Tuesday, August 9, 2011

me + my screens

I've been printing a lot lately, so I thought I would share a bit about what I do through these pictures I took yesterday ...


This is my beloved apron. I've had it since day one of Yardage Design (almost 2 years now - that's gone quickly!), and each print run means more wipes and smears of ink - making it even more precious to me.


This is one of the spots in the garden where I wash my screens. I tend to rotate the washing areas so different parts get watered (and spattered with a bit of ink - luckily it's water soluble)! Cleaning your screens well is one of the most important jobs for a screenprinter.


I can't tell you how tricky it was to hold the camera and the hose AND take a decent photo!


I love the residue you get from many, many print runs - it stains the screen, resulting in a beautiful effect.


This screen, used to print Vintage Tram Roll Menu Tea Towels, is by far the most used screen. I have printed hundreds of tea towels using this screen. That's why it looks a little worse for wear (this is actually clean) - lots of staining from numerous colours.


You always know a screen is still good if you hold it up to the sun - the image to be printed should still be crisp, regardless of how stained the actual screen looks, as long as the areas that you print aren't clogged with dried ink, you're good to go.


Above are some of the lovely ink stains that have made their way into the fabric of the screen.

I know I've said it before, I really never tire of lifting the screen to see a perfect print. I hope I'll always print ~ I love it.

Have a great day!


8 comments:

Tania said...

Spoken like a woman obsessed! Big YAY for you!

Vic said...

Only 2 years...?! That seems impossible! You really are so fabulous at what you do - it's obvious you love it.

teddybearswednesday said...

Love this post Nic, and love all those stains. I agree it makes the sceens more beautiful over time.
and I agree with Vic, it's soo wonderful you love what you are great atxo

Jackie @ Fred-and-Cissy said...

I love your post, and the screen - it'd look great on a wall once it's finished being 'useful'!

by marie-nicole said...

Gorgeous pics Nic.

Also a really lovely summation of why you do what you and the passion you have for doing it.

Anonymous said...

So pretty Nic. Great colour combination right there in the stains. I'd sooo love to give it a try. You make a perfect ambassador for screenprinting, soon we'll all be doing it. :-)
xx Alisa

lamina@do a bit said...

Love the look of built up paint.. it looks gorgeous!! I don't think I will ever get sick of screen printing either.. I think it's in my blood :)

Anna Bartlett said...

The 'story' your apron tells is wonderful. I hope you'll always print too!