Block Print Repeat

Tonight I carved a linoleum block for my repeat pattern of feathers:

Rajasthani Textiles

I just returned from a tour of India. My best friend got married in Kochi, and then I spent the rest of my visit between New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. My favorite place was Jaipur, Rajasthan. As this city is high in the mountains without a great source of agriculture or water, the city relied on trade for food, and hence developed a great arts and crafts culture. It is well known for fine textiles, including block printing and embroidery. I purchased enough textiles to fill two large duffel bags (acquired at a New Delhi market for 500 Rs. total, or about $8), and will share photos soon.

I wanted to post a brief update of some of the block printing demos from Jaipur:

All the inks are vegetable or plant based. They had a stamp-pad like tray with cheesecloth and ink.

This is a four color print.

First, the key image is printed.

Other layers are hand registered by carefully aligning one edge and then setting the block down. You pound the block with your fist to apply pressure. (Hello Iron Palm training!)

All four colors.

Typically the fabrics are dried in the sun a few days and the colors change. They did a shortcut here by dropping the cloth in these two solutions.

Potato stamps

Today I carved stamps out of some potatoes. Once again I am working with diatom shapes.

I used a small paring knife to do most of the cuts. To make dots, I stuck the potato with a chopstick point.

I used acrylic paint for the stamping because it is water based. Since this paint is quite thick, my first prints weren't very crisp. I didn't want to thin in with water for fear of losing its opaquness. I discovered that applying the paint to the potato stamp via a sponge made for a more consistent print.

I printed on a large sheet of craft paper. It should make for great giftwrap.

Boots 'n' Cats

Today I found inspiration in a song, or beat, rather. My boyfriend was beatboxing "Boots and Cats" the other day, and I thought it would be fun to illustrate.

Here is my Maine Coon Mix Ramona:

I used the app Sketchbook Pro for iPad to trace and shade my Mona:

Now for the boot. Straight outta Texas:

 My medium will be rubber stamp, so I trace the images onto the rubber.

Well, that came out a little blurry. Good thing I know how to draw!

You really want to cut out the negative space on the edges to keep any extra bits from printing.

Always print before you're finished. Remember you can subtract, but there is no adding in relief carving.

It took me about 4 tries to get the balance right.

And here's the finished result!

Doggie bones

Today I carved a stamp and printed it. My inspiration comes from volunteering at the animal shelter.