Basic Printmaking Techniques
Printmaking has so many options and possibilities, even at its most basic level. The most simple way to think of it is transferring an image from one thing to another (like paper or fabric) to create a print. Stamps, leaves, bits of cardboard, plastic lids, cotton swabs, marbles - it all makes for great printing exploration with layers of texture.
Here I outline the very simple approach I take with my youngest students, but it is certainly applicable for much older art students, depending on their previous printmaking experience. I don't delve into printmaking inks here, simply because it is more upkeep and more difficult cleanup, so I tend to stay away from traditional intaglio. I also don't get into lino cutting, because I can't fathom giving those tools to primary kiddos! So like I said, the basics here. I tend to use tempera paint as my go-to for its easy cleanup and child-friendly nature, but it's still nice to use an actual brayer to spread the paint and give things a more "real printmaking" feel.
Here's a bit more on what I do in the classroom. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Stamping Tools
I like to think about different shapes and textures that can be created with various bits and bobs that might otherwise be thrown away. Old lids, used tape tubes, cardboard tubes, pencil erasers, fingertips, and cups can create circles, while a humble strip of cardboard or any straight edge can make lines.
Rubber stamps, typewriter letters, sponge rollers, and even leaves can make more fanciful textures, while the inside of corrugated cardboard or plastic food netting can give a gritty feel.
Here are some fun options (be aware that some of these contain rubber, for any latex sensitivities):
These make some interesting compositions when used in conjunction with each other and enjoyed in layers.
Plates
For the young crowd, I use either a reusable plastic plate (maybe even leftover lamination or transparency sheets in a pinch) or a one-time use foam plate.
With the plastic plate, I have students use the brayer to spread tempera on top, then scrape away their design with various comb tools or cotton swabs. They should work a bit quickly so that the paint is still wet when they press the plate to their paper.
This is similar to what I use in class: https://amzn.to/2NRslqZ
Foam plates can only be used once, since each student will carve his or her design into it. I have small pointed sticks for this (dull pencils or skewers would also work). Once the design is on, they just simply roll their paint onto the remaining high areas, and print! In the past I have tried using a method where students placed a drawing on top of the plate to "trace through," but they had a hard time getting the right pressure and keeping the drawing still. I think it works better to have them just go for it right on the plate, maybe more design and less representation - no erasers here!
This is similar to what I use in class: https://amzn.to/2UuK3my
Fun and Wacky
Aside from the methods mentioned above, there are also some methods I like that can get a little crazy, but they're just so much fun! If you have plastic trays to use for this, all the better.
Marble printing - For this, place your paper onto the tray and dip a few marbles into different colors of liquid paint. Place the marbles on the tray, then start tilting! There's no telling what paths the marbles will take, but after a few rounds, you get some nice overlapping lines and curves. It feels very much like a game! These can get you started:
https://amzn.to/2NUY8ah
https://amzn.to/2C8IraL
https://amzn.to/2T0cPKo
Shaving cream marbled paper - For this, check the ingredients in your shaving cream to make sure you don't have sensitive students. Spray a rectangle of shaving cream onto your tray or surface, then spread it smooth with a plastic ruler or other straight edge. Put on some drops of food coloring or liquid watercolor, then swirl your design with a skewer. Lightly place and rub your paper on top of your design. If needed, use your clean ruler to scrape away any stuck shaving cream and reveal your design! Make your design go farther by adding more color, or using the ruler to smear the colors into a new composition for another print. How fun is that? These might be good options for you:
https://amzn.to/2UtOFtf
https://amzn.to/2VJUfaQ
https://amzn.to/2Hrx2pZ
Demonstration of Techniques
As an art teacher (and busy adult, full of adulting to do), I know that time is often of the essence. If you need a ready-to-go demonstration of all of these techniques for your student or kiddo to watch for the essential know how, I have one right here for you that walks step-by-step through all of the techniques I mentioned above.
This is great for independent kid work, TAB-style classrooms that still want solid technique understanding, or whole group instruction that allows the teacher to get supplies ready or manage behavior. I hope you have so much fun with this!
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