tools

WE have a great recycling store near by, called Extras for Creative Reuse. It is a membership type place and when you visit you can take pound and pounds and bags of stuff! I find lots of interesting “printmaking tools”.

This tile sample works great to make marks in the thin layer of ink on the gelatin and glycerin printing plate. Then when the ink builds up on the “tool”, I print the ink back on to a clean area of the plate and get a very detailed impression with mere hand pressure.

If you would like to explore tool gathering and monotype printmaking on the gelatin plate, then join us in an online printmaking workshop.

I alway check out rubber things at the local shop. Rubber is spongey and can make an interesting mark in the thin layer of ink on the gelatin and glycerin printing plate.

Non skid bath mats and pads come in lots of patterns and shape. I use them to lift off and then apply a thin layer of ink to the printing plate.

If you would like to explore making monotypes on the glycerin and gelatin plate with ink on paper, then join the next session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course. Check out the details here.

Have you discovered some unique mark making tools? If you love to make indirect marks and you do not have a printing press, then you probably are quite creative in your use of unconventional tools for making prints.

Today I used:

• the copier to make prints of old typewriter notes and
• Coffee and a cup to stain the prints

I plan to print over these paper with the gelatin print process. I like building papers with marks and history. It gives the print layers of information that draw the viewer in.

What about you? Are you open to finding new tools or using your thoughts and words to build papers with rich history?

Are you inspired by found objects?

Do you see possibility in everyday stuff? Do you have a collection of inspiration in the corner of your studio that you have gathered for years?

I do.

Found objects are the foundation of my printmaking process.

I challenge you to use one of those found objects in your art making within the next 24 hours. The sooner the better. Suspend all judgement and expectations and just play with your new toy.

You may start with one idea that will flow into something completely different.

I am accepting the challenge. I am going to do some kind mixed media printmaking with the chicken wire that has been bouncing around my studio for a few years.

Accept the challenge and share your experience with others. Put a link to your new toy or creation in the comments section.

How do you relate to your printmaking tools?

Do you:

• Have a place for everything?
• Or are they piled all over the studio?
• Are they cleaned after every use?
• Or do they have years of visible wear
• Do you rush out to buy the latest and greatest gadget
• Or do you dig through the recycle bin?

There is really no right or wrong way to take care of your printmaking tools, as long as it works for you. I will share my tips for caring for your gelatin plate printmaking tools.

Printing Tool Care Tips

The Brayers

1. Clean your brayers after every session, so they keep spinning
2. Use tepid water and very mild soap
3. I have heard that Murphy’s Oil Soap will remove Acrylic paint.
4. Be sure to clean around the edges and under the cross bar
5. Rest Brayers on the cross bar rather than the roller

The Gelatin and Glycerin Plate

1. Lightly cover with plastic chopping mat
2. Be aware of your climate, if very hot then you may need to store in the refrigerator to make the plate last
3. Plate seems to last longer if you use it regularly
4. If you notice early signs of molding, then wipe with vinegar and water mix, melt and reform it. Pour through a tarlatan to catch the gunk

Stencils

1. Let them dry flat and not stuck to other stencils
2. Store in file folders or shallow trays
3. I don’t clean them, because I love the ink build up
4. Every once in a while purge and sort. It makes them easier to find

Stamping Tools

1. Clean delicate tools so they don’t get clogged with ink
2. Store in handy boxes or containers
3. Put like tools with like tools

I would rather be playing with making prints than taking care of my tools. But if I don’t take care of them, then they won’t do what I want.

Gelatin printmaking tools are very easy to clean, store and care for. That is one of the reason that I love the process. I can be more spontaneous.

Join us in a class – see what is being offered on the printmaking workshop page.