Mark Making with a Print Roller

In my previous post about mark Making we looked at a simple, everyday tool to create texture and pattern onto fabric. This time we'll open some kitchen or studio drawers to find another tool to again create those exciting images on fabric!

You can use simple cardboard tubes, sturdy, thicker ones are best, with elastic bands or sticky shapes. Try different widths of elastic bands, string, rick rack or anything with a flat surface that you can adhere to the tube.

Rolling pins that have been carved in patterns are also an option as are foam rollers, used as is or with elastic bands or string pulled tightly to make an interesting surface.

Remember that I'm usually cutting out areas from the fabric, rather than using it as an entire piece, perhaps even cutting it on the diagonal....

These are all simple but so effective...you can probably think of many options!

Here's my latest Mark Making video!

 

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!

New Fat Quarters - Great Printing Technique

I've been using some of my print rollers that a friend makes. They are old rolling pins that have been taken apart, lathed into designs and then put back together. They work very well with both textile paints and thickened dyes. I'm sure they'd work with other media as well. You can check them out here: http://studiogart.com/rollers/

Here are some of the fat quarters I now have for sale at: http://fabricimagery.com/category/fat-quarters-pr-st/

Nothing subtle about this piece!, its been dyed, soy wax resisted and then roller printed. One of my favs!

 

Its all about green and the tropics here!

 

A little more subdued, perfect as a background of applique or mixed media.....

More Design Excitment

The second day of our class at Quilters Dream focused on using thicked dyes and monoprinting with a variety of tools including carved rollers, texture plates and pencils. Students worked hard and had fabulous results:

Shirley uses thickened dyes with texture plates and a brayer.

Sharon is colouring with Inktense pencils to fill in areas of her design.

Lynnette has great success with carved rollers to create repeating layers of design with two colours of thickened dyes.

Kathy has used a different carved roller to lay design on her fabric.

New Fat Quarters

Just put the finishing touches on some new fabrics I've created and put into my shop. I've used print rollers made by my friend Gloria Daly and textile paints, including an Interference Violet. Quite yummy!

Mad for Plaid

Midnight Dance

Short Circuit

Here's a couple pictures of Gloria's paint rollers being made and hung up to dry! Who would have thought rolling pins could be used this way. Check out Gloria's website here.