Simple stencils from fabric designs

stencils / /

I got several small fabric samples, at the local recycling center, extras for creative reuse.

fabric samples inspire masking stencil

I did some sketches, drawings and doodles with reference to some of the patterns. This is an easy way to draw something if you really don’t have a passion for drawing. It gives you a starting place. Of course you do not want to create exact copies of someone else’s design.

Today I cut a few simple trees and circles and used them as masking stencils while printing with the gelatin plate. Monotype printing on the gelatin plate is always unpredictable.

monotypes prints

I have been exploring this process for several years and still l manage to discover new approaches. Today, I played with surprise ink on the stencil and releasing it in different ways on to the plate and on to the paper.

simple shaped impression monotype

If you have not tried gelatin printmaking with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate and you like working to discover new ways of making marks, then wait no longer. Get the FREE recipe and try it this week.

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Recycling an old book into a journal

artist book / /

Sewn book bindings can intimidating. But the more you do the better you get.

coptic binding journal

Every time I make a Coptic stitch bound book, I need to refresh my memory and skills.

recycle old books

So with this journal I set perfection aside and embraced the re-learning of the coptic stitch binding.

parts of coptic stitched book

When journals are too perfect and precious, then I seem to be reluctant to use them. So I guess is is great to have this less than perfect journal for doodles, lists, notes and drawing.

make something with an old book

If you would like to explore re-use old books this summer, then stay on the printmaking list below and I will keep you posted.

Printmaking Interest
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You will also receive a weekly email about printmaking ideas, challenges and courses.

 

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Watch and learn how to make the Gelatin Plate for Printmaking

Haverhill / /

There are lots of different recipes for making the gelatin plate for monotype printing. And you can even skip the process and buy a commercially prepared plate.

Each type of plate will interact differently with inks and paints. So the key is to find your favorite combination of inks, papers and plates to create your style of gelatin plate monotype prints.

gelatin print made with found stencils

If you are new to this site, then you can get my free recipe for making the glycerin and gelatin plate here.

My favorite combination is 90 lb. drawing paper, speedball water based block printing ink and the homemade glycerin and gelatin plate. That combination of tools gives me some control and ability to create my style of marks.

gelatin plate for printmaking

If you are local – come to the free demo:

I realize that making the plate is a barrier for some people to get through, so

  • I am going to include how to make the plate in my
  • demonstration this Saturday,
  • May 20th 1PM to 2PM at
  • the Artists Playground
  • The Tannery, Water St
  • Newburyport, MA
  • The demo is FREE, just reserve your space 978-462-5366

Gelatin printmaking is a spontaneous and unpredictable process that can produce beautiful layered images.

multi colored gelatin monotype print

Watch the video below to get a peek at the tools, the process and some prints.

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Books as art materials

monotype print / /

I love finding old books at library sales.

books for making art

I think of old books as fodder for art making. I can use:

  • The pages for black out poems
  • The covers for journals
  • Pages for printing surfaces

black out poems on book pages

BE brave and make something from a book!

Use old books to make art journals

I look for covers that talk to me, pages with words that jump out at me and subjects that catch my eye.

artist book made with old book covers

I am excited to share that I am working on a new class that will be all about repurposing old books and less than perfect prints into beautiful pieces of art.

Stay on the mailing list to find out about the details of this course that will run in July.

Printmaking Interest
Do you crave time for your art making?

You will also receive a weekly email about printmaking ideas, challenges and courses.

Books as art materials Read More »

Rain, Rain – go away or not

inspiration / /

Here in New England we are experiencing a rainy Mother’s Day. It is disappointing for some. Does it have to be?

see the beauty in a rainy day

But we could just roll with it and embrace the things that we can not change. Could you?

  • Notice how it is turning everything green and lush
  • Jump in puddles with your grandkids
  • Photograph the reflections in the puddles
  • Close your eyes and listen to the rain

Being with the rain creates opportunity to feed your art practice.

patterns inspired by rainy day

I always get ideas for:

  1. Patterns
  2. Shaped stencils and
  3. Layered images

If you would like to give yourself a mother’s day gift and start to let your environment feed your art practice, then join us in the 4 week gelatin printmaking course that starts tomorrow – Make Monotypes. Read the details on the printmaking workshop page.

collage of gelatin prints by linda germain

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