Make a monoprint
You will need:
- paper to print onto
- paints or printing inks (water based). Acrylics are good or use ready mix paint with PVA added
- brushes, printing rollers (optional), sponges
- printing surface – plastic table mats are really good!
- scrap paper, ribbon or string for making shapes
Instructions
- Protect your working surface with newspaper or an old cloth. Wear old clothes or an apron.
- Use a smooth surface to apply your paint to – a sheet of stiff plastic is good or even a thick sheet of
card will do. Apply one or two colours of paint with a printing roller or large paintbrush. - Use an old pencil or the other end of a paint brush to draw into the paint. Use cut or torn paper shapes,
string or ribbon laid on top. - Starting at one end lay a sheet of paper on top. Smooth it with your flat hand or a dry printing roller.
- Starting at one end, peel off the paper. You have a monoprint.
- Repeat to make more prints.
Other tips and ideas
- print a new colour over the top to make layers
- add paint, pencil, pen or pastel to a print for more detail
- save the prints you donít like for collage materials
- print onto patterned paper e.g. used wrapping paper
- try printing onto tissue or tracing papers
- cut your monoprints up to make Christmas or gift cards
- use pegs and washing line or string to hang your prints up to dry
