A Simple Way To Start Learning About Printing
Printing is one of the oldest crafts on the planet. So many amazing techniques and processes and effects. Printing is such an amazing and exciting craft to get into. You can buy printing blocks in almost any shape you can imagine. But here we are going to learn how to make our own string printing blocks.
So what do we need to make string printing blocks?
- Wooden block, they can be offcuts, but they need to be flat on one side
- PVA glue
- String
- Paint
- Paper
- Scissors
Prepare Our Wooden Blocks For Printing
Step One
So we need some wooden blocks. They don't have to look exactly like pictured here. But they do need to have at least one flat surface. If your wooden blocks are offcuts, use some sandpaper and quickly sand the block a little to make it smoother.
First cover the flat side of your wooden string printing block in PVA glue.
Make String Print Wooden Block
Step Two
The next step in making our string printing block is to wrap the block with the string.
Basically the shape of the string on the block will be the shape that gets printed. But actually it will be the mirror image.
Here we are making straight lines. But if you have more wooden blocks, think about making spirals and squares and any other shapes you can imagine.
Take your time to arrange a shape. Just don't overlap the string, as this won't print well. Then let the glue dry to hold the string in place.
Start Printing With String Print Wooden Block
Step Three
Once the glue is dried, cut off any excess string.
Now comes the printing. You can either dip your wooden printing block into some paint you have poured out. Or you can use a paintbrush and paint some paint on to the string design.
Then gently press the wooden string printing block on to your piece of paper. Do a few test prints first to get the idea of how it works.
Finish Printing With Our String Printing Block
Step Four
Keep practising your string printing. You will soon learn that you can get different effects by how much or how little amount of paint you have. Even how hard you press your wooden printing block will have an effect.
This is what makes printing so interesting. All the different effects you can create.
Try layering your prints and use different colours and making different shapes.
Finally, once you have a good technique, think about making a nice greetings card, or some homemade wrapping paper or even name tags or present tags.
Don't worry too much about making a perfect print. Sometimes it is more interesting if your prints look homemade.
Have fun and enjoy printings.
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