masking stencils

First, though I love Tyvek® for making stencils, I have to say that I made stencils for ten years, before I found the beauty of strong and easy to cut Tyvek®.

So you can make stencils from:

• drawing paper
• coated magazine covers
• Yupo paper
• Plastic file folders
• reinforced envelopes
• Mylar and more

Don’t let your lack of access to Tyvek® stop you from making your own unique stencils.

Here’s a little more about Tyvek®.

photo by SAMDOGS

There are many variations of Tyvek®. There are two main divisions paper-like and fabric-like forms. The paper-like form is stiffer and the fabric-like is soft and scrunchy.

The paper-like stuff is better for stencils because it holds it’s shape. But you can use the softer version to make stencils.

Also the texture of the Tyvek® varies, some times this texture is transferred to your print.

Since Tyvek® is not sold in small amounts as an art supply we need to be creative in finding it.

I spoke to a representative at Material Concepts yesterday about the availability of smaller rolls. The excess inventory is changeable. So you can call and ask if they have any small rolls in stock.

I am waiting to receive my JAM paper from Staples – that may be a reasonable amount for $25. You can also find JAM Tyvek® paper at – JamPaper.com  and on Amazon.com

Purchased envelopes or recycled envelopes from the USPS is very affordable and a great place to start to try out making stencils from Tyvek®. These envelopes are the stiffer paper like version.

You can get a fabric-like version at the hardware store in the form of protective suit. This is thin, textured and wrinkly but it it still very strong.

My best advice to find recycled Tyvek® is to look to industries that use it and ask if you can have the stuff that they throw away.

Two users that I can think of:

• local builders
• carpet sellers

Here is a quick video to show you differences in types of Tyvek®.

Look FUN!!!

Join us in a printmaking workshop. Check the current schedule.

I love the process of printing and discovering what happens when I layer and combine different kinds of marks.

That is just one part of the process of printing. Other elements of mixed media printmaking could be:

• Collecting ideas and subject matter
• Drawing or creating a matrix (stencil/image/plate)
• Proofing and testing the matrix
• Cropping, combining and framing the final image

I think different people are interested in different parts of the process. Some folks love drawing and planning and others love the finishing and framing.

Stencils can be a quick way to get to the printing and playing part of the process. Stencils can be:

• Simple torn paper
• Flat found objects
• Magazine cut outs

And of course stencils can be more complex images such as:

• Delicate Tyvek® cuttings
• Exposed emulsion screens

My collection of stencils started out as a few paper doll like dresses and threads. And now I have more stencils and ideas than I can use.

• What element of printmaking is your favorite?
• Do you want to improve your stencil making skills?
• And get printing fast?
• Check out the workshops for current offerings

What would you do with a simple hole puncher and a manilla file folder?

You could make some masking stencils to use with gelatin plate printmaking. These files folders are a little more sturdy than paper, so the stencils will last longer.

Think of creative ways to use the hole puncher:

• line of hole on the edge
• fold the paper and punch a hole in  the middle
• fold the paper to reach other areas of the paper
• Punch only 1/2 the circle to get a gear tooth effect
• Cut your paper in different shapes

I got you started, so now cut a few new stencils do some creative hole punching and try using them with the gelatin plate.

If you want more guidance with working with the gelatin plate and making prints, then join us in the next Gelatin Printmaking Workshop – the 4  week class starts, September 19th. Read all the details about this online printmaking workshop here.

Ferns really show off the unique qualities of gelatin printmaking. Often the delicate pattern of the fern can be captured in the print.

Not all ferns are created equal!

• Fragile spring ferns curl up
• Old fall ferns snap
• Green late summer ferns are good to preserve and will last a long time

If you would like to explore printing with ferns and more, using the gelatin plate  then check out the current workshops.