tools

Make your own tools

We are makers! We have the desire to make stuff and often the making is more important than the end product. I have made and then tossed plenty of prints, collages, drawings and books.

design with daubers

I make tools so that:

  • don’t have to buy anything
  • my marks will be unique
  • for the fun of experimental creation

I make my own gelatin plate because I like how it allows me to print delicate detailed impressions. You can get the recipe here.

pour the gelatin plate

Recently, I have been making my own foam stamps because they permit fast easy printing in my sketchbook. I get to choose the subject matter such as birds, trees, and geometric shapes. If you would like to make a pile of your own stamps – check out the details of the online class, Stamp Making + Mixed Media Book Workshop.

tiny foam stamps by linda germain

In Make Marks and Books we find and make several kinds of mark making tools:

  • find texture making “tools” to use with the gelatin plate
  • craft cardboard relief plates
  • make wooden block stamps
  • find “stencil” tools for supported line drawing
  • collect raised objects, like cut glass for rubbings

Test and print with all these tools to make a cohesive artist’s book. Save $25 on the Make Marks + Books class for February – now $60. was $85.Make Marks Linda Germain

Do you like to make your own tools?  Are you willing to use what you have to experiment with new marks?

I hope so! Play with making some new marks today.

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Video – Mark Marks style book

I have realized that the different approaches I take in mark making or journaling affect the final feel of the book. The Make Marks style book tends to be more cohesive and captures the emotions of one point in time.

Make Marks Linda Germain

The book feels more like a precious piece than the journal I have been creating lately. Both capture moments in time but I was surprised how different they feel when I look back a year or two.

Enjoy this short video of the Make Marks style book.

If you would like to:

  • Layer light gelatin plate impressions
  • Let your pencil or crayon wander
  • Make some stamping tools
  • Add rubbings and dark line
  • pull it together in one book

then join us in the online workshop Make Marks + Books. SAVE $25 this February – Now only $60.

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Enjoy the hunt

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.

books as art materials

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.

spine parts of a book

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.

book parts collage

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

black out poem

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.

mark making tools

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.

stenciled book pages

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

scraps collage

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

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.

supplies to make the gelatin and glycerin plate

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.

box of pastels

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

double fan book by Linda Germain

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.

double fan book by linda germain

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a couple of glue tips

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

glue stopper

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.

use small amounts of glue

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.

glue brushes in water

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.

foam roller for gluing projects

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.

make gelatin prints into books Linda Germain

I hope you find these gluing ideas helpful.

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