Practice making Monotypes into Artists books

artist book / /
sew your monotype prints into a book with the coptic stitch binding
Monotype prints sewn with the coptic stitch binding by linda germain

I make lots of monotype prints just to get warmed up and get into the flow of a printing session. Those practice prints are great papers for creating artists books.

Make monotypes into artists books

I admire the coptic stitch binding, but I also struggle with getting the tension right. So I decided that practice, practice, practice would be the way to get better at the coptic stitch binding.

Everyday, I made a little book with the coptic stitch for last 2 weeks.  I am getting more skilled and happier with my sewn binding.

Do you give yourself the gift of practicing a skill to get better?

If you would like to help with your mixed media printmaking skills, then check out the current workshops.

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Make an eraser relief block for printmaking

relief prints / /
make a small relief block with an eraser
Tiny relief block from an eraser – Linda Germain

It is quite easy to turn a little doodle or sketch into a relief stamp for printing on paper or fabric.

  1. Draw your image the size of the eraser
  2. Simplify into shapes
  3. Trace over the image with pencil several times to get a strong layer of pencil marks
  4. Tape the image pencil side down on to the eraser
  5. Strongly scribble over the back side of the drawing to transfer the pencil marks to the eraser
  6. Then remove all the areas of the eraser that are not covered with pencil marks with block carving tools
  7. Print and check the image and block until you have removed enough of the background to create the image you like.
  8. Always be careful with carving tools. Do not cut towards your fingers.

Enjoy!

Linda Germain

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Thermofax screen print from Child’s drawing

monotype print / /
Use childs drawing to make a thermofax screen for printmaking with linda germain
Thermofax screen print based on child’s drawing –   Linda Germain

Children’s drawings are so fresh and authentic.  Before the kids get to that censoring stage and when they still draw with confidence.  As a parent you could make a thermofax screen from these line drawings and then print invitations, note cards or t-shirts.

I made this screen from my nephew’s sketch that he did a few years ago.

  • Save some of your children’s drawings
  • Photocopy them to the correct size with a toner based copy machine
  • Get a Thermofax screen made
  • Set up your workspace
  • Prepare your papers or materials for printing
  • And pull your prints

I was thinking that this drawing would make a cool invitation.

Are you inspired by children’s drawings?

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Printmaking techniques inspired by back to school supplies

mark making tools / /
notebooks, erasers and index cards are good printmaking supplies
School supplies are good for many printmaking techniques

I love this time of year, back to school.

Maybe it is because I went to school for 19 years.  I love getting new notebooks and erasers and pencils. These things still fit into my printmaking life.

  • Notebooks – great for journalling ideas
  • Pencils – sketching and tiny stamping tools
  • Erasers – good for craving relief blocks
  • Index cards – for quick monotype prints

If you love going back to school too.  Then you might like to join online printmaking class.

 

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Do you see a printmaker in this picture?

monotype print / /
ideal student for Make Monotypes
Do you see yourself in this picture? then you may be the ideal student for Make Monotypes.

Before every session, of Make Monotypes, I make a collage of my ideal student. I like to get in touch with you.  I like to remind myself of your:

  • adventurous spirit
  • willingness to play
  • interest in color and layering
  • art as passion or hobby
  • desire to be part of a group
  • printmaker, fiber artist, mixed media, surface designer and more

If you see yourself in this collage, then check out the details of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink on paper and the homemade gelatin and glycerin printing plate.

 

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