Showing posts with label mixed media techniques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mixed media techniques. Show all posts

Saturday, 25 August 2012

Printing Blocks



I have been using different forms of printing in my work for many years and really enjoy making my own stamps, stencils and blocks. Stewart had made me some of the wooden blocks and throughout Open Studios these had been selling. One morning while demonstrating printing an idea for a printing project involving multiple blocks and wouldn't it be nice if they were in their own tray, like the old printers used to have. We had received a tray with mixed fruit and nuts for Christmas and I had saved it thinking it would come in for beads. I asked Stewart if he could make block stamps for each compartment thinking that was simple. He said yes but soon came back saying'Would you like a cup of tea?" I thought this was strange so soon after taking the tray so asked, "What's wrong?" "Do you know that everyone one of those compartments is a different size and some aren't completely square or rectangle!?" ooo but as you can see several hours later he did come back and I have had to punch stamp numbers on them so they go back in their own compartment! What a beautiful set it has turned out to be, all ready for me to design the stamps on the other side.
See more of my printing on my website www.art2inspire.co.uk
Or click on the written labels and photos below.

Dragon Skin Technique







Day two I demonstrated how to make 'Dragon Skin' as it is affectional known as.
Ironing different plastics between baking parchment and then colouring it with 
oil pastels,acrylic paints and Angelina Fibres.
Some of my students came to the studio and brought their husbands too! 
So, three generations inside looking at the work in the studio and the gentlemen enjoying the veranda in the garden. All were more than happy as you can see.
See some of the mixed media cards that I have made with the Dragon Skin HERE
and see more of my card making on my card blog HERE

Dragon Skin



I have been showing different techniques from the start of my classes and this is one of my favourite techniques because it so quick. Ironing different recycled plastics and foils then decorating the results. They are always different and contort into some amazing pieces to use in embroidery and mixed media art work.
Make sure you do this in a well ventilated room and you protect your iron and ironing board with baking parchment. Sandwich the plastic in between the paper and iron with a hot iron. Be careful as some plastics melt quickly. It is a matter of trial and error to find which ones work best. I colour them with oil pastels, acrylic paint and angellina fibres to really get the iridescent effects.
See more inspiration on my website www.art2inspire.co.uk