Fun hand-printing projects by artist Christine Schmidt

Jul 14, 2011


One of my favorite books on my shelf right now is Print Workshop by Christine Schmidt of Yellow Owl Workshop.  I've been a fan of Yellow Owl for quite some time now, especially their stamp sets.  So, earlier this year, when I heard Christine was coming out with a book on hand-printing projects, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

a page of triangles with the Table of Contents- already love the book!

I fell in love with printmaking when I was in college, but, since leaving teaching, I haven't been around a press for years.  Recently, I have been thinking about diving back into printmaking, and this book has intensified my desires to pursue this medium again.  The great thing about Christine's book is that you don't have to have a deep knowledge of printmaking to start with.  In the introduction, Christine gives a wonderful overview of various printing methods and materials, plus some basic understanding of color and composition.   


This book is perfect for the design and DIY enthusiast.  Unlike some other DIY art books, the project instructions in Print Workshop are easy to follow, and there are lots of images and illustrations.  I love this picnic blanket idea.  Just like primary school, you make the stamps [quite appropriately] out of potatoes! 


Christine covers a broad spectrum of hand-printing techniques, from silkscreen printing to sun printing to image transfer printing.  And the projects range from personalized stationary to home mural design- all ideas that align with current trends today.

It's always a huge bummer when the final product looks nothing like what is pictured in the book. Thankfully, Christine includes a generous section of templates in the back of the book.  So no more fretting over misshaped leaves or unrecognizable creatures!




If I could write a book on fun printmaking projects for the home, this would be it.  Well, it probably wouldn't be as good as Print Workshop, but you get the point.  And, as an arts educator, I truly appreciate Christine's approach.  Her knowledge of techniques and materials is evident, but she doesn't talk over the heads of those just starting out in printmaking. 

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On another topic, a photo that I took for my featured seller interview on Etsy is now on Apartment Therapy! See it here.

4 comments:

Ash said...

Fun seeing you on AT yesterday Cathy! Saw the Agueros with their new Moleskin ESVs inspired by you, mine is on order now. Hope you're well

lamina @ do a bit said...

I so desperately want this book... it just looks so interesting and so much fun!! :)

HomeCollection. said...

i've always wanted this book!
seems to be very interesting!

Elin said...

I bought that book together with "handmade prints" by Anne Desmet and Jim Anderson, and I must say that I prefer the latter one.

Sure, "Print Workshop" has a much more stylish design, but "handmade prints" has som much more information and is more inspiring in my opinion.

I do love those Yellow owl stamps though...

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