Hand Pulled Prints

by Staci Louise Smith

I am really enjoying a little side track from the beads and jewelry.  I have been making linocut prints, and even doing some printing on bags and purses that I hand dyed.  It is a really fun process.  

I have always found the carving very zen.  And I keep learning more and more about how to block my color to make a bold and clean print (black and white, and the correct balance is key).

What I did not expect, was to LOVE pulling prints.  There is a great rhythm when you ink up a block, press on your paper, pull it off and hang it.  Then, do it again.  I love seeing the prints on different papers and various colors. (seeing them all hanging makes me happy, reminds me of prayer flags!) 

Hand pulled prints refers to any print that is replicated by hand, whether it is block printed, silk screened or otherwise.  It means it is NOT printed from a machine.  I thought I would take you through the process I used as I pulled prints over the weekend.

First, I inked up my block using block printing ink.  I use a soft roller, I have found I like them MUCH better then some of the others.  

I ink it in both directions side to side and then back and forth up and down.  I got into a great rhythm doing this and found myself happily going along in an inking pattern.

Then I move the block to where I am printing.  I don't ink where I print, because I am messy, and I don't want the edges of the paper to touch the ink on the table.

Lay paper on top and press.  

You can use your hand, or a barren.  I use both.  I really like this thin Mulberry Paper, not only can I see when the print comes through, it is earthy, and soft and has inclusions in it.  

Then "pull" (which is where the term comes from).  

I love to watch the mirror image as I slowly pull it off the block

Never gets old.

Then, I hang them or lay them out to dry.

That is it, hand pulling prints.  

Now, since I don't have anything fancy made to center my prints on my paper, I then have to go and trim them before they get signed and dated and framed or put into bags for sale.

I hope you enjoyed a little side trip with me, away from jewelry and beads.  I know I always enjoy learning a little something new about a different art form.

Handmade lazy susan tool organizer...and giveaway winner announcement!

Carol Dekle-Foss

(Giveaway announcement at bottom of post)

Hi Everyone! I have been re-organizing my studio to allow for a better workflow and wanted to share my latest creation. A flex shaft or dremel bit organizer! I fell in love with this one, but decided to make my own. Handmade tools are MUCH cooler;)

I first started by looking at thrift stores for the right piece of wood that I could recycle and use. I found a weird handmade thingamabob that was perfect! It had a base that I removed, and a center hole with a removable dowel running down the middle. Handmade toilet paper holder gift that someone didn't want?? Who knows, but it was just what I needed!

I first measured and marked to allow at least one inch in between the bits. After marking where I wanted the bits to go, I used a punch to give the drill bit something to grab. The largest flex shaft bit I have is 1/8" in diameter, so I used a 9/64" drill bit, to allow a little wiggle room. 

I wrapped tape around the drill bit marking the depth I wanted to go, and drilled at a forty five degree angle.

 I then drilled a couple large holes with a hole saw for easy access to small tools I use often. I also drilled smaller holes for my saw blades. 

The best part? It swivels! My husband had a swiveling base thingy that I attached. 

I LOVE it! I have two more sides that still need to be finished.

You could use a 4'x4' or even a 6'x6' piece of wood and make your own lazy susan. If you decide to make your own, here is a swivel base you can get for cheap at Home Depot. Beats spending $50 bucks, although that stand is VERY nice.

I also found this desk organizer and riveted copper wire to the sides for easy access to silver wire I use often.

Now for the giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Patricia Quinn! You are the lucky winner of all three pieces. I will be contacting you within the next few days for your mailing address.

Thank you to all who commented and shared your stories, and also for your warm healing thoughts.