Kirigami and making new stencils for Printmaking

I spent 3 hours at the bookstore seeking visual inspiration. I did not really think that I would buy any books, because I am a library girl. But I did find this Kiragami book, Everybody Kirigami! by Mitsuhiko Imamori.

Kirigami Everybody book for stencil making

So I cut some stencils from copy paper, while I was watching re-runs of the Doctor Blake Mysteries. I like to cut stencils from thin and easy to cut paper and then make them stronger with multiple coats of matt medium after the stencil is cut.

Coat paper stencils with mat medium to make them stronger

I know some folks don’t have the patience for this process. But it works for me. I lightly coat one side at a time and move it while it is drying so that it does not stick to the plastic page protector. The weak spots need extra coats.

Gelatin plate monotype on fabric with stencils

I did have to print with them all before I even coated them. I get so excited and the I need to see what the stencil will do when I use it. So I tested each one on some fabric prints in process.

stencil marks on fabric with the gelatin plate

This frog just makes me smile. I am not  really sure how I will use this image. Maybe as a a card image.

traditional stencils for printmaking with the gelatin plate

I picked these up off the floor and could not throw them away. These “hole” stencils can be used as well to make bold shapes, with or with out the gelatin plate. I made these as a by product of the masking stencils and without specific intention.

masking stencils ready for gel printmaking

Where do you look for inspiration for stencils? What materials do you like to use to cut your stencils from? If you would like to make a gelatin and glycerin plate to use with your stencils, get the FREE recipe below.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

2 thoughts on “Kirigami and making new stencils for Printmaking”

Comments are closed.