tools

I found a few new tools at Extra’s for Creative Reuse this week. I had my eye out for blocks with clean raised edges and patterns.

Above you can see I did some test prints on dry cotton fabric, with screen printing ink. I am quite happy with how crisply they printed up.

If you are hunting for found object rubbing plates, look for:

• level blocks
• strong raised marks or patterns
• sizes that you can easily handle

I used a stencil to make the flower shape and then the white rubbing plate to make the random interesting line. I like the ragged, frayed edge. I would like to figure out a way to use it in the final design.

I took a bookmaking class on Saturday at the University of Southern Maine – Making a Side-Sewn Book from Start to Finish With Stephanie Stigliano. 

We experimented with some simple marbling techniques. We used Suminagashi inks. But she also showed us how to size the paper with alum and water, let it dry and then india inks would work as well.

So I got some alum at the spice section of the grocery store and pulled out the old india ink and experimented. I had to size the paper by wiping it with the alum and water mixture and then wait for the sizing to dry.

I used:

• a recycled plastic tray for the water bath
• diluted detergent as a dispersant
• two small paint brushes
• various print papers
• Arches worked the best and I am not really sure which arches paper it is.

I enjoyed the process even though most of my prints “failed.” So I have ordered some of the suminagashi inks and I look forward to experimenting with them.

Even though ink was not sticking to my paper, I was learn about how to use the brushes and very gently touch the surface and create designs.

I am soaking some new leaves and ferns in a glycerin and water bath. Just mix 2 parts water to 1 part glycerin and fully submerge fresh, strong leaves for a five days. The leaves absorb the mixture and stay flexible for a long period of time.

They do not last forever, but they are much more pliable and make better stencils for making prints with the gelatin plate.

We use a palette to roll up ink and get a nice thin layer on the brayer. There are options to choosing a palette.

I like to keep things simple and use what I have, so I am going to give you some ideas for what to use for a palette for rolling up ink.

Palette Options:

• Piece of plexi glass or acrylic about 11″ x 14″ or bigger. You may be able to find “remnants” of this from a glass or window repair shop.
• Plexi glass from a Poster frame is another option. These are usually thinner and may need to be taped to the table.
• Glass from a picture frame, with the edges taped is another idea – just be careful. Don’t cut yourself.
• Plastic chopping mats can work – You may need to tape it to the workbench.
• Freezer paper taped to the table works too. It helps if the table is smooth and the freezer paper is securely taped down.

I use plexi glass plates. They are easy to clean and I don’t have to tape them in place. And I get them free from my dad. So if you are new to printmaking or you are looking for options for palettes try out some of the ideas above and see what works best for you.

Ready to Ink your brayer

I have been playing with new materials and finding printmaking tools that are good for making stencils and some that I just don’t care for.

First let me tell you I never use to like cutting stencils because it seemed to take a long time and I really would rather be pulling prints. But these new  tools are making creating stencils a little easier and more fun.

If you struggle with your exacto  knife then download my new Cutting SKILLS Worksheet by Linda Germain Print it out on copy paper and card stock, then cut exactly on the lines and see what you learn.

Printmaking tools

1. Yupo paper is a polypropylene material. I got the translucent style and used it to cut traditional hole stencil to use with a stretched screen. Loved it!
2. Small pointed wood burning tool – worked great when cutting the Yupo stencil.
3. Sand paper to sand off the burr created by the wood burning tool

   

4. Hot Knife – did not work well for me. Ergonomically the angles were off. And the tip length was too long for me to be comfortable.
5. Pivoting finger knife was not comfortable to use
6. Straight finger knife was not at the best angle for me.

   

   If you would love to benefit from all my mistakes, knowledge and experience with making stencils for mixed media projects then you are just in time.

Registration opened today and you can join us in the 4 week Make Stencils Workshop. Read the details here.

Stencils are the foundation of gelatin printmaking and screen printing. You will complete this class a confident stencil maker ready to make your message clear through the imagery that you make.

Hope to see you in the next class.

I was thinking about my students and their need to buy specialized art supplies. Some of my international students have to get creative when it comes to finding glycerin and water based inks from their local suppliers.

Though I don’t order lots of supplies, I do think it is important to support art vendors who have good prices and great customer service.

ART Suppliers I have used:

1. All Art Supplies Wholesale: They do online sales and they are local to me, here in Massachusetts. I They often have what I need at a pretty competitive price. Sometimes I have to watch out for things that are more low volume sales – Like Golden screen printing medium. They have been great when I needed to buy supplies for local schools. I can also call and they will check the stock to be sure that the item is there before I drive down.
2. Dick Blick: Usually has the water based inks that I like to use with the gelatin plate. They have the speedball and the Dick Blick brand. They don’t do some international shipping which does not help my international people. I am not sure about their customer service.
3. I have a painter friend who loves the customer service of Cheap Joes Art Stuff.
4. For miscellaneous stuff I love Extras for Creative Reuse – a recycling center for all kinds of materials. I get lots of paper and foam core there. So if you are not in Eastern Massachusetts, then I suggest looking for a similar type of membership based, recycling store that serves the creative community.
5. Staples – office supply store is a good source for cover stock and inexpensive paper for making monotypes.
6. Sometimes I use the weekly coupons to pick up cutting blades, mat board, paint brushes or other last minute art supplies, from places like, ACMoore, Michaels,or Hobby Lobby. or JoAnn’s Fabric.

I am curious what is your go to Art Supply Store.

1. What stores do you avoid?
2. What store the best price, selection and customer service?

Share links and stories in the comments. Let’s support each other in finding the best art supplier for our needs.