More Monoprints

 As you can see I've been having way too much fun.  Gel printing/monoprinting is quite addictive.  Now what to do with all of these creations.  Several of the paper ones were my favorites so I printed the images onto inkjet fabric sheets.  I'm using Jacquard Cotton today.   I've used several other brands.  I don't have a favorite at this point.  I'll stitch - hand and machine - at a later date.

Below is a mock-up of a fabric monoprint.  I added some fabrics I printed and painted using the same paints to help coordinate the design.  Needs a zinger color/fabric.

 I've repeated that happy experiment of spraying leaves and plate with water.

 A paper favorite

 Definitely another favorite.

Now I must get supplies in order for the Wildacres, NC Nature Printing Society Workshop.  Husband and I leave Monday!!!!!!

More Monotypes

 I was planning on layering this one but I kind of like them the way they are.

 Above is the first layer. Below is the second layer.

 This one is the one on the above left - I didn't like the white so spray painted it.

 The images below are ones with two or more layers.

Oh, it's been such a long, long time........

Months have gone by and I have not written.  Shame on me!
I've been getting ready for the annual Nature Printing Society's Workshop which will be held at Wildacres, NC.  I'll be taking classes in printing paper and fabric, polymer clay and giving a class in gelatin printing.  So I've been experimenting, though I definitely feel like it's playing!  I've been having a great time!  Here are some of my results.

 Reorienting myself to how much paint to put on the plate.  I'm using a gelli plate instead of making my own plate using Knox plain gelatin.  It's so much easier and spontaneous.  The above - a bit more paint then I'd like in order to layer.  First print, a ghost, then removed the leave/mask and printed the last.

The next image was a delightful find.  I sprayed the used plate I had already printed from with water and placed paper on top - twice!

 This is a fabric piece I plan to collage from fabric, stitch until done!

 Some printing using a stencil with rectangles cut out over inked plate and masks and printed, then masks and stencil removed.  I used some fabric as well as paper.

 Printing on black papers - so cool

 I use the same brush and brayer throughout the printing session - to clean them I remove the excess paint onto fabric and/or paper so as not to waste the paints.  Here are two examples.

 Below are some of the materials I used as masks.  I will incorporate them into collages, etc.

I noticed I didn't take an images of the papers I printed in transparent layers.  I will shortly!

Such fun!!!!!!

Studio Work Plus Gallery Opening

Here are some of the note cards completed.  How I just love to print leaves.  I can get into such a relaxed, meditative state printing nature.  The feel of the leaves are I press and rub them to transfer the paint onto the paper/fabric is soothing.  I printed the back of the envelops as well.

 I drove to St. Augustine - 1.5 hours- for the opening of the Fiber Art Gallery, a part of Butterfield Garage Art Gallery.  Lots of folks came and enjoyed an evening of art and refreshments.  Here is some of my work on display.  Most of the "fiber Art" is wearables.  The room looks very nice.

 I played with paint, leaves and the gelli plate on paper and fabric.  I'm working on layering.  This is one of my favorites.  I'll put more up later.

During Wimbledon Tennis matches and tour de France, I've been working through these two books - folding books.  A rediscovered love as you know from previous posts.  I'll be doing some stitch bindings soon. 

Do back soon.  Thanks for visiting.



Latest, very latest work

The following two pieces are mixed media:  the top one is a collage of different papers:  the second is a painted background, collaged moon, and nature printing.  Both for for the upcoming Nouveau Art Exhibit at my local Island Art Association.  The theme is "And let there be light."  I was majoring stuck with this theme using my favorite media - fabric and decided to work with paper.  I had a ball.  Hope the two pieces are accepted into the show.  Time will tell.

Bright Beacon, 15x11, matted and framed by Diane Hamburg

Full Moon, 12x12, framed by Diane Hamburg

 Last week, I taught a nature printing workshop at the Art Association.  The "students" printed shirts, dish towels, and notecards.  I introduced collage to the notecards first then leaf printed.  Here's an example of the notecards I did.

An example of leaf printed notecards and envelopes

The above is my "caterpillar" bracelet.  A good fiber/bead artist, Ronnie Melnick, taught this technique to my local "Itching to Stitch" group:  artists, quilters, crafters.  It took me awhile but it's done.  I love it.  And I plan to create at least one more - a sea/beach theme.  It's absolutely a hoot to wear!

Quiet on Blog but busy in Studio

Fabric Book covers once again.  This time not only did I make covers for composition books, but for artist sketch books and 3x5 card booklets.  I really enjoyed the one just above.  I plan to create more using my many scraps.

The above are some of my dyed/printed silk scarves.  How I love to print using real leaves.  There's a meditative process happening when I print.

And lastly, I've made some fabric paper using pieces of paper towel that protected my hands when printing leaves.  I layered a thin muslin with torn pieces paper towels and painted with thinned white glue.  I have no plans at the present for this but I know I'll create something sometime.

I also made this year's Christmas ornaments but forgot to take a picture.  Next time.

Latest Studio Work

I saw a great leaf wreath (what a mouthful) the other day on one of the many blogs I visit and came up with this one.  I added paint to leaves I already printed and stitched for earlier projects.  I wanted more fall-like colors.  I hot glued them on an embroidery hoop and voila!  a Fall wreath!  I'm tickled to use up some of those leftover leaves.

The First Street Gallery, Neptune Beach, Florida, sells my composition book and covers.  So I painted, collaged and stitched the above plus a few more that look similar.  Off they go to the gallery!

Surface Design Work

Getting ready for my surface design classes I'm offering at my local art association www.islandart.org this Fall.  Monoprinting, screenprinting, stampmaking.