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!

Another Cap Popped!

I had a chance to get to printing the final color of the second bottle cap over this past weekend.
Overall, I'm please with the way this one progressed and turned out despite shop temperatures barely fit for printing. Mounting the linoleum to a backing board vastly improved registration, wash-up and overall carving and handling. It seems like this one took longer than usual to wrap up but that's the beauty of not having deadlines...no stress.
Here are the pics:

As I've done in the past, I've decided to mix the redish color on the fly, making each one a little different. Some are a little lighter red, some darker; I think it adds to the individuality of the prints and printmaking.
Oh and if you're curious, learn more about the beer here.

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.

Birds On A Wire

I finally got to completing the second Magpie print. A simple one color (black) on 6.5x8.5 French Speckletone True White 80# paper.

A total of 12 were printed in this open edition.

In other news, I tried experimenting with Solar Plates. Results were unsuccessful and I need to make some changes with the light source for exposures.

Now, onto completing the Cap project!

Second Cap Continuation

I had some time to devote to the next step in the cap "series" and printed the first color; just a plain white and start carving the next step in the process.

At this point I'm predicting three to four colors but am taking the approach of leaving it open to see how things go.

First Color Ready to Proof

I had some time to start carving the latest bottle cap project.

 Carving the first color was rather simple yet not without error. I recently acquired a new tool that makes these huge macaronis and I'm still getting used to how it handles as you can see below.

Oops. It works wonderfully for large areas of clean up work but using it to clear uncut material is a bit difficult.

Printing the first color to come soon.

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.