Sometimes, you set out to print and everything just prints right. The paper and the ink and and pressure all work together to churn out beautiful prints. More often than not, there is experimentation to be done regarding soaking time, ink type and even temperature, and pressure. Today, it felt…
I’ve wanted to design and print polymer letterpress plates with my Pocket Press for a while now. So for Valentines day this year, I created a sheet of classroom Valentines for my son and me to press together. It’s not our first printed Valentine, and it probably won’t be the…
The Most Important (Missing) Part of your Linocut Toolkit What is a Bench Hook? Every day, relief printmakers place their hands in the line on danger. I know firsthand, and I have the scars to prove it. You probably do too. What if I told you there is an inexpensive…
Everyday Printmaking Hacks A common printmaking misconception is that you need all the right tools to begin. You really don’t. Over the years I have found many substitutes for high dollar printmaking supplies. While I encourage the use of quality materials, particularly handmade paper, sometimes expense and availability can get…
Linocut Printmaking on Fabric I recently made a linocut that I think would be nice on a t-shirt, and that got me thinking about finding a simple way to use my linoleum plates for printmaking on fabric. Block printing on fabric is a similar concept. With block printing, a small…
After weeks of contemplation and hours of experimentation, I have created a way for linocutters to print multiple color passes and use dry paper! First, meet the new Magic Platen for Linocut Plates and Multiple Passes! This blog will show you how to press a linocut using this setup. This…
How to Press Large Etchings, Linocuts and Monoprints with a Pocket Press My pocket press is great for smaller printmaking at home at the kitchen table, but it can also print large. I usually recommend using plates that fit my Magic Platen or rubber platen because a good print is…
Scotland artist Lucy Johnston wanted to know how my press works when I print drypoint with Akua inks. Lucy currently uses Akua ink and a die cutting machine to press her tiny, elegant prints. The pocket press would give her the ability to work larger, but the small rollers would also be…
It presses etchings, but how about Styrofoam Printmaking? Artist/Printmaker Brad Schwartz wanted to know how my press works with styrofoam printmaking. I have been using this press for etchings, and an occasional small woodcut, so I had to try it out in order to answer his question. Using styrofoam plates is…
Embossing a Thank You Card with a Pocket Press! I got some super generous and thoughtful gifts this Christmas, so I decided to make thank you cards myself. I love letterpress, but I don’t have the funds or the focus to invest in a letterpress. So, I decided to think…
