Ink tips, Brayer help and Mark making tools for printmaking

mark making tools / /

Ink the brayer

ink and brayers

It seems simple to ink the brayer, but it may take some practice.

The thing is, that every ink, brayer and plate may be a little different and require a little bit of finesse to get a nice thin coat of ink on the brayer and then on the plate.

Check out this video and post if you want some tips on how to ink your brayer.

Kirigami stencils

Kirigami Everybody book for stencil making

That is simply stencils cut from folded paper. I like to cut stencils from paper and then make them strong by coating them with mat medium.

Read this blog post to get some tips on cutting and coating masking stencils for gelatin plate monotype printing.

Stamping tools

Glass as a stamping tool
glass as a stamping tool

Once you start gelatin printing you will see the world with new eyes. All of a sudden everything with pattern and texture because a mark making tool. In the image above I used a glass plate to make the designs in the turquoise ink.

If you would like to see more of my top stamping tools for gelatin printing then check out these 2 posts:

Of course if you need the recipe and instructions on  how to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for making monotypes then sign up below and you will get the FREE tutorial.

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You want to explore gelatin printmaking.

You have landed in the right place.

Join the mailing list, and you will get the glycerin and gelatin plate recipe, that you can use to make your own monotype printing plate.

  • You get a how to video
  • Written reminders
  • Trouble shooting tips

I am happy to share these instructions on how to make the gel printing plate. I want you to try this monotype printmaking technique and enjoy years of spontaneous printmaking.

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

 

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Thermofax machine simplifies screen printing

monotype print / /

Thermofax machines were used to make copies in the 1990’s I think. Now they are treasures to mixed media artists, printmakers and tattoo artists.

thermofax machine for creating screens for printmaking

These big bulky machines can makes screens for printing in a matter of seconds. All you do is place a carbon based copy against the emulation coated screen and run it through the machine. Watch the video.

You can buy these machines and the emulsion coated screens from Welsh Products. I got my machine from them a few years ago.

Or I do offer a starter kit of 8 screens. It is a nice way to get started, and to see if you actually like and would use the process in your art making.

Gelatin print and thermofax print cropped into a book mark

For example, I added the spirograph flower design to this gelatin monotype with a thermofax screen from the starter kit.

Thermofax screen printed fabric sewn into a handbag

I used 4 of the screens in the kit to print this overall random pattern on this fabric, then sewed it into a bag.

dragonfly thermofax screen print by linda germain

I used the dragonfly screen to make a series of cards. So I am sure that you could create some beautiful images with the 8 designs that come with the thermofax starter kit.

This Kit is no longer available.

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Finding Time to Make ART

inspiration / /

I love the timer on my iPad Mini. I can trick myself into action by setting the the 20 minute timer.

use ipad as a stopwatch to get stuff done

I say to myself,

“Ok let’s see what I can do in 20 minutes. Then I can quit or go have some fun.”

Usually about one hour later, I have done three 20 minute sessions and have my task done. I use this timer trick for anything that I want to do but for some reason I am resisting doing it.

  • testing new printing tools
  • writing blog posts
  • cleaning my studio
  • even playful printing

Monoprinting fabric - online workshop with Linda Germain

The thing I love about my iPad timer is that it has fun tunes to choose as “alarms.” So after 20 minutes, I heard this pleasant rewarding sound, and I feel good about what I have just accomplished. Usually it is really easy to continue on for another 20 minutes.

Do you have ways to motivate yourself into action? Try the 20 minute timer trick and see if it helps.

Happy printing!

 

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New tools for printmaking

stencil print / /

I had been hearing about the Xcut X-Press craft machine from Annie Day and the Printmaking sisters in Australia. They use this small embossing craft machine to make beautiful waterless lithography prints, etching prints and lino cut prints.

Xcut XPress craft machine for printmaking

I know I prefer the immediacy of monoprinting with the gelatin plate. I really like the non-toxic water based inks that I use, but I still wanted to check out this small, inexpensive “printing press.”

And I am glad that I did. For about $130.00 I now have a little press for making experimental prints. I have tried printing:

  • foam core intaglio etching
  • foam relief plate
  • paper stencil
  • used Akua intaglio ink
  • tried water soluble pastels
  • water based speedball block printing inks

I am going to play around with some collagraph plates. And see what happens.

stencil print with water based ink

The tree print above was made from a cut paper card that I found at Extras for Creative Reuse, the local recycling center for artists, teachers and other creative people.

I inked the delicate paper card with speedball block printing ink and ran is through my new little press. I was happy with the print on the right, even though the ink coverage was a little uneven. The card is delicate and will probably not last too long, but I liked figuring out how to use the “tools” and water based inks that I have around.

intaglio print made from coated foam core

This is a quick print that I did with an etched foam core plate. I made this at the Book Arts course at USM last summer. It is a piece or foam core coated with gloss medium. Then you just draw into it with and etching needle, you can pull off the first layer of paper as well.

The plate is pretty worn, but I was happy with the quick prints that I made on rice paper and masa paper. I used Akua intaglio inks for that process.

Happy Printing!

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Tools to make rubbings

tools / /

I found a few new tools at Extra’s for Creative Reuse this week. I had my eye out for blocks with clean raised edges and patterns.

found object printmaking tools for making brayer rubbings

Above you can see I did some test prints on dry cotton fabric, with screen printing ink. I am quite happy with how crisply they printed up.

hand printing on cotton fabric

If you are hunting for found object rubbing plates, look for:

  • level blocks
  • strong raised marks or patterns
  • sizes that you can easily handle

hand printed linen by linda germain

I used a stencil to make the flower shape and then the white rubbing plate to make the random interesting line. I like the ragged, frayed edge. I would like to figure out a way to use it in the final design.

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