Top tools for making foam relief printing plates

I have gathered my tools for making printing plates with styrofoam trays and sticky back craft foam.

It is low tech and non-toxic but you can still get some awesome results.

These are my favorite tools:

Pattern wheel makes dotted lines.
Cd case is great for a see through foundation for sticky back foam
Small masking stencils can be combined with the foam plate
Ball point pen is good for drawing strong recessed lines.
Elastics make cool wiggly impressions in the foam
Caps and covers make great round and oval impressions
Metal springs and wheels make strong impressions in the foam
Scissors small and large are needed for cutting
Two strong plexi glass plates make a good see through “foot press”
Soft felt pad makes a good printing surface.

Check out my gallery of some soft plate relief prints – CLICK here.

If you would like to make a bunch of printing plates and learn all the tricks for layering and getting the best impressions from this low tech process, then join us in the next printmaking workshop.

Class starts August 7th through the 18th
6 short, clear and actionable video lessons
Private Facebook group for sharing and Q and A
Instructor support, guidance and encouragement
Ability to download for lifetime access
All for Only $97.00

Registration is open. Go to the printmaking class page to sign up.

This is what people are saying about printmaking courses with Linda Germain:

If you think that you can’t learn in an online environment, think again!

You will be amazed at how much you learn from Linda. Each day she shows you techniques, through her very informative videos. You can play the videos again and again to further understand the process.

I learned the basics – making a plate, rolling ink (this took some practice!) and pulling a print. I am pleased with this. I feel that I can really move on and explore this technique in greater depth on my own.

Marsha Hardin Reske – Make Monotypes