Another Random Project

Wow, over three months since the last post! My apologies for the lack of updates. Time seems to have sped up over the summer months!
Anyway, here is the latest project that I've completed; a sort of process post on how to make DIY chalkboards!

Materials:
- 4'x8' sheet of 1/4" plywood or MDF (I cut it down to 4 2'x4' sheets)
I used plywood because the local big box hardware didn't have 1/4" MDF. Keep in mind plywood is much more porous than MDF and MDF will have a much smoother surface.
- 1"x2"x8' Pine 12' for each chalkboard (48' worth)
- 8 eye screws
- Chalkboard paint 1qt
- Primer paint 1qt
- Framing wire (for hanging)
- 3/4" Self tapping counter sink screws (1 box)
- Chalk (sidewalk or regular)

To start, cut the 1"x2"x8' Pine to 2' pieces and 44" pieces and frame out the sheets of 2'x4' plywood or MDF.

 Using the 3/4" screws, attach the 2' Pine lengths to the 2' ends of the plywood or MDF and attached the 44" lengths to the 4' sides of the plywood or MDF.

 

Using the primer paint, prime the surface that will become the chalkboard and let dry.

Once the primer is dry and has a satisfactory coating, using the chalkboard paint, paint the surface over the primer. Be certain to coat it evenly and completely. It may take two coats.

Once the chalkboard paint is dry, screw in the eye hooks on the inside of the back and attach the framing wire across for hanging.

 Use!

I hope this will give some insight into making your own or some inspiration for your own project!

Leave a message with any questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

On another front I've made some decisions going into the next bottle cap project ... stay tuned!

Ink Change Up

I've decided to switch from water based relief printing inks to Caligo Safe Wash inks. I only experimented with them on one project so far and I can tell they are going to take some getting used to; very different from water based relief inks.

I'll try to update my progress using the new inks as I use them in future projects.

Screen Printing Press Set Up

I've been getting some inquires as to my screen printing set-up. It's a cobbled together simple set-up. The whole thing is mounted to a chunk of 1/2" scrap ply wood (for portability) and made to use 20"x24" screens. The "platform" was made to take t-shirts as well as small posters. The "platform" is mounted to the base on 2x4's and is 1/2" thick cabinet grade piece of wood.  There is a shoe lace clamped to the side that goes through a eye hook and a 20 oz. Plumb hammer through a loop on the other end as a counter weight. I haven't done anything with registration; so I'm not sure how effective it is at multi-color projects.

More Hops

Here is the outcome of using the Humulus Lupulus block on fabric! I used oil based ink (black) and fabric from the local fabric store. I applied a hot iron to cure and washed them to make sure the ink was set.

I only printed two and had the edges rolled and sewn. I think they turned out well and will be experimenting with block printing on fabric in the future!

More Birthday Prints

As promised, I'm updating the outcome of the birthday prints. I decided to do random colors (orange, blue, silver, black) and random overprints.

Some interesting, unpredicted results with some of them!

Sneak Peek

I'm going to take a break from the bottle caps for a little bit. Although, I do have more caps lined up as possibilities. Here is a sneak peek into the next project.

I've done some initial test proofs and am pleased with how they turned out. I'll have more pics of this project as it progresses.
Stay tuned!

Project Updates!

Yes, finally some updates on a few projects! It seems I always have a couple projects in various states of progress.
First off, more birthday card backgrounds printed up and awaiting the second color:

The second colors have been printed but I don't have photos yet.

More importantly, some progress on the second bottle cap project has been made:

I employed a spot inking technique for most, just inking and printing the edge of the cap. We'll see how this affects the final color.
I also printed one covering the entire block with the second color:

I did do some color experimentation prior to commencing with this project with some varying results, so we'll see how the final color will come out.
Also, I've finished carving the block for the third and final color. Photos to come!

Finally, I'm resurrecting an older block for use on a new and different medium:

More updates and pictures to come on this project and more...stay tuned.

Some Updates

So I went a little crazy printing a bunch of things recently and here's the run down:

For the final color on the bookmark lesson I added a yellow-orange:

"Shop-cat" Crosby decided to show his appreciation by sitting on one; can you tell? I liked the way these turned out, especially on the right reading side. I'll definitely continue to explore printing techniques and ink characteristics with these blocks!

The latest Magpie was proofed as well:

I'm pleased with how it turned out but I will be making some changes to the block prior to printing a run.

I have some new ideas for the Humulus Lupulus block and will be experimenting with papers and colors.

Thanks for lurking and stay tuned.

Some Progress

Printing time is at a premium these days. So I'm trying to fit in some quick prints when I can. The bookmarks are proving to be perfect blocks to make some quick prints and experiment with.

Here is the continuation from the previous mistake lesson. I'm trying to experiment with overprinting, color combinations and inking different areas of the block.

 

 The back is not quite finished. I'm planning on adding one more color to try and cover the areas that currently are not inked; perhaps a yellow to brighten it up.

In other project news, the Magpie project is getting the next block carved.

The bottle cap project has been mounted to a base and carving will commence shortly!

Photos of those and more to come!