Stop what you’re doing for a moment to notice patterns around you. I love discovering the patterns and the repetition of those patterns in unexpected places, such as in the clouds. Not to mention recognizing intentional patterns created in literature, music, poetry, and dance. Noticing patterns becomes second-nature, especially to those of us who are artistically inclined.
There’s an art to using patterns, and there are many ways to do so. Printmaking is one of those ways.
The Interweave store is offering a special collection of resources that will make printmaking even more fun. When you have the expertise of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and Jenn Mason (whose Mixed-Media Workshop series is included in the collection on hand), you’ll be ready to start making patterns for your art in no time.
Printmaking can be as simple or complex as you want to make it, and it’s always a lot of fun. Artist Andrew Borloz offers these color and stenciling tips in the January/February 2015 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, which is also included in the collection:
1. I have created my own paint color chart so that I can place the colors next to the paper and book cloth before stenciling. However, because the paint colors often look different on different papers, I cut small pieces of paper and stencil on them before I start so I can see how the colors look on a variety of papers.
2. I often spray repositionable glue on the back of my stencils so that they don’t slip during the stenciling process. To protect areas from the stray paint, I use sticky notes as masks.
Along with plenty of tips and techniques, Andrew’s article, “Creating a Stencil Pattern Book,” includes complete step-by-step instructions for creating a book with a colorful patterned cover. When you get this Easy Printmaking with Patterns kit, you’ll receive the January/February issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, two seasons of the Mixed-Media Workshop (DVDs), and the following printmaking supplies: a set of mini art roller stamps, a stencil, a wood-mounted stamp, and a set of Tim Holtz® Mini Distress Ink Pads.
Happy printmaking,
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