Making your own printmaking tools can be a fun and cost-effective way to tap into your creative side. This article gives you a detailed overview of various DIY printmaking tool hacks.
## Sourcing and Using Found Objects
Finding objects in everyday life and repurposing them as printmaking tools is a creative and cost-effective approach to building your tool inventory. These objects could be anything from corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, and plastic bags, to leaves, old combs, and coins.
Cardboard, bubble wrap, and plastic bags create interesting textures when rolled with ink and pressed on the printing surface. Old combs can be used to build unique textured patterns. Coins can be used to create circular stamp-like impressions. Leaves, when rolled with ink and pressed onto paper, can capture intricate vein patterns creating a botanic print.
## DIY Styrofoam Plates
When it comes to printing on a budget, Styrofoam plates are a lifesaver. By drawing on the surface with a pen or pencil, a reusable plate can be created in a short period of time. Simply roll the ink over your design, press onto your chosen surface and voila, you’ve made a print!
## Handmade Stencils
Stencils can be made from a variety of materials. If you plan on using the stencil only once or twice, then paper or cardstock may be adequate. For more durable options, consider thinner plastics or acetate sheets. Design your desired pattern on the stencil material, and then use a craft knife to create the cuts.
## Homemade Stamps
Stamps can be made from an assortment of materials. For simple designs, potatoes can be carved into fun stamps for one-time use. For a more durable stamp, consider carving designs into linoleum or wooden blocks. Another creative and eco-friendly idea is to use old wine corks. The round and flat ends can be carved into different shapes and used as stamps.
## Foam Brushes and Roller
For rolling out and applying ink to your plates or objects, it is advisable to use a brayer, or a roller. However, acquiring one could be a little over-budget. That’s where foam brushes come into play! Foam brushes come in different sizes and are a great alternative to expensive brayers. These are not meant to be used for detailed designs but work wonders when an even application of ink is required.
## DIY Screen Printing Frame
Old picture frames make great DIY screen printing frames. You can tighten the mesh fabric across the frame and secure it in place with a staple gun. To create the design on the screen, cover the mesh with an emulsion, let it dry and transfer your design on it. Finally, clean off the emulsion from the places you want the ink to go through, leaving you with a perfectly functioning screen print frame.
## Creating Monoprints Using Gelatin
Creating a monoprint using homemade gelatin plate is rewarding, yet it can be done inexpensively. To make a gelatin plate, mix gelatin and water, allow it to set, resulting in a somewhat solid, yet spongy surface. Apply ink to your gelatin plate, create a design, press paper onto your design and remove. Remember, since the design can’t be exactly replicated, each print will be unique.
## Carving Tools
Consider using craft knives or old dull kitchen knives as carving tools for linocut printing. More complex, specialized tools can be replaced by oscillating tools with metal cutting blades to carve into linoleum or wood.
Being resourceful and innovative allows you to approach printmaking in novel ways. The objects around us hold immense potential to be repurposed as printmaking tools, reducing costs and providing much satisfaction as we create unique, personalized tools by hand. An economizing spirit coupled with a creative mind can turn the world around us into an array of limitless possibilities. Incorporating these DIY printmaking tool hacks into your repertoire could very well help you find inspiration in the most mundane materials.
