long lasting gel plate – get the recipe here.

I hope you find these gluing ideas helpful.

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Thinking about tools for printmaking without a press

mark making tools, tools / Linda Germain / September 2, 2021

Today I am thinking about tools. Do your tools create freedom of expression for you?

Let’s keep it fun. Sometimes the most convenient tool is your own hand. More ideas in this post.

My most favorite tools are found weeds, leaves, twigs and grasses. These are often very flat and fragile. They don’t last forever, but they can make lovely delicate impressions. Read how to preserve ferns in this post.

For sure the most important tool in printmaking with out a press is your brayer. I like the soft rubber brayers made by speedball and my favorite size is 3″. I often print with easily washable water base inks, which are kind to the life of the brayer. If you use acrylic paint, be careful to not let the paint dry on your brayers. More tips on brayers in this post.

Finally, the question is to stock up on supplies or to just buy what I need? Full discussion in this post.

I like to use every last bit of ink in the tube.

Want to make and use your tools in new ways? Check out the current online classes being offered.

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Shadow and shapes for drawing

inspiration, masking stencils, tools / Linda Germain / August 27, 2021

You know that part of my practice is to go to the woods for inspiration. I love to capture cast shadows and use them as a drawing reference.

Using the photo as reference seems to help me to see shapes instead of leaves and branches.

I do the outline drawing one day and come back and fill the shadow shape in with black paint on another day.

I hope this inspired you to look for shadow shapes to draw. Sometimes I have to take a lot of shadow pictures before I get one that is good for reference. Got to love our phones and digital cameras.

Sometimes I use shadow shapes to make stencils for gelatin printmaking.

Happy Printing!

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