Oh yeah, I’m a printmaker! I spent my last 2 years of college in the printmaking lab. Sometimes nearly 24 hours a day. I love printing things. I love making one thing to make something else a whole bunch of times. I like to have an extra to give to my mom. I like to plan and retrace and perfect my drawings before they become something. I like to print things. I am a printmaker!
Welcome to my birthday party. We went to the art store this morning. I got some screens, bulbs, and ink, came home, drew and planned, and once Logan was down for a nap I got to work! It was so cool how fast the screen was made. Flash–just like that. I went the low tech route to make my master by just drawing with the Riso pen (that came with the press) and filled in an area with Sharpie. Over all I was pleased as punch, though the part I had planned on being a flat color didn’t burn completely and had some texture. I actually like that in the finished print though. Want to see it? Well, here it is:
I drew the tulip tree pod hanging on my mobile.
It is the same screen printed twice with two different colors of ink. The paper is Rives BFK becuase I have tons of scraps. It has some texture, but not too much. The ink sits beautifully on it. I learned that when I mix an ink color I need to make more than I think I need so that I get adequate coverage. I didn’t make quite enough of the bluish color and the line drawing pod is splotchy in the middle. I used Simple Green (thanks to all the awesome info over at the Gocco flickr group) to clean my screen in between colors and it worked like a charm without any toxic chemicals. On the brown run I used the ink blocking foam to guard the solid seedpod from getting printed and that worked just perfectly. So, all in all I call my first printing a success 
Here it is on Rives Lightweight in a creamy color. Oh, and without the blue ink…
Now, how could a birthday get any better? I have the BEST husband this world has ever seen.
(Well, I did get a light blue fleece jacket from my inlaws, which I really needed. It’s cute and feminine and warm. THANKS!!)
Wow, I want a gocco. That’s beautiful.
Happy birthday, Jessica! Absolutely beautiful–the things you are able to make with that gocco.
Also, thanks so much for organizing the blockswap. And lucky me–one of the blocks I got was from you. It’s beautiful. Thank you!
Those prints are great. Look like alot of fun
Happy Birthday!
My blocks are awesome, and the blockswap was so much fun! Thanks!
Jessica, you are an inspiration! Wife, mother, artist and quilt swap coordinator! Is there no end to your talents and energy? Whatever you’re having for breakfast, I want some too!
This message is two–ok, now three-fold!
1. Happy Birthday! May all your wishes come true.
2. Love your print!
3. Got my blocks yesterday and I am more delighted than words can say. Each one a thing of beauty and to think I’m holding in my hand the work of a talented and generous woman I’ve never met but feel connected to by our mutual love of quilting. I hope you have at least an inkling of the pleasure you have brought to so many with this wonderful project alone (not to mention all the other great stuff you do!).
Thanks so much for all the work you’ve done on behalf of the block swap. Can’t imagine the time commitment involved. It’s been a blast!
I hope this year brings you an overabundance of joy and blessings.
That is so awesome! Happy Birthday! (a little late) –
You are just amazing!
Hope you had a happy birthday.
Thats ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
I want a gocco printer!! Where did you get it from??
They are so so pretty!