Lubbly Bubbly Printmaking

More printmaking?  Yup, can't get enough of it, and there's probably enough different ways to make prints to keep us busy for a lifetime, or at least until Boo leaves home.

We had tons of bubble wrap left from our move, perfect material for bubbly printmaking, esp the big bubble stuff.

You need to tape a piece of bubble wrap down onto a stable base (tabletop, piece of card etc).   We work on the floor in my studio as I don't yet have an 'art table' for Boo, though I'm thinking it would be a mighty good idea as she keeps sticking her legs in her artwork!  You may want a few spare pieces for small ones to pop whilst you are setting out the materials.  We used squeezy tempera paint (I was disappointed with this stuff for painting as its too thin, but great for this kind of printing).  I use old food trays for paint palettes, and sponge applicators are great for spreading, though Boo, in typical form, reverted to getting her hands in before too long.  You also need a stack of paper ready (we use newsprint for printing).

Simply spread the paint over the surface of the bubble wrap, mixing colours as you go.

Cover your painted bubble wrap with a piece of paper, and smooth over with the palm of your hand, and reveal.  Ta-da!

You could also create a printing plate using cut pieces of bubble wrap, stuck down onto thick cardboard, perhaps with shapes with other textures cut from materials e.g. hessian (burlap), old net fruit bags, crumpled foil, sandpaper etc etc, really anything textural that will take paint.

Have a creative day!

Tutorial: Marvellous Monoprinting with kids (part 2)

If you saw this post about monoprinting with Autumn leaves, then you will already know what a fan I am of this 'quick reveal' method of printmaking.  I love to use the process myself and its so accessible (and quick!) for kids.  As the name suggests, its a 'one-off' method of printmaking, and actually there are quite a number of different methods for this.  I tried out two of the methods today with Boo and we both enjoyed working together on them.

Firstly, the materials and equipment required:

• smooth, non-porous surface to print from (I use a piece of perspex)


• 2 ink rollers


• waterbased printing ink (or oil based if you are doing it on your own, but then don't forget the solvents required for clean up)


• ink rolling tray (polystyrene food trays are great)


• paper (I used newsprint)


• drawing pencils


• old toothbrushes


• enthusiastic small child appropriately dressed

Firstly, roll out printing ink onto your rolling tray, and apply in a rectangle (according to the size of your paper) thinly to your printing surface.

 

Boo likes to do some rolling but I have to 'neaten up' when she's done!

Next, carefully lay a piece of paper onto your inked surface.

Take your drawing pencils and draw onto the surface of the paper.

When you have drawn all you want, pull back the paper to reveal your print.

This method gives a lovely, rich, velvety line quality.  I like it in black, but you can use any colour or combinations of colour rolled out together. You can also vary your drawing implements, use different sizes/grades of pencils etc.

Method two involves mark-making directly into the inked-up surface.  You can use any implements to move/remove the ink (e.g. brushes/sponges/sticks etc).  We used old toothbrushes.

Next, place your paper carefully over the inked surface.  This time, take your clean roller and roll over the entire surface of the paper.

Then pull back the paper to reveal your print.  Ta-da!

... and finally.. wash up (all removed easily with a bit of soap and water).  I love monoprinting.