Bowker Creek Art Show and Gelatin Printing

Last Sunday I was part of the Oak Bay Artists Society's outdoor show known as the Bowker Creek Brush-Up, what fun it was! Set along one of the major creeks in our neighbourhood, visitors could ramble along the path and visit the different art displays. The weather was perfect and it was a wonderful day for all!
The artists are asked to demonstrate their work when possible, so I decided to work on some gelatine plate monoprints, a technique I often return to when time allows. Since the day was so warm and in the later afternoon, I was set up in full sun, the paint dried quickly!

 Here are some of the items I had for display, they include a variety of techniques such as screen printing and stitch!

If you like them, they are available here: http://fabricimagery.com/category/art/  and include mats.

I worked on making samples through the day and here are some that I completed. I think I will add more colour with dyes and perhaps some paintsticks!

The one above was done using willow leaves as masks, I just had to reach up and grab a few!

These will be great for collage or stitching.

 And I like the ghost print on the left, that I got with this one.....
If you would like to learn more about Gelli or Gelatin printing, this is a great book to use as a resource:

Did you know that its not necessary to buy a Gelli Plate for great printing? You can make your own quite easily! Try this link: http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.ca/2011/05/gelatin-plate-printing-tutorial.html for instructions. A plate that is made with just gelatine and water will eventually break down, but can be revived by melting in the microwave for a pot on the stove and reformed.
If you'd like a more permanent homemade printing plate, you can make one by adding glycerin, here's a recipe plus lots of great tips: http://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/a-permanent-gelatin-printing-plate-hectograph-an-annoying-project-a-birthday-card/

Are you excited yet? If not, here's more great news! I'll be teaching a Gelatin Printing Workshop on Sept. 30th in my studio. I'm just in the middle of getting the information on my website, so stay tuned, its going to be lots of fun!

Online Learning with Susan!

After a very steep learning curve, the FIRST part of my Online Workshops is up for viewing! I am thrilled to be able to offer a variety of Surface, Design, Dyeing and Printing Techniques for my students.
I love to teach and share with you but I can’t always be at your guild or conference. So I’ve developed the next, best way to inspire you. So, invite me into your home or studio to learn new ideas and techniques.

You can see a short video at:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Pictures from Print It, Print It!

 My workshops are multi-lesson formats that combine PDF documents to print out – such as dye recipes and resources – and videos for you to watch and learn exactly so many of my techniques are done. You can watch them at your own pace, download them for future reference and work alongside me or take notes with a cup of coffee beside you! There will be opportunity for you to ask questions and post pictures and to meet other students and chat.

Pictures from Colour It, Fuse It!

 Each workshop will be open for six months from the start date and you will be able to keep the links to the videos forever.
Browse through the workshops below, see which dates fit your calendar and sign up! You are welcome to email  me with any questions. I hope you will join me on this exciting new adventure!

So check out all the details at:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Pictures from Screen Printing with Success!

Playing with my Gelli Plates

Last week I took my Gelli Plate to our cottage, pulled out my paints and paper and had a good time messing around with colour!
First I put some colour on the plate:

And spread it around with my brayer. The more fluid the paint, it shrinks up with the tension, wonderful texture:

 

Then I printed off a page of paper or two......

 

Then I printed off more pages, then I ripped them up:

Then I put some of them back together again:

Intrigued? Stay tuned for my new online workshops starting in January....the first one is Print It, Print It - Gelli, Block and Roller Printing!