New lino-prints and block print designs

Using my Block Print Pattern Board on Pinterest as the start of my design process, I was inspired to start this collection of block print patterns. I designed and cut the block using traditional lino printing tools and hand pulled the final prints, ready to be scanned and reworked into surface pattern designs.

The prints drying out in my studio.. 

 A couple of the designs which have developed from the original prints.

 

Christmas lino print cards

This years' lino printing efforts! Slightly wonky, but haven't yet resorted to buying them!

 Cutting the block..

    The printing process: rolling out the ink onto a glass sheet and hand-pulling the prints.                

Hand-painted gift cards

I really enjoyed this project, hand-painting florals and boxing some kraft cards a birthday gift. Tis the season to be sure of making pressies! Here's the results...

 
Making and hand-painting the box sleeve..

 Creating the cards..

 

Country Living watercolours

Busy morning in my studio today, thought I'd share some Country Living-inspired watercolour paintings, which are new designs for greetings cards!

 

Masking fluid discovery!

Have long been meaning to try using a bottle of masking fluid, a gum which resists ink and watercolour -  to see the effects with my drawings, and after investing in a bottle yesterday, am super excited by the results, love it!! Excuse that they're a bit basic, but it was my first attempt and now there's no stopping me! Step by step below...

1. So. Le masking fluid - tinted pale blue so you can see what you're doing, v handy! Used an ink nib at first unsuccessfully, as it all dried and wasn't particularly fluid, so moved onto a fine brush. Be warned, it utterly ruins the bristles, so use a manky old one!!

2. A close up of the slightly raised dried fluid before it's been peeled away, you can sort of see what happens when you paint on top in the blue floral image below.

3. The best bit... peel off the dried masking fluid by rubbing gently with your fingers, it's a bit like when you get dried glue on your hands! Et voila... some details of the end results!