We did more monoprinting in my printmaking class at the Boston MFA. This week the instructor asked us to bring objects to print with. Students brought lots of items from nature, stickers, paper flowers, lace, etc. Take a peek at what some of my classmates created (where you see two similar prints, one is a "ghost" or a second pass through the printing press):
As for me, you won't be surprised to know that I brought stencils to play with! At the beginning of class, I assumed that putting stencils through the press would be almost identical to the effect of Gelli Printing with stencils.
It wasn't.
The printing press is a different beast. It prints the stencils perfectly (including the engraved item number) and leaves a small white border around the edge, which really makes the stencil pop off the page. Take a peek:
The instructor liked this stencil so much she hung up the newsprint that had the overprinting on it:
After creating my first print, I flipped the stencil over (assuming that yellow and red ink was now all over the back of the stencil) and tried printing it again.
Fainter than I would have liked, but still interesting. Check out what the plate looked like when I pulled the stencil off:
If there hadn't been such a long line to use the press I might have tried printing that ghost.
Instead, I took the original yellow and red plate (which now had the impression of the stencil in it) and added two new stencils and some random marks. Here's the plate on my workspace and then up close:
And here's the print:
It almost looks like you could pull that fish stencil right off the print. It's such a perfect impression and the white border adds a kind of drop shadow.
I stuck with my very basic primary palette for the rest of my prints:
I used the ghost of the print above in combination with my lace stencil to create my final (and favorite) print of the night:
It was really interesting to try to convert what I know about monoprinting from the Gelli Plate over to working with a press. There are lots of differences and I enjoyed the intellectual puzzle as I was working. In fact, the only problem with this class is that I now want a printing press of my own…!
Thanks for stopping by!
Love the prints and the stencils. Cheering you on! Thanks for sharing.
Love the prints and the stencils. Cheering you on! Thanks for sharing.
Love the prints and the stencils. Cheering you on! Thanks for sharing.
Love the prints and the stencils. Cheering you on! Thanks for sharing.
Love the prints and the stencils. Cheering you on! Thanks for sharing.
Love the prints and the stencils. Cheering you on! Thanks for sharing.
Stunning! I’ve done a little bit with a “real” printing press, it is so amazingly cool.
Stunning! I’ve done a little bit with a “real” printing press, it is so amazingly cool.
Stunning! I’ve done a little bit with a “real” printing press, it is so amazingly cool.
Stunning! I’ve done a little bit with a “real” printing press, it is so amazingly cool.
Stunning! I’ve done a little bit with a “real” printing press, it is so amazingly cool.
Stunning! I’ve done a little bit with a “real” printing press, it is so amazingly cool.
Fascinating process….Are you using printing inks or acrylic paints? I found printing inks difficult to use. You have to work them until they are soft, and then cleanup is a real hassle.
Fascinating process….Are you using printing inks or acrylic paints? I found printing inks difficult to use. You have to work them until they are soft, and then cleanup is a real hassle.
Fascinating process….Are you using printing inks or acrylic paints? I found printing inks difficult to use. You have to work them until they are soft, and then cleanup is a real hassle.
Fascinating process….Are you using printing inks or acrylic paints? I found printing inks difficult to use. You have to work them until they are soft, and then cleanup is a real hassle.
Fascinating process….Are you using printing inks or acrylic paints? I found printing inks difficult to use. You have to work them until they are soft, and then cleanup is a real hassle.
Fascinating process….Are you using printing inks or acrylic paints? I found printing inks difficult to use. You have to work them until they are soft, and then cleanup is a real hassle.
I simply love reading about your creative adventures. I look forward to your blog post every morning with my cup of joe!! Please keep sharing your beautiful mind with the world! 😉
I simply love reading about your creative adventures. I look forward to your blog post every morning with my cup of joe!! Please keep sharing your beautiful mind with the world! 😉
I simply love reading about your creative adventures. I look forward to your blog post every morning with my cup of joe!! Please keep sharing your beautiful mind with the world! 😉
I simply love reading about your creative adventures. I look forward to your blog post every morning with my cup of joe!! Please keep sharing your beautiful mind with the world! 😉
I simply love reading about your creative adventures. I look forward to your blog post every morning with my cup of joe!! Please keep sharing your beautiful mind with the world! 😉
I simply love reading about your creative adventures. I look forward to your blog post every morning with my cup of joe!! Please keep sharing your beautiful mind with the world! 😉
Julie – these are absolutely inspiring! Although they aren’t the same as Gelli prints – that’s what I’ve got and that’s what I’m going to be using to try out similar prints. As I am “learning art” at the ripe old age of 64, I first try to reproduce the piece that inspired me, once I feel I have the hang of it, then I gallop joyfully off in my own direction.
When I first started looking at the work of other people I admire, I attempted to slavishly reproduce what they did, and, of course, was destined to dismal failure. Once I realized I cannot make exact copies, then I was free to create my own work, learning from others, NOT trying to be another person!
Your blog really helps me think in different directions – my stamps are wonky, my journal pages not at all like yours, but then they shouldn’t be, but they are mine and I’m happy with them! My gelli prints are good sometimes, utterly appalling at others – slowly realized that even you probably have a pile of prints you never show us – not everything is perfect!
