Watch this video and get some idea of images and types of stencils that we will be exploring in the Make Stencil Workshop, the new online printmaking class.
Stencils are the foundation of Printmaking
In this online printmaking workshop, we are going to making lots of stencils, both the masking type and the traditional style. Then you will have tools and imagery for gelatin printmaking, screen printing, maybe for thermofax screens and most certainly for traditional stenciling projects.
The focus of the course is going to be tool creation, plenty of time to practice and then a few projects peppered in.
Stencils are the foundation for images in screen printing. Stencils are used as masks and tools in monoprinting on the gel plate.
If you make prints without a press you can make better prints, if you have stronger stencil making skills.
Practice and cut more stencils and you will get better. I hope this does not discourage you or disappoint.
But if you get into the habit of collecting ideas and images, and then cut out one new stencil every couple of days, then your collection of unique hand made stencils will grow at a steady pace, and you will have more than enough printmaking options.
Here are three stencil cutting practice tips:
Download my free Cutting SKILLS Worksheet by Linda Germain and use it. If you save all the cut outs you will have 7 small masking stencils and 8 traditional stencils to play with. (print it out on card stock)
Start a physical and digital file folder to collect inspiration.
Start simple, build your confidence and success and then get more complex. You can do it!
If you think that you would like the guidance of an instructor, support of an art community and 4 weeks of lessons, then join us in the new online printmaking class – Make Stencils Workshop. Click here for the details. Registration is open now and class starts March 28th.
The skills you master in this class will jumpstart and support all your other printmaking processes. However if you are a beginner this will be a good course for you was well. There will be lots of time for skill development and practice. I hope you join us.
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
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!
Small pointed wood burning tool – worked great when cutting the Yupo stencil.
Sand paper to sand off the burr created by the wood burning tool
Love Yupo paper for stencils, sand paper for removing the burr created by the wood burning tool to cut the stencil
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.
Pivoting finger knife was not comfortable to use
Straight finger knife was not at the best angle for me.
Cutting tools that I did not care for when making stencils for printmaking
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.
Would you like to add some fine line marks to your gelatin prints?
Maybe print some dragonfly cards or
Just start exploring thermofax screen printing?
You are in luck. I have an 8 piece starter kit of Thermofax screens ready to ship to you today, and you will be pulling beautiful screen prints later this week.
Thermofax screen printing is a quick and easy way to experiment with screen printing. There is no need for light boxes, emulsion and high powered spray washers.
It is all done for you.
You will get 8 small screens and access to the videos to show you how to tape off the screen and start printing within just a few minutes.
8 piece Thermofax Screen starter kit
The basic idea in screen printing is that you push/pull ink through tiny holes in a mesh screen. In thermofax screen printing the design is created by “burning” certain areas on the emulsion coated screen. This “burning” of emulsion is all done for you. I do it with my machine.
So the screen comes to you a ready to be taped off and printed with.
If you are new to screen printing, then you may not know how convenient this is.
Trust me, it is a huge time saver and make screen printing accessible to many more folks, who don’t have access to a printmaking studio.
If this is still confusing, then watch the video below and see how easy it is to print with Thermofax screens.
Are you ready to start Thermofax Screen Printing?
Then click the paypal button below and I will ship your kit to you ASAP.
With the kit you will have access to 4 private videos that will:
Show you how to prepare the screens
Print with the screens
Choose substrates to print on
Get you started
You will also get information on how to set up your workspace and clean and care for your new screens.
This kit is no longer available.
If you have any questions please email me, linda@lindagermain.com
I believe that the key to feeling like an artist is working like an artist.
You need guided time to work at your craft. Imagine Matisse in his studio or Ansel Adams in the mountains.
Are you ready?
Give yourself the gift of time and guidance.
Time is not enough, because you will always have something else competing for your attention. Day job, kids, laundry and all the other bits of life.
Here’s some guidance:
Take photos of shapes for 10 minutes a day for one week. It is about capturing shapes not necessarily great photos
Keep it super simple simple – tie it to something you already do: a time when you are waiting, having your coffee, walking to school, work or the store
Here is the part that will make a big difference.
Tell a friend that you are going to do it.
This will make the promise to yourself even stronger.
Now simply begin.
Enjoy,
Linda
Want to make stencils like Matisse? GET the FREE Tutorial!
Be More Than a Store bought Stencil User!
Join today and get notice of future classes.
You will also get weekly emails about printmaking, tips, tools and classes.
