Card Printing by Nik Pollard

Card Printing. The print (left) and the card plate (right)

Introduction

Card printing is a simple inexpensive method of printmaking that can be used alone to make simple designs/images or combined with other printmaking or painting processes. The basic nature of this printmaking process allows it to be easily adapted and developed to create a range of results. It can be used as a bridge between drawing and printmaking.


Materials

  • Card (provided) or cereal packets
  • Ball-point pen
  • Rollers x 2
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ink

Method

1. Draw your image/design on the white side of the card (when using a cereal packet, the printed side).

2. Add further marks to your image/design using a ball-point pen – pressing hard! This is important as the pen will create a groove that, when printed, will produce a negative line.

3. The next stage is cutting out the image/design. It is important to remember that the cut edge is itself a part of the design. You can either: faithfully follow your drawn lines; cut the card into a different shape around the image/design – or a combination of both.

4. Ink the card plate using a roller, taking care not to damage it, especially if your image/design has any intricate pieces. The ink does not necessarily have to be applied evenly; this is equally a part of the creative process as the initial drawing itself.

Note: At this point you can see the negative lines. Any that have filled in can be re-drawn using the ball-point pen.

5. With the ink side facing upwards, carefully place the paper on to the card plate. Hold in position with one hand whilst burnishing/rubbing the back of the paper. For this, a roller, wooden spoon or the ball-point pen can be used – each will produce a different result.

Note: Throughout this stage it is a good idea to have a look now and then, to check how the print is transferring, remembering to keep one hand holding the paper in position.


Further Information and Suggestions

o The weight of the paper that you choose to use can vary, bearing in mind that thicker paper requires more pressure when hand burnishing.
o Instead, or as well as the roller, a brush can be used to apply the ink to the card plate. The brush marks add another dynamic that works well as a foil to the cut edge of the plate.

Suppliers

General print supplies: Ink, drypoint plastic, paper, tools, rollers etc:
https://intaglioprintmaker.com
https://www.lawrence.co.uk

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