mark making tools

Back to school supplies

mark making tools / /

I love this time of year when the back to school supplies are on sale. I find myself using very simple supplies. It creates a sense of freedom.

Abstract landscapes with markers

Crayons, watercolor, markers and pencils have lots of potential.

school supplies for art making

Other supplies to stock up on:

  • White glue
  • Erasers
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Notebooks
  • clips and pencil cases

So even if you are not looking forward to going back to school, it is still a great time to stock up on some art supplies. Or maybe take an art class. This month’s sale class is the Mixed Media Retreat. It is 50% off. Now only $62.50. Read all the details on the workshop page.

broad tip markers

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Video – Mark Marks style book

mark making, mark making tools, tools / /

I have realized that the different approaches I take in mark making or journaling affect the final feel of the book. The Make Marks style book tends to be more cohesive and captures the emotions of one point in time.

Make Marks Linda Germain

The book feels more like a precious piece than the journal I have been creating lately. Both capture moments in time but I was surprised how different they feel when I look back a year or two.

Enjoy this short video of the Make Marks style book.

If you would like to:

  • Layer light gelatin plate impressions
  • Let your pencil or crayon wander
  • Make some stamping tools
  • Add rubbings and dark line
  • pull it together in one book

then join us in the online workshop Make Marks + Books. SAVE $25 this February – Now only $60.

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Explore mark making in a book form

book arts, combined techniques, mark making, mark making tools / /

I am pleased to share that I am offering a $25 discount on the Make Marks + Books online class for the month of February 2025. Read all the details on the workshop page.

layer marks for an artist book

After completing the 15 short lessons you will have:

  • at least one cohesive artist’s book
  • a growing collection of found stamping tools
  • a few hand made cardboard relief stamps
  • a box of foam block stamps
  • a selection of raised rubbing tools
  • confidence to explore hand drawn fonts
  • a deeper understanding of your mark making vocabulary

make some stamping tools

This class is about discovering and combining different types of marks to use in a mostly abstract artist book.  After looking at the Make Marks style books that I have created, I felt that they were a cohesive expression of how I was feeling at the time. They feel more precious than the journal style books that I have been making lately.

make mark a mixed media class with Linda Germain

The class was originally designed as a weekend workshop. But as a self study you can do the lessons in an order and pace that fits your lifestyle.

Save $25 this month. Read all the details on the Make Marks + Books workshop page.

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Stamp some marks

foam plate printmaking, mark making, mark making tools, mixed media printmaking, stamping tools / /

Why I like to work with tiny foam stamps:

They are fast and easy to make. You just need sticky back foam sheets and something to stick it to. I like to use recycled styrofoam produce trays. But you can use sturdy thin cardboard too.

supplies for making foam stamps

The stamped image can be simple but still impactful. Sometimes geometric shapes and patterns are enough. I like to keep the stamps small so they are easy to ink and print.

It can be addictive to make piles and piles of stamps. And yet they take up very little space and are quite easy to store.

tiny foam stamps by linda germain

I like to keep a sample book with a record of stamps that I have already made especially the word stamps.

They are easy to ink and print. I like to use broad nibbed markers. This avoids the need to buy a bunch of stamp pads that just dry out too fast. I can even use more than one color at a time.

foam stamp image

It is easy to make impressions of different values rather quickly. This can add depth to the print.

And they dry quickly and support the flow of working in my sketchbook.

foam stamping in sketchbook

I invite you to explore tiny stamp making with me. Read all the details of the new Stamp Making and Mixed Media Workshop.

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Make Marks Supplies List

book arts, drawings, handmade books, mark making, mark making tools / /

You can make interesting marks with simple tools. Enjoy this quick video.

 

In this online class we will layer marks to reveal a visual story. Read all the details on the workshop page.

The suggested supplies:

  • Gelatin plate – FREE recipe here
  • Speedball water based ink
  • brayer
  • paper of your choice – I like
    • 90 lb drawing paper 12″ x 18″
    • Rice paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″
    • Tracing paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″
    • I like these sizes and papers because I am making a long landscape shaped book, but you could do the techniques at any size. So use what you have
    • One large sheet of sturdy printmaking paper, watercolor paper or mixed media paper for the cover. I use Arnhem. But you can use what you have.
  • Cardboard
  • thin easy to cut craft foam sheets
  • set of small children’s blocks (dollar store)
  • water based markers
  • Variety of found mark making tools (see photo below)
  • glue
  • exacto knife
  • soft crayons

Hope to see you in class.

mark making into books

 

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