Tyvek® Stencils for Gelatin Printmaking

masking stencils / /

tyvek stencils for gelatin printmaking by linda germainToday, I am playing with a few simple stencils that I cut from a Tyvek® envelop.  The envelop had a little texture that I think adds to the impression in the ink.  I am also experimenting with limiting the colors and stencils.  Boundaries can help the discovery process.

One wonderful thing about Tyvek® stencils for gelatin printmaking is that they are durable and long lasting.  When I take all the time to cut stencils, then I want them to last for ever.  Cutting stencils is not the fun part for me.  If you would like some of my stencil cutting tips then check out this post.

See another style of stencils with Tyvek® in this post.

If you would like to explore monotype printing on the the gelatin and glycerin plate, then check out the details of my classes.

 

Happy Printing!

Linda

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Fashion forward is the theme for Haverhill 2014 Sole-a-bration

2010, Haverhill / /

fashion forward soleabration in haverhill by linda germainI am thinking about submitting a proposal for the community shoe event.

These foot prints are my idea.

Do you think folks in town will want to make a foot print to be collaged on to the fiberglass shoe/bench?

Fun to see how different foot prints can be.

Here’s the link to the Team Haverhill call for proposals for the Sole-a-bration.

Happy Printing

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Playing with Thermo fax screens

2010, screen printing / /

Thermo fax screen for printmaking by linda germainOver a year ago, I made several thermofax printing screens at the Lowell Fiber Studio with Linda Dunn.  I was excited to use them but some how I played with a few, but then went back to gelatin printing.

I love the details that are possible with screen printing.  I have the stuff to do emulsions and burn screens but never got to it.  I have made a few drawing fluid screens that I like but the line quality it definitely rougher.

I like the combination of abstract marks from the brayer and the details of the thermo fax screen.  I like that I can turn a high contrast photo or a doodle drawing into a screen and make multiple impressions.

If you want to give thermo fax printing a try, I have a few of my used screens for sale in my Etsy shop StudioGermain.  Get one and print it on fabric, paper, prints, cards and more.

Happy Printing!

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Screen Printing Tools on Tuesday

2010, screen printing / /

thermofax screen print over a gelatin print by linda germainThermofax screens are so easy to use and are easily incorporated in to mixed media printmaking.  One challenge that I have when screen printing is keeping my fingers clean, so that I can keep my prints clean.  I have found that –

  • take the time to set up my workspace
  • so I have space for the inky screen, the squeegee and the prints
  • then everything goes  a little more smoothly

Today I pulled out a pile of practice gelatin prints.  These are prints that are less than perfect, something a did for a demo or a warm up.  I have folders and folders of these types of prints.

You know my motto is make lots of prints so that you will get one or two that you really love.

I pulled out a pile of prints and set up my workspace and printed this fish on top of several gelatin plate prints.

Another tip for thermo fax screen print is to prepare many printing surfaces.  I mean have a lot of paper ready to print on.  Once your screen is filled with ink you want to keep printing, so you don’t waste the ink.  This is great if you are a fabric artist and like to create over all patterns on large pieces of fabric.  An artist buddy of mine, Linda Branch Dunn does this a lot.

ThermoFax set up by Linda Germain
Workspace set up for thermofax printing on gelatin prints
printing with a thermo fax screen by linda germain
The screen is lined up with the lines on the framing mat and I used a credit card to pull the ink through the screen

The empty plastic containers you see in the upper right hand corner are great for setting the inky screen on and the inky squeegee/credit card.  That way you avoid creating ink blobs here and there.

Pulling the thermo fax screen print by linda germain
Pulling the print

I am thinking about creating an online thermofax screen printing workshop. If you are interested in learning more about screen prints with the thermo fax screen, then join the special interest list.

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Gelatin Printmaking Workshops for the Fall

2010 / /

Well what do you think? a gelatin print by linda germainI am happy to share with you my fall schedule for workshops in my studio, Haverhill, MA.

These classes include:

I have tried to come up with a variety of topics but whatever we will be doing it will include:

  • guided exploration
  • fun experimentation and
  • supportive environment

The gelatin plate print on the left has some faint red marks that I made with the paper tube stamping tool that I shared with you last week. I like the delicate subtle marks.

Please help me reach local students who would love to play with printmaking this fall.  Share this blog post on your favorite social media channel.

Happy Printing!

Linda

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