My life is so much more joyful and purposeful as I move along this art journey!
Thank you!
Julie – these are absolutely inspiring! Although they aren’t the same as Gelli prints – that’s what I’ve got and that’s what I’m going to be using to try out similar prints. As I am “learning art” at the ripe old age of 64, I first try to reproduce the piece that inspired me, once I feel I have the hang of it, then I gallop joyfully off in my own direction.
When I first started looking at the work of other people I admire, I attempted to slavishly reproduce what they did, and, of course, was destined to dismal failure. Once I realized I cannot make exact copies, then I was free to create my own work, learning from others, NOT trying to be another person!
Your blog really helps me think in different directions – my stamps are wonky, my journal pages not at all like yours, but then they shouldn’t be, but they are mine and I’m happy with them! My gelli prints are good sometimes, utterly appalling at others – slowly realized that even you probably have a pile of prints you never show us – not everything is perfect!
My life is so much more joyful and purposeful as I move along this art journey!
Thank you!
Julie – these are absolutely inspiring! Although they aren’t the same as Gelli prints – that’s what I’ve got and that’s what I’m going to be using to try out similar prints. As I am “learning art” at the ripe old age of 64, I first try to reproduce the piece that inspired me, once I feel I have the hang of it, then I gallop joyfully off in my own direction.
When I first started looking at the work of other people I admire, I attempted to slavishly reproduce what they did, and, of course, was destined to dismal failure. Once I realized I cannot make exact copies, then I was free to create my own work, learning from others, NOT trying to be another person!
Your blog really helps me think in different directions – my stamps are wonky, my journal pages not at all like yours, but then they shouldn’t be, but they are mine and I’m happy with them! My gelli prints are good sometimes, utterly appalling at others – slowly realized that even you probably have a pile of prints you never show us – not everything is perfect!
My life is so much more joyful and purposeful as I move along this art journey!
Thank you!
Julie – these are absolutely inspiring! Although they aren’t the same as Gelli prints – that’s what I’ve got and that’s what I’m going to be using to try out similar prints. As I am “learning art” at the ripe old age of 64, I first try to reproduce the piece that inspired me, once I feel I have the hang of it, then I gallop joyfully off in my own direction.
When I first started looking at the work of other people I admire, I attempted to slavishly reproduce what they did, and, of course, was destined to dismal failure. Once I realized I cannot make exact copies, then I was free to create my own work, learning from others, NOT trying to be another person!
Your blog really helps me think in different directions – my stamps are wonky, my journal pages not at all like yours, but then they shouldn’t be, but they are mine and I’m happy with them! My gelli prints are good sometimes, utterly appalling at others – slowly realized that even you probably have a pile of prints you never show us – not everything is perfect!
My life is so much more joyful and purposeful as I move along this art journey!
Thank you!
Julie – these are absolutely inspiring! Although they aren’t the same as Gelli prints – that’s what I’ve got and that’s what I’m going to be using to try out similar prints. As I am “learning art” at the ripe old age of 64, I first try to reproduce the piece that inspired me, once I feel I have the hang of it, then I gallop joyfully off in my own direction.
When I first started looking at the work of other people I admire, I attempted to slavishly reproduce what they did, and, of course, was destined to dismal failure. Once I realized I cannot make exact copies, then I was free to create my own work, learning from others, NOT trying to be another person!
Your blog really helps me think in different directions – my stamps are wonky, my journal pages not at all like yours, but then they shouldn’t be, but they are mine and I’m happy with them! My gelli prints are good sometimes, utterly appalling at others – slowly realized that even you probably have a pile of prints you never show us – not everything is perfect!
My life is so much more joyful and purposeful as I move along this art journey!
Thank you!
Julie – these are absolutely inspiring! Although they aren’t the same as Gelli prints – that’s what I’ve got and that’s what I’m going to be using to try out similar prints. As I am “learning art” at the ripe old age of 64, I first try to reproduce the piece that inspired me, once I feel I have the hang of it, then I gallop joyfully off in my own direction.
When I first started looking at the work of other people I admire, I attempted to slavishly reproduce what they did, and, of course, was destined to dismal failure. Once I realized I cannot make exact copies, then I was free to create my own work, learning from others, NOT trying to be another person!
Your blog really helps me think in different directions – my stamps are wonky, my journal pages not at all like yours, but then they shouldn’t be, but they are mine and I’m happy with them! My gelli prints are good sometimes, utterly appalling at others – slowly realized that even you probably have a pile of prints you never show us – not everything is perfect!
My life is so much more joyful and purposeful as I move along this art journey!
Thank you!
Wonderful prints and techniques; you obviously had a great time. Regarding the press, it looks like a die cut machine (cuttlebug, big shot, etc) so might it be possible to print with the right size cutting/spacing plates? Now I have to google it. LOL
Wonderful prints and techniques; you obviously had a great time. Regarding the press, it looks like a die cut machine (cuttlebug, big shot, etc) so might it be possible to print with the right size cutting/spacing plates? Now I have to google it. LOL
Wonderful prints and techniques; you obviously had a great time. Regarding the press, it looks like a die cut machine (cuttlebug, big shot, etc) so might it be possible to print with the right size cutting/spacing plates? Now I have to google it. LOL
Wonderful prints and techniques; you obviously had a great time. Regarding the press, it looks like a die cut machine (cuttlebug, big shot, etc) so might it be possible to print with the right size cutting/spacing plates? Now I have to google it. LOL
Wonderful prints and techniques; you obviously had a great time. Regarding the press, it looks like a die cut machine (cuttlebug, big shot, etc) so might it be possible to print with the right size cutting/spacing plates? Now I have to google it. LOL
Wonderful prints and techniques; you obviously had a great time. Regarding the press, it looks like a die cut machine (cuttlebug, big shot, etc) so might it be possible to print with the right size cutting/spacing plates? Now I have to google it. LOL
love these prints. Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun!
love these prints. Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun!
love these prints. Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun!
love these prints. Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun!
love these prints. Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun!
love these prints. Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun!
Welcome to my world of nature printing – fortunately I do have an etching press. Check out natureprintingsociety.org for more information.
Welcome to my world of nature printing – fortunately I do have an etching press. Check out natureprintingsociety.org for more information.
Welcome to my world of nature printing – fortunately I do have an etching press. Check out natureprintingsociety.org for more information.
Welcome to my world of nature printing – fortunately I do have an etching press. Check out natureprintingsociety.org for more information.
Welcome to my world of nature printing – fortunately I do have an etching press. Check out natureprintingsociety.org for more information.
Welcome to my world of nature printing – fortunately I do have an etching press. Check out natureprintingsociety.org for more information.
I’m drooling over here! This post is so helpful for me, and I thank you for talking about how different Gelli Plate monoprinting is from using a printing press.
I am definitely inspired to try printing with a press now, too.
I also want to say how happy I am for you that you actually go to the amazing museums we have, and you continue to learn through taking classes. That self-care and continued education is really important. You are being such a good role model right now for thousands of women!
I’m drooling over here! This post is so helpful for me, and I thank you for talking about how different Gelli Plate monoprinting is from using a printing press.
I am definitely inspired to try printing with a press now, too.
I also want to say how happy I am for you that you actually go to the amazing museums we have, and you continue to learn through taking classes. That self-care and continued education is really important. You are being such a good role model right now for thousands of women!
I’m drooling over here! This post is so helpful for me, and I thank you for talking about how different Gelli Plate monoprinting is from using a printing press.
I am definitely inspired to try printing with a press now, too.
I also want to say how happy I am for you that you actually go to the amazing museums we have, and you continue to learn through taking classes. That self-care and continued education is really important. You are being such a good role model right now for thousands of women!
I’m drooling over here! This post is so helpful for me, and I thank you for talking about how different Gelli Plate monoprinting is from using a printing press.
I am definitely inspired to try printing with a press now, too.
I also want to say how happy I am for you that you actually go to the amazing museums we have, and you continue to learn through taking classes. That self-care and continued education is really important. You are being such a good role model right now for thousands of women!
I’m drooling over here! This post is so helpful for me, and I thank you for talking about how different Gelli Plate monoprinting is from using a printing press.
I am definitely inspired to try printing with a press now, too.
I also want to say how happy I am for you that you actually go to the amazing museums we have, and you continue to learn through taking classes. That self-care and continued education is really important. You are being such a good role model right now for thousands of women!
I’m drooling over here! This post is so helpful for me, and I thank you for talking about how different Gelli Plate monoprinting is from using a printing press.
I am definitely inspired to try printing with a press now, too.
I also want to say how happy I am for you that you actually go to the amazing museums we have, and you continue to learn through taking classes. That self-care and continued education is really important. You are being such a good role model right now for thousands of women!
Hello Julie, wonderful post, as always really inspiring! I tried Printmaking at home with no press, maybe you can have a look at my blog post here: giogioscrap.blogspot.it/2016/03/tutorial-how-to-make-printmaking-with.html
Hello Julie, wonderful post, as always really inspiring! I tried Printmaking at home with no press, maybe you can have a look at my blog post here: giogioscrap.blogspot.it/2016/03/tutorial-how-to-make-printmaking-with.html
Hello Julie, wonderful post, as always really inspiring! I tried Printmaking at home with no press, maybe you can have a look at my blog post here: giogioscrap.blogspot.it/2016/03/tutorial-how-to-make-printmaking-with.html
Hello Julie, wonderful post, as always really inspiring! I tried Printmaking at home with no press, maybe you can have a look at my blog post here: giogioscrap.blogspot.it/2016/03/tutorial-how-to-make-printmaking-with.html
Hello Julie, wonderful post, as always really inspiring! I tried Printmaking at home with no press, maybe you can have a look at my blog post here: giogioscrap.blogspot.it/2016/03/tutorial-how-to-make-printmaking-with.html
Hello Julie, wonderful post, as always really inspiring! I tried Printmaking at home with no press, maybe you can have a look at my blog post here: giogioscrap.blogspot.it/2016/03/tutorial-how-to-make-printmaking-with.html