Linocut 1....

I think I have to stop titling my posts 'Print Thursday', as it seems to be the only thing I'm blogging about!  Last Thursday we started linocuts, something I've always wanted to try.  I've taken on quite an ambitious design (I think) but so far the cutting is going really well.  Of course, I won't know how it's really gone until I print this Thursday.  I might only get a proof done, as I've decided to use some of the monoprinting techniques I learned in the first class to print a background.  Stay tuned....

A better shot....

....of yesterday's print.

More Print Thursday....

So here it is - my monoprint from week 2 of my printmaking class.  I think I should've photographed it rather than scanning it, but hey, it's too dark now for decent photos.  Plus I think it's a bit wonky.  Just take my word that this image does not do it justice.  Moving on....

The yellow was printed through some crazy 70's polyester curtain material, making the grid pattern and also embossing the paper.  I printed the black lines by cutting pieces of paper to block out most of the drawing.  The black at the bottom was an afterthought because it didn't seem finished without it.  I inked the surface very lightly so that the black ink was thin enough to pick up the embossing.  

I'm really happy with it.  This Thursday we start linoprinting and already my design is wildly ambitious.  Hopefully I can pull it off.

Print Thursday....

OK, let me start by saying that yes, I know it's not Thursday.  Now that's of the way....

A couple of Thursday's ago I started attending a printmaking class.  2 weeks in and I'm loving it.  The first week was spent playing around with monoprints.  I created about 20 (quite prolific, apparently!) and the one above is a favourite even though it's far simpler than many I made (it makes me think of a wine glass stain).  The one below is a collage of the torn paper used to make the one above.  The second class was spent making one monoprint, so obviously a lot more thought went into that one.  I'll show you that print tomorrow.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Hello....

Gosh, I'm not quite sure where to start after such a long absence.  How are you all?  Are you still there?!  All is grand here at the House of Sunday.  We spent December visiting family in Australia and New Zealand.  We spent January without a computer.  Can you imagine?!  Damn viruses.  The important thing is that we're back!  Hello.  :)