postcards from behind the hedge and beyond: May 2010

I've been working on this post for a while. Born out of requests...I add to it whilst I'm doing other things. I think they call that multi-tasking. It takes a while but if I keep all the plates spinning then I get somewhere. I've been doing some lovely commissions and took some pics on the way, so although you don't get to see all my finished things, you get to see the process which I much prefer anyway. Warts and all.
And so I bring you the first instalment of Printmaking for Beginners. I would love your opinions on whether you find it clear and explanatory and if it whets your appetite to create and well, any old thing you want to tell or ask me.
Here begins a tutorial on making a single colour lino print using the most basic equipment available and quite easypeasy jackanesaylemonsqueezy to complete without a press and other hugely expensive stub your toe on machinery.
I like to think of it as 'kitchen table printing'.
Revolutions have started with less.
Click on all images to see them better/bigger.

Regular lino, it's okay, great for beginners but it has a tendency to crumble and isn't quite as well behaved as it should be.
B- in the school report.
But as it's more than likely what you will start with and so I am going to use it for this tutorial.

Japanese Vinyl and other gorgeousness available from various printmaking suppliers including http://www.intaglioprintmaker.com

http://www.lawrence.co.uk

Beware of print and art supply shops, enter with your eyes fixed only on what you require.

Preferably wear your blinkers and tear out your tongue so you can do no more than weakly purchase your requirements.

Go one step further, take only your change purse, not your plastic.

I am not responsible for your art supplies habit, now or never.

↑I highly recommend these as a beginners selection and you'll have them forever↑

This is the very first set that I used at college. I still use them and still love the way all the blades fit into the handle. Such style and panache. I've never seen them since and I don't know who made them. They cost about £3 then.

Find an image that you want to make a print of. I am working on a series of prints for a cake suppliers and cafe. I took this snap with my iPhone. It's perfect as a study image. I drew the wire cakestand on a piece of paper and then traced the drawing onto tracing paper. Then place the tracing paper, pencil side down onto your lino and rub the back of the tracing with a pencil and it will transfer onto the lino. The joy of this is that you do not have to draw onto your lino in reverse. Everything needs to go backwards onto your lino in order to print it the right way round (incase you are thinking of using text this is especially important)