Nature Prints

Spent some art time with friends yesterday. Wendy showed us a new trick with her large die cutting machine that was very cool. Mono-printing/pressing with dried plants. Ink/acrylic paint is applied to the cutting plate, dried plants arranged and then pressed onto heavy paper in the machine. 

Here's my first attempt - using printing ink. (Colors are not true)

First print - 

The plant material was then removed and remaining ink pressed next. 

Second Print - showing the paint left behind. (This is my favorite)

Final print laying the plant material with ink side up. 

I love the possibilities, and will be revisiting this technique. And I may need that large die cutting machine. ;) 

Happy Friday!  

Pulling Prints

A few weeks ago the store starting carrying Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plates. Of course I needed to know all about them and how they work so I could appropriately assist customers. Thus, the 8 x 10 plate came home with me.  ;) I've done similar mono-prints using freezer paper, but the gellipates are quite fun.

Here's a bit from my first time playing around with them.

Using recycled household objects for texture with decorative embossed paper as a "stamp".

Ghost print using decorative embossed paper as a "stamp".

 Trying a bit of masking (my acetate die cut masks didn't work as well as I liked!) 

Pretty basic. I have SO many ideas to try and need much more time to play! Working both at the day job and in my Etsy shops lately leaves me less time for art than I prefer. I'm working on that too!

On a side note, if you're looking for some cool ephemera for your journals or collage work, I've been adding some in my Vintage Shop. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Sharing with Paint Party Friday.