Whats in my studio?
Im sharing all of the things I keep in my micro-printmaking studio!
Think you need a large studio with endless space? Think again! Ive had great success just by printing in a micro studio — hardly any room, but I’ve managed to make things work. Don’t get me wrong, I would SO take a custom studio with windows on all sides, including the roof…and room for all of my equipment — but thats still a dream in-the-works. The most important thing here, for me, isn’t aesthetics but my work itself. My prints at the end of the day matter the most to me, even if I sacrifice being comfy. Do you also relate to this? Well, get cozy and stick around for a bit — I’ll be sharing what I use, my tools, my drying set-up and whatever else!
My most trusted tool, my Iron Frog Press glass baren
Like many printmakers, I print by hand — which means I do not use a press to pull my prints (one day) For now, I print by hand using my glass baren which is made by Iron Frog Press. I highly recommend their products; made for us printmakers by a printmaker. His tools are tried and tested. Ive personally had this glass baren for close to 3 years now and its been amazing in the studio. Hand-burnishing is a love language :) I also use wooden spoons, smaller spoons, and sometimes my own hands! What I love about this specific glass baren is the fact that it’s smooth, works well with thin papers, and really produces a clean print. Hand burnishing can be tiring, but not with the right tools. I print very large and do tire my shoulders, but this glass baren really takes the complicated bits away. It has the right amount of weight, very ergonomic and easy to hold which is a plus if you ask me. Anything to make working with my hands a little easier will grab my attention.
My glass baren in action — this print was large!
My favorite way to store my Awagami Kozo paper
I only use Japanese Awagami Kozo paper — this paper is amazing.. delicate, yet strong and made by hand in Japan using techniques passed down generation after generation. This paper is also sustainable. I highly encourage you to read about this amazing company and all of the wonderful products they offer. I keep my paper clipped to wooden hangers on a drying line — this keeps each sheet flat and away from anything that could damage them. I sometimes keep my Awagami rolls behind my desk but it can be a pain to uncurl the paper when printing; this method prevents the curl and endless paper weights. I also use this method when drying my prints but will talk more about that below. I also like this paper because of how lightweight it is, 46 gsm, which is perfect for hand-burnishing. Anything with a heavier weight will be rather difficult to produce a clean print (take it from me). Thats the con about not having a printing press - you are sort of limited with the paper you can use. Even though this paper is thin and light, its incredibly sturdy and tear-resistant. I highly encourage you to give this a try!
My Pfeil carving tools in action
This is me holding my favorite tool made by Pfeil
When it comes to carving, there is only ONE brand that I love, have used, and will continue to use in my work. Pfeil carving tools. This company is a swiss-made company that really packs a punch with each of their products. I did not link the website because there are various companies that carry and sell their products. You can purchase singular tools or get them in a pack, which is what I did. They do need to be sharpened from time to time; make sure you know how to use a slip strop — or you can send your tools to a carver by checking out this website: McClains Printmaking Supplies. I will need to ship my beloved tools off here soon to make sure I’m ready for another busy season :) There are other brands worth checking out, too! You don’t have to stop where I did — I might venture and try other brands as the seasons pass. These were my first set of carving tools and i’ve grown very attached to them.
My glass tabletop for ink mixing with my ink spatula
I use a small, grey glass tabletop for mixing my ink along with my ink spatula. You can find these at various printmaking/art supply stores. I use grey because I want to see the full range of shades if I use another color and need to add white — this really helps. My trusted ink spatula has been with me for what feels like forever. This little tool is wonderful at mixing the ink before I roll a brayer through it. I primarily use Cranfield safe-wash inks instead of traditional inks. I like these inks more because the clean up is easy and theres little hassle. Just use soap and cold water and you’re done! No messy solvents needed if you have a sensitive nose like myself.
I use wooden clips on a portable wardrobe rack to dry my prints
This is how I dry my prints when there are multiple ones at a time. I use a portable/foldable wardrobe rack with wooden clothes-clips to keep them in place — I can safely store my prints up and away from hands, pets, etc and move the wardrobe rack in whatever location I need if the humidity changes or I need a little more sunlight in a certain area.
Paper tear-bar
I use a steel paper tear bar. This is perfect for a fluffy + crisp deckled edge (if you prefer that look) I put tape along the edge to keep some grip on my table — this thing is heavy and sharp, so caution is needed when using one. This can be ordered from various art shops/printmaking supply stores that are online or in-person. I really like the look of having a deckled edge on each of my prints vs the standard clean-edge print. This method is very time consuming, but once done the results are fabulous.
battleship gray lino - a fan favorite
This is probably the most important thing I have — the actual lino! I use battleship gray because it is all natural, eco-friendly, and carves like butter! This is the most popular amongst printmakers. The various sizes are a plus! This can be a bit difficult to cut with scissors, so be careful if you need to do that.
Glassine paper to keep my prints safe and acid-free!
Glassine paper will be your best friend the entire duration of being a printmaker. You will need something acid-free to shield your prints when shipping, storing, etc. I roll my prints an ship in cardboard tubes, so using this is vital to ensure nothing leeches into the archival paper. I also highly recommend glassine paper for sketches! I will plan out my composition on a piece of glassine paper to see if “it works” before drawing and committing to the actual project. The feeling of thinking a drawing will work vs making sure the composition is balanced out is a tough thing to work through — starting over is the worst! Sketch over and over until that composition is right. Your work will thank you for it!
Planning a very complicated print!
Dont forget your binoculars — inspiration is everywhere!
Have you found yourself back to the drawing board? No worries — grab a pair of binoculars, a pencil, and create!
Thank you for reading. Reach out and share if this was helpful. Now go make something beautiful!
