Lino printing

Last week our art group arranged and provided equipment for an introductory workshop on lino printing.  Members who had attended an earlier full day session with a printmaking tutor were on hand to help those unfamiliar with the process, as well as bringing along examples of their own work.

Several participants had either limited experience, or none at all, of the lino printing process and, despite the short time available (only 2 hours), were able to produce some satisfying results and went away encouraged to experiment further.

Members' work (photos courtesy of P. Kitching)

The supplies used were: Essdee Softcut blocks and lino cut tools, Fabriano Unica printing paper (plus old book pages and coloured paper), and Calico Safe Wash Relief Ink*.  Inking plates, registration boards, rollers and barren were loaned by members.

* A tip I have since learned about cleaning up the ink is to apply the liquid soap before adding water.

As I was organising the supplies and overseeing the printing stations, I didn't have time to complete my block on the evening, but finished it later at home.

Red poppy book

I made this fold book a couple of weeks ago.  I like the colours, I don't often use this red, my painted papers usually veer towards magenta or pink, but this red and gold seem to go well together.

I haven't decided on a recipient for this one yet and have just added a general greeting message inside for the moment - I might keep it in my sample box.

Hand-printed paper -finished size approx 4" x 5"

Personalised greetings can be inserted
in the inside pockets

Blizzard book

Gradually working through the book "The Art of the Fold" - this month's task was the Blizzard Book (Section 12, page 71).  The finished size is only 5.7 x 9 cm (credit card size), but for the sixteen pockets suggested you need a paper length of 90 cm.  Luckily I had a roll of brown wrapping paper which I decorated with handmade stamps before attempting the folding.

The slip case is made from thin card and I followed the instructions from this video.

I have since tied the enclosed booklet with ribbon and
added the collaged decoration to the cover
(this photo also gives a truer idea of the colour)

Urban Sketchers May meeting

Lots of people enjoying the sunny weather at Coate Water this morning. After chatting to Maureen, who came along from the radio station "Swindon 105.5" to interview some of the group, we dispersed to find sketching spots around the lake sheltered from the chilly wind.

The Diving Board - Coate Water Country Park
Pen, watercolour, gouache and white gel pen in the
Hahnemuhle cappucino sketchbook