tools

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.

I love it when the Back to School sales hit the local stores. I like to stock up on:

• composition notebooks
• erasers
• Glue
• scissors and more

This year I am hoping to find some novelty erasers in geometric shapes. I like to carve simple designs into the erasers. I found the basic pink eraser at the Dollar Tree Store and have carved quite a few fun little stamps.

I am not wishing summer away, just looking forward to some new and inexpensive art supplies. I encourage you to check out the back to schools sales in your area and see if you find some interesting art supplies.

In this post, I list a few more supplies that I like to stock up on. Happy printing!