Printmaking Workshop

I signed up for a printmaking workshop hosted by NYC Park Arts and attended on December 2, 2019.

Honestly, I didn’t know what I was signing up for. Printmaking really isn’t my forte so I was basically going in blind.

I was lucky enough that my sister-in-law tagged along with me (social events aren’t really my forte either) so with her along, it made the event less intimidating.

Upon our arrival, the host was very nice and helpful and found us a place to sit. Once everyone was settled in, she introduced herself and explained what project we would be working on. The printmaking process we would be doing is called collagraphy.  Collagraphy is a printmaking process in which materials are applied to a rigid substrate. We would be using recycled materials to create our plate or stamp.

She then did a demonstration of different ways to place the materials on the plate. There were no rules or “right way” to making the stamp.  We were to simply have fun and use our creative freedom.

Here is the stamp I created using the recycled materials:

String, bubble wrap, popsicle sticks, foam and cardboard were used to make this stamp

She then demonstrated the steps on the collagraphy process:

Step 1: Tape some wax paper to the table and apply a small amount of paint. Then use the roller to evenly distribute the paint onto the roller

 

Step 2: Gently apply the paint onto the stamp going back and forward using the roller. Apply more paint if necessary.
Step 3: Place a piece of paper on top of your stamp and gently press the paper, making sure the paint is evenly distributed
Step 4: Gently lift the paper and viola!

Once the demonstration was over, it was time to press our stamps!

My stamp pressed onto the paper
My fellow table friend’s stamps

 

Myself with my printed stamp
My sister-in-law & I with our creations

Overall, I had a blast. Despite the snow ruining the commute, I’m glad I attended. I learned something new, I was able to destress, meet new people and spend time with my sister-in-law. All in all, a great evening.