A thermofax machine quickly “burns” screens for small scale screen printing. Choosing the right images will help create screens that will last for 100’s of prints.

You need a carbon based photocopy of a high contrast image for best results in creating the thermofax screen.

Here are some guidelines for choosing clip art images to use to create screens for printing

• High contrast black and white image
• Not a lot of big solid black area
• Strong clean photocopy from a toner based copier
• Copyright free or in the public domain
• No bigger that 8″ x 10″

I think it is a good idea to start with small images, like 5″ x 7″ or smaller.  It is easier to print this size with out the aid of a rigid frame.

Photos, drawings and stamped marks can be good sources of imagery for Thermofax printmaking. I hope to talk about these type of images in the next few weeks.

If you are interested in an online printmaking course in Thermofax screen printing, then join the special interest group.  I am excited about creating this class for you. It is a low tech printmaking technique that is possible to do with out a press and still obtain detailed impression.

I strongly suggest that you use the speedball water soluble block printing ink, the homemade glycerin and gelatin printing plate and sulphite drawing paper.

These supplies allow from the easiest learning. They do take some practice and getting used to if you have not used them before. These 3 supplies create a good transfer of ink from brayer, to plate to stencils and to paper.

I hope that you will use these supplies to gain printmaking skills that will last a lifetime.

Once you have developed a deep understanding of the factors that are affecting your impressions, then it is a good time to experiment with other inks, paints, paper, substrates, and plate.

Check out current workshops.

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?