From mint media

I'd really like to capture some of the bold designs used in textured wallpaper. So I decided to make some printing blocks from the paper and see what kind of prints could be made. The first step is to cut the paper to size and stick it to a suitable printing block. In this case I used old pieces of MTF I had lying around. I used PVA glue to stick the paper to the block. I coated the printing surface of the plate with lacquer. This is clear varnish that protects the paper from the ink. I did serveral coats and allowed this to dry overnight. I used a brush to apply a thin coat of ink to the block. I then took the paper stock and lay it onto the upwards-facing block. I used a few different methods to make the print, including a cloth pad and a wooden dowel. A combination of the wooden dowel and a broom handle gave the most even pressure.

Here are some examples of the prints I made. The last one on the right is part of a print that has been cut out afterwards on the computer.

The blocks themselves look quite cool after they have been used. A small amount of ink remains on each, adding to their original colour.