Tuesday, July 29, 2008

My card making process.

I thought I would share with you how I go about making my cards from inspiration to final product. So, here goes...













Inspiration usually comes directly from my garden. Today it was nasturtiums.




















From my photos or just being out in the garden, I draw the subject matter then trace it onto tracing paper.

















From the tracing paper, I transfer the image onto the carving surface by rubbing the traced image onto the block with my carving tool handle.




















I test out the stamp on scrap paper to see how it looks and to do some fine tuning. I might need to add some more lines or clean up around the edges. Personally, I like to leave some extra little bits here and there to add character and give a sense of motion.















Once my blocks are good to go, I then play around with different designs and colorways until I come up with something that is visually pleasing. Not all stamps become final designs or products.


















And then voila...the final product!


5 comments:

Inklore said...

Lovely; I love these little behind the scenes peeks!

zukzuk said...

Yes, it is lovely to see the process, thanks for sharing!

I love your use of colour; love those clear, bright hues, yummy.

I've been meaning to get back into doing some lino printing, you have inspired me!

sue bulmer said...

Yes it is always good to see how other artists work, love the final design and how the initial sketch has translated. What kind of rubber do you use? It looks quite chunky. I have been using some easy carve lino but it isn't very thick???

pinkbathtub said...

Thanks all!

I use Staedtler (sp?) carving blocks.

Unknown said...

GORGEOUS! Almost looks like you are carving into soap. ;o)

I've heard Japanese Plywood is quite nice to carve also.


Melissa