Leaf printmaking is classic, but how do you get high definition prints? Inking your Leaf Substrate The trick is to roll the ink out thin, and use it before it dries. This can be tricky if you’re printing multiple leaves, or if it’s hot and dry when you’re printing. I…
Getting the Best Linocut Print with your Pocket Press
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…
Letterpress Valentines with a Pocket Press
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 Bench Hook
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…
Printmaking Supplies Alternatives
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…
Printmaking on Fabric
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…
How to Press a Linocut with a Pocket Press
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…
Big Printmaking at Home
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…
How to Print Drypoint with a Palm Press and Akua Ink
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…
Styrofoam Printmaking with Pocket Press
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…