I have been screen printing some shipping envelops for the online printmaking course, Pulling Screen Prints.
When I start a printing project, I ask myself what process would be best for the image that I want to produce? Screen printing is a good method when you want to print a lot of the same image/mark. I have used screen printing for:
Business cards
Marketing materials
Mailers
Yardage of fabric
Series of Mixed media prints
Banners
Scarves
Wrapping paper
Note cards
If you would like support and guidance in developing your screen printing skills, in the comfort of your own home or studio, then read the details and register for Pulling Screen Prints – the online printing class.
I recently purchased a Simply Screen Printing kit from Plaid. I am experimenting with home based emulsion screen printing kits as an alternative to Thermofax screens.
I did a couple of quick tests and was pleased with how the kit worked.
It comes with everything that you need to burn delicate screens
You can use photo copy on paper as your stencil
The box works as a Light unit, so you don’t have to wait for good sunlight
In 25 minutes you have a screen
The emulsion rinses out easily and you can print as soon as it dries
So after I discovered all these good things, I found that it is a discontinued item. That is good and bad. You can get the kit a a good discount right now. But you won’t be able to get more screens when the stock is gone. ( I am testing another supplier of pre-coated emulsion as an alternative for the future.)
So if you are thinking that you might like to burn delicate screens at home with this kit, buy the kit before it is too late. (I am not an affiliate.)
But in the end, it may be easier to have you screens burned by one of the many thermofax screen vendors that you can find online.
Oh…. Plaid is discontinuing their line of Simply Screen printing inks too. I really like the squirt container. It eliminates a lot of waste and mess for small runs.
If you would like to explore several methods of screen printing, then join Pulling Screen Prints, the online printmaking course.
Early bird rate is $178 and this includes the 4 weeks of lessons and a 8 piece Thermofax kit.
Have you been wanting to add screen printing to your skill set? If so, then you are in luck, registration for Pulling Screen prints the online printmaking class is open. Check out the details and get the early bird discount today.
Stencils are simple and effective ways to print without having a press.
These are not your grade school stencils – or maybe they are. Stencils are more than those store bought plastic flowers, set of sign letters and wall stencils for folk art.
They are usually used to block the transfer of ink, but in gelatin printmaking and alternative screen printing processes they can be used to transfer ink as well.
A stencil is a versatile as your imagination. They can be as simple as torn newsprint or as complex as delicately cut mylar.
The power of stencil prints comes when you add your story, your voice, your images to create stencils. Stencil creation builds up your design skills. You start thinking about shape, negative space and composition.
Consider looking for ways to make your stencils personal. Use a photo or drawing of your cat, your tree or your child in your next printmaking project. I guarantee you will experience a huge emotional change in your artwork. Your work will reflect what is important to you. That emotion and passion will be felt by those viewing your art work.
Though I do have a huge studio, I still work pretty small. I like art work that can be handled, that is intimate and draws you in closer.
When I took my first printmaking class, I bought a very big screen and I have not used it since. It is just too big. It is the yellow screen shown in the picture. I am glad to have it if I need it, but for my everyday screen printing projects I use much smaller screens.
The picture shows a 11″ x 14″ 11o mesh screen, a 6″x 6″ homemade screen with tulle, and an embroidery hoop screen with a drawing fluid image.
When I use Thermofax screens, I like to layer lots of small images and print quickly with a small squeegee.
What about you? What size screen prints do you like to pull? Do you have a system to maximize your space?
I have been screen printing some shipping envelops for the online printmaking course, Pulling Screen Prints.
