Labels

20 Days of Play: Real Tools (Linoprint)


Printing Press

 Carve
When considering 'Real Tools' for 20 Days of Play, all I could think about was your typical tool box type of tools. However there are all sorts of tools for handwork that aren't your every day sort.
We took to the 'dangerous' art of linoprinting; working with carving tools my kids have been anxious to get their hands on!


Our first step was the create a preliminary sketch.
I made the mistake of suggesting flowers, so both kids came up with a similar design.
That image can be transferred or copied by hand straight onto a sheet of linoleum tile, readily available at art stores. This particular tile I chose is soft, in the hopes to prevent gouging and accidents.

I prepped some Carving Boards that take a few minutes if you have the right tools.
I used plywood square sheets and 2x2's to equal the length of the square.
The 2x2 screwed to the top of the board, holds the linoleum tile in place while you cut. The second 2x2 is screwed under the bottom width of the board, to hold the Carving Board against the table while you work.

 

As well as carving tools (pictured above; Speedball has a 5 piece set with blades stored in handle) and linoleum tiles, you will need
~brayers for evenly rolling on ink/paint,
~acrylic sheet (or another flat, non-porous surface to roll paint) and
~paint/ink


Lino-carving is a way of comparing positive and negative space.
If you sketch your work in pencil and shade the bits you want to be inked, you can transfer your sketch to the linoleum tile directly (place paper on tile and rub back of paper with pencil).
From there, you have to carve out all the white spaces and leave the shaded spaces raised.

 Relief printing (raised surface will print)
 Mirror Image

It's good to keep in mind, if you are writing font, that you must carve the mirror image for the stamp to be successful. 

 Rolling Paint
The process of printing is more time- consuming than the majority of art activities we tackle.
However, each step of the process is truly hands-on, from sketch, to carving, to printing and the end results always turn out stunning.
The kids are even more excited to know that their 'stamp' is washable and re-useable, so you can repeat print-making and add to your carvings later on.


Labels: