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!

Kirigami and making new stencils for Printmaking Read More »

Printing with a fern on fabric

Today I added a layer and focus to a few monoprints on fabric.

LindaGermain-4393

I set up my space and gathered a few tools.

Ready to do to monoprinting with the gelatin plate - Linda Germain

I found a few prints that I pulled last week and decided to add some focus and darker marks.

Layering mark and impressions on fabric with the gelatin plate

I picked one sturdy fern that I had preserved with glycerin and water a few weeks ago.

Ferns preserved with glycerin and water for printmaking

I like the uneven and interesting negative shapes that theses fern have.

work space for gelatin printing

I used Versatex screen printing ink and played for about 1/2 hour and I am happy with the results.

Want to Hand Print Unique Fabric?

Join today and get notice of future classes.

You will also get weekly emails about printmaking, tips, tools and classes.

Printing with a fern on fabric Read More »

Is your Sketchbook always with you?

I noticed that even though I am not the traditional sketchbook artist, I have lots of sketchbooks.

Sketchbooks an artists tool Linda germain

Sometimes I get a new book and think it is too precious to use. Hmm? That is crazy.

The book is my tool to feed my image creation. I guess that crazy thinking comes from wanting all my marks to be perfect. And yet I know that 80% of what I do is just clearing out the chaos.

So when I make a new book I try to jump right in with my daily marks. The process of using the book is what is precious. Take a look at some of my artist sketchbooks.

Do you love your sketchbook?

Do you use your sketchbook to feed your image creation?

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!

Is your Sketchbook always with you? Read More »

Simplify nature and make a stencil

Sometimes simple works. I am inspired by textures and shapes that are all around me, yet to create a pleasing print I often need to simplify.

Monoprinted fabric Linda Germain

Monoprint on Fabric – recycle a print from last year and added 3 flower shapes

Monoprinting fabric with stencils and the gelatin plate Linda Germain

Another gelatin plate print on fabric.

Monoprinting with the gelatin and glycerin plate on fabric is always an experimental surprise. You can pull prints very quickly  and I often work on 10 or more pieces of fabric at once.

I like to work parts of the plate or fabric, rather than covering the whole print at one time. Recently, I discovered that it is a good idea to have plenty of fabric with coordinating colors, so that I can put the pieces together for a final project.

Enjoy a short video of the prints I pulled today.

Give this printmaking technique a try. Get the free recipe below and start pulling prints on paper or fabric very soon.
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!

Simplify nature and make a stencil Read More »

Why monoprint on Fabric?

A monoprint is a one of a kind print. It can be made with or without a press.

pieced monotype prints for pillow

What is the benefit of printing on fabric?

  • You can create one of a kind material for quilts, wall hangings, pillows and other projects
  • You can create foundation material for needle work
  • You can make patterned fabric to stretch on a frame or canvas
  • Fabric art is personal and tangible
  • Hand printed fabric can be crafted into tote bags and handbags
  • Monoprinted fabric can be stitched onto clothing
  • Note books can be covered and transformed with hand printed fabric
  • Shapes and details can be printed on hand towels

Prints lots of coordinating fabric to use for sewing projects

There are special benefits of using the gelatin plate and screen printing inks to print on fabric.

  • The gelatin plate is malleable and can hold a detailed impression in the ink and then with mere hand pressure it can be transferred to the fabric.
  • Other tools like ferns and feather can be combined with the gelatin plate to create delicate details.
  • You do not need a press or special printmaking studio
  • It is a water based, non-toxic process

monoprinted fabric is great for covering hand made books

You can join Monoprinting Fabric with the gelatin plate today! Read all the details on the workshop page.

Why monoprint on Fabric? Read More »