Making Marks

Sashiko Leaf Note card

Inspired by my favorite tree, I made a three screen Gocco print. The leaf prints are mounted onto mellow orange note cards. I wasn't sure about the ochre background at first, but I think it all works together.

You can see the similarity to the Dragonfly note cards since I used the same technique with blending sashiko patterns in the background.  The leaves are printed on a separate screen, and the veins are yet another screen.

Figuring out the layers and steps using the Gocco has been a fun challenge. The last printmaking class I remember taking was in high school. I used a traditional silk screen process and printed a t-shirt or two.  I find the Gocco system to be much more fun and love the results. For example, in the leaf card, I got a rough texture in the sashiko lines by using a crayon for the design. I'm not sure how I'd do something similar with cutting traditional silk screen.

I have one more sashiko-inspired design in the works. You'll be able to find them all in my ETSY shop. I'm charging $3.50 per card or 3 for $10.

Sashiko Dragonflies

The Japanese "country quilting" patterns, called sashiko, have always fascinated me. The elegant simplicity of the designs draws me in. Recently I found a book of patterns called The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook and my interest in sashiko was renewed.

I never have been able to finish a quilt. I've started many (friends have always finished them), but this time I decided to take the patterns and apply them to something I knew I could finish - a paper project. I used graph paper to freehand draw two quilting patterns and then used tracing paper to meld the line designs together.

This 4" x 5.25" design is for a notecard, and the cardstock for the background arrived from The Paper Source! Now for time to put the cards together. . .

9/29- These are now for sale in my ETSY shop.

I have two more designs ready: a flower pattern and a leaf pattern. I hope to have them printed and ready to sell at the Silverton Arts Association Card Show in December.

Aqua Orbs

This print, "Aqua Orbs", has been difficult to photograph and capture the correct colors. So far, this is my best image.

"Aqua Orbs" is definitely related to my two other Gocco silk screen designs. The background design has been describes as an artifact, and I agree that these look a little like the product of postmodern civilization. The designs also remind me of cave drawings - simple shapes that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

My next screen prints will be Japanese quilting inspired note cards. Stay tuned!