Is it crazy to anyone else that Christmas is just about 5 weeks away? I keep hearing people talk about it and my brain is trying to reject it. But, since there is nothing I can do to slow down the passage of time, I’m going to embrace it and make it as fun as possible! Today I’m sharing some new patterns and colors I’ve added to the shop this week, plus give you a chance to win a print in a giveaway!
New Colors and Patterns
Most people I talk to about my shop aren’t sure what I mean when I use the term “block printing”. I didn’t know what it meant either until a few months ago. Essentially it’s a stamp that I design myself and then carve by hand. I won’t bore you with all of the details, but I thought it would be helpful to share the short version of how I create the block prints in my shop.
I start with just a rough sketch of what I would like the main element of my pattern to look like. After doodling some ideas, I pick one to refine. While I’m sketching, I have to think about which part of the design will be ink, and which part will be white space. The less white space, the less carving that has to be done in later steps.
Once I’m happy with the design, I transfer it to my linocut block. It’s just a block of wood that has a soft linoleum top (kind of like a hard rubber) that you can carve designs into with a special tool. Once the block is carved, you apply ink to the block and the real fun begins. I can use that one block to create many different patterns and use different colors too.
My favorite thing about this style of printing is the texture. I love seeing the places that the ink is thin and the paper shows through. I also love the places where the ink is a lot thicker and leaves ridges. It’s so interesting to look at, and even though it’s a repeated pattern there is something different in each square inch of the print.
Which brings me to the second thing I love (and hate) about block printing, it’s unpredictability. So many factors affect the finished product, from the table top to the pressure to apply the ink, to the steadiness of my hands, even different colors of ink! It’s impossible to replicate a piece exactly, but it’s also really cool that you are creating a unique piece each and every time.
This copper ink for example, it refuses to apply evenly to the paper. But doesn’t the finish remind you of a penny? And how a penny looks as it gets older or dirty or wet?
The copper and gold ink are new to the shop this week, and this new pattern was designed with those colors in mind. Both prints are also part of the giveaway! Also, go check out the rest of the shop so you can see what else you can choose from! HappyMeetsHome Shop
Ok, now it’s time for the giveaway! I am giving away one art print (winner’s choice!) and you will have 24 hours to claim your prize. Enter through the rafflecopter below, and share, comment and tag to get more entries! Giveaway end Tuesday, November 22nd at 11:59pm. Good luck!
********UPDATE********* CONGRATULATIONS TO MARCUS! If you are not Marcus, you are lucky that today is my birthday. So I am going to pretend that I am 20 years old today and for today only you can save 20% in the shop with the code BIRTHDAY . Thanks for participating in the giveaway!
