Printing...and more printing

Natalie Wood (first ever screen print)

I have always loved the process of printing, although I have only ever done block prints before and a little etching, although the negative for this is that I don't have access to a proper press to do it.

Anyway, the one thing I haven't tried, and always wanted to, is screen printing.  I had previously been put off as it seemed as though it was going to be very complicated and require equipment I didn't have.  Then I saw a YouTube video by Bill Flowers.  Ok, so I didn't have everything to hand, but he certainly de-mystified the process.  My first attempt is the very beautiful Natalie Wood screen print you see above.  I was so happy!  I can't believe it worked out as well as it did.  Thank you Bill Flowers!  (Seriously, go to this bloke's YouTube channel, he's great.)

And then I had a go at Gelatin Plate printing.  I had tried this before but with absolutely no success what-so-ever.  Turns out I had just been using far too much ink.  So, this morning, I gave it another go - I am one happy chick-a-dee!

One of my favourites

This was an old lino print that I pressed in to the gelatin, really like how these ones printed

I love the colours on this one

I used some sizzix dies to make the stencils

Overall, I had a very productive morning!

Marie :)

Encaustic Wax

Well, this was experiment number one with using Encaustic wax and an iron.  I really liked the effect, so (of course) I had to do a few more...

This was a landscape image I had a go with

Flowers, in a rather abstract way

Foliage, in the landscape

I must say, I am very pleased with the results and the experimenting will go on...

Until next time,

Marie :)

An Exhibition... and more resin!

At the end of September, I was involved in an exhibition at the very lovely Heene Gallery in Worthing.  There were some wonderful things there, gorgeous jewellery by Jane Pinder (Naturally Silver), beautiful stained glass by Naomi Frances and some stunning photography by Lorraine Lewis Heaysman. There was also art work  from Stella Stevens, she exhibited some amazing oil paintings.

Since then, I have been dabbling and experimenting with resin.  I've been making lots of mess (and quite a few mistakes) but I do love giving this stuff a go!

Fab skull & cross bones mould from Poundland!

Making a piece from a yoghurt lid

A silicone mould I have cast from a starfish

A new mould from Metal Clay.

I have also discovered that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a coloured cast, either.  I have been using oil paint but the best thing so far has been Dylon Fabric Paint!  Lots of choices and really good value for money, too.

Look at that lovely red and sparkly silver resin!

The results are looking good so far.  I've had so much inspiration from fellow-crafter's blogs, especially Resin Crafts and The Skinner Studio. 

Marie x