More early print runs. I've been testing out a couple of different brands of paint and different papers to cut to make stencils too though I can see I'll definitely want to be trying the photo emulsion method soon as cutting stencils is a bit tedious not to mention the fact that they deteriorate quickly.

I love this blue.


I realised that I wasn't applying enough pressure with these first prints but my next ones worked much better. Also my table was too padded so I've now sorted that out too.


It's all good though, I can only learn from making mistakes.


It's a lot of fun seeing the prints for the first time after lifting up the screen - surprise!

This is my first screen. It's a bit smaller than I was expecting - it's a little bit bigger than A4 - but it's a good size to get started on and figure out this screenprinting lark. I got done paint and a squeegee too and I'm all set ready to go!

No fabric pics today but instead I wanted to show what I'm working on right now. I'm really excited to try out screen printing - I ordered a screen yesterday so can't wait until that arrives. In the meantime I'm doing some stencil cutting so I'll actually have something ready for when my screen arrives. The design is based on one by Lena Corwin from her book Printing by Hand but I'm not actually using her template, just doing it my way. I think I'll try and get a couple more stencils done too. 

Every Friday I thought maybe I might share some fabric finds from home and around the net.

So starting off is this wonderful bright medium weight fabric. This is the Gothic range from Echino by Etsuko Furuya of Japan. I love how bright and funky these are and if you look closely you can see some interesting details. There is also a version in purple. These 3 pieces are actually going to be used on recovering my dining chairs. They're not really a heavy weight fabric but I'm doing it anyway! I'll share some pics when I'm all done. There are plenty more fab designs in this collection. You can see more at Stitchbird Fabrics which is where I purchased these from.

Today I tried printing with my newly cut rubber stamps. Well it wasn't very successful - the paint wasn't going on evenly, my roller was sliding around a bit when trying to get the paint on and I can see that some parts of the stamps need cutting back further. So the results are less than stellar. But still I suppose that's to be expected on only my second go. There are things I can try and I guess I might go and check out some YouTube videos for more tips.

I've come back from a week away at the beach all refreshed and excited to get started on some projects. I'm finishing off carving this block by Moo Carve. It's so much easier to carve than lino. I can't wait to try printing next.