button bouquet
Visiting relatives, I spied this darling button bouquet and snapped a few shots. The project is simple and great for kids.
You will need:
- an assortment of buttons
- green floral tape
- green floral wire
- an empty jar or vase
Cut the wire to desired length, 8 to 10 inches. Fold the wire in half to find the middle and then open up again. String one or two buttons to the center of the wire, fold, twist the wire down to form a stem and lock the button flowers in place. Wrap the wire with green floral tape. Make bunches of them!!
Arrange your creations in an empty jar or small glass vase and share with someone you love.
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key to my heart: linocut prints
This may come as a surprise since I don’t post a lot about either.. but two of my favorite mediums to dabble in are linocut printing and india ink. Here’s a quickie run-through of my latest project:
(click on the pics for more detail)
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- Start with some inspiration.. take a picture, draw a picture, or combine the two ideas ideas, like I did here, for a creative new piece.
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- Finalize your design, and then using a pencil, darkly outline key lines. Remember when transferring the image to the linoleum block in this manner, the image will be reversed.
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- After the outlining is complete, tape the image, picture side down, to your block. Using a pencil, rub firmly over all key lines in your drawing to transfer the outline to the linoleum block.
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- Here is what the image should look like once it has been transferred to the block. Use a pencil to darken any lines before cutting.
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- Start by slowly and gently outlining the cuts you’ll make. Please keep safety precautions in mind when using sharp instruments.
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- Continