HOW-TO-PRINT at HOME

Relief Printing: Using Household Objects with Nandini Chirimar

A huge benefit of Japanese Woodblock Printing is it can be done at home without a press and using pretty much non toxic materials. It does, however need specialized carving tools and a baren, which serves as your little hand held press. Since the purpose of this demo is finding ways to print at home when no special supplies can be purchased, I thought a lot about how one can use the principles of Japanese woodblock printing without requiring the usual tools. Here is one way I came up with, using household materials.

Materials:

  1. A small piece of flat wood.

  2. Small objects you can find at home. I used various small lentils, grains and spaghetti.

  3. Waterproof glue or acrylic medium. I used Golden acrylic heavy gel medium.

  4. Watercolor/Gouache

  5. Brushes: Any brushes will work.

  6. Paper: I used printer paper and Japanese paper I had at home. You can use any paper.

  7. Non skid mat: If you have one. A household drawer liner will do.

Print at Home-1.jpg

Step 1:
Lay out your wood on a table, preferably on a non skid mat.

Step 2:
Using your glue or medium and a brush, glue your materials on the wood in any pattern you like. One side flat objects are easier to glue.

Print at Home-3.jpg
Gluing Tip: Use a thicker glue or gel if you have one. Apply the glue liberally and set your object within it. Using a small brush go around the object to make sure it is secure.

Gluing Tip:
Use a thicker glue or gel if you have one. Apply the glue liberally and set your object within it. Using a small brush go around the object to make sure it is secure.

Step 3:
Once all your objects are glued, let your ‘plate’ dry completely. Once dry, check for any loose objects and put another coating of glue if needed.

Step 4:
Make your ink by using watercolor or gouache. Please make sure not to use any paint with an acrylic component in it. Squeeze out your paint in small containers and dilute with a small amount of water. Mix thoroughly.

Print at Home-5.jpg

Step 5:
Apply the paint on the raised areas using a hog hair or other brush. Make sure you go all around each object with the paint, covering it throughly. There should not be any excess color pooled and running. Wipe any extra paint with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Print at Home-9.jpg

Step 6:
Lay your paper on your plate.

Step 7:
Using your palms and fingers press down on the glued objects to take your print. Go over it a few time applying pressure to transfer as much as possible.

Step 8:
Pull your paper up from the plate and you have your print!

Print at Home-12.jpg
Print at Home-13.jpg

Printing Tip:
If you don’t get a good print the first time, try re inking with more color and printing again. I also printed several times on the same paper, going over the first printing to get a more complex image.

For any questions please contact me at nandini@nandinichirimar.com www.nandinichirimar.com

www.pencilpaperink.com