SEATTLE — If you're looking for ways to keep the creativity flowing and have some fun with the kids while school is out, Tiffany Jay of Squirrelly Art Studio is here to help with some ideas for making your own art prints at home.
Block Printing with Kids
Materials:
(Available in Seattle at Artist & Craftsman Supply or Blick Art Supply.)
- Paper and pencil
- Rubber block
- Carving tool
- Brayer Block printing ink
- Plastic plate or flat tray for rolling paint
- Paper or fabric to print on
Instructions:
1. Begin with paper and pencil to sketch out your design. Trace around the block so that your sketch is the same size as the actual block you will be carving. Remember that it’s harder to carve small details than to draw them, so try to keep your design simple.
2. Sketch your design with pencil on your block, just as you did on paper, but draw lightly in case you need to erase.
3. Use the carving tool to carve out the design on your block. You may simply carve out the pencil lines by using the blade on your carving tool to scoop out the rubber, removing just about a millimeter of rubber or less – do not dig too deeply. Be sure to carve safely by keeping the block on the table at all times, and carving away from yourself. For experienced carvers, you may also leave your pencil lines on the block, and carve out all of the negative space (this is much harder!) Both techniques will create lovely images.
4. Clean your table to get rid of rubber bits before printing. Prepare notecards or other printing paper or fabric (dish towels, tshirts, etc.) and have nearby.
5. Put a bit of block printing ink on a plastic plate or flat smooth tray, about the size of a pea. Use a brayer to roll and evenly spread the ink, and cover the brayer. Roll the paint on the carved surface of your rubber block, and be sure to cover the block evenly. You may mix colors or use multiple colors on a single block.
6. Carefully pick up the block and place face down on the paper or fabric. Press firmly on all parts of the block, but be careful not to shift the block on the paper, or the design will smudge. Carefully lift the block by the corner and remove from the paper. Let dry (only a few minutes for paper, and about a week for fabric.)
7. Sign and enjoy your artwork!
Gelatin Printing with Kids
Materials:
- Knox unflavored gelatin
- Shallow tray or food container
- Brayer Acrylic paints
- Plastic plate or flat tray for rolling paint
- Leaves, feathers, string or other flat objects
- Paper to print on (white cardstock works well)
Instructions:
1. Make your gelatin plate. You may use about 1⁄2 cup powdered gelatin mixed with 1 quart water, or simply use the gelatin instructions on the packets, but use one third of the required amount of water, to make a much firmer gelatin. (Mix gelatin powder first with 1⁄2 of the water, let dissolve, then use boiling water for the second 1⁄2 and mix.) Skim off all of the bubbles, then pour liquid into shallow trays. Let sit in refrigerator for at least one hour, or until solid.
2. Put about 1 teaspoon acrylic paint on a plastic plate, and use the brayer to roll the paint onto the gelatin plate.
3. Place leaves or feathers (or other soft, flat objects like string, rubber bands or cut out paper shapes) on top of the painted gelatin. Try not to overlap if you’d like to see the images clearly.
4. Place a piece of paper over the objects on the gelatin and smooth the whole surface of the paper with your hands. Try to feel the edges of the leaves to ensure that your paper is touching the gelatin in all areas, which will give you a sharper print.
5. Peel off the paper to discover your design!
6. If you’d like, remove the leaves, and then take a second print, or “ghost print” (the paint remaining underneath the leaves) on a new sheet of paper. You may also layer prints with different leaves and different colors.
7. Sign and enjoy your artwork!
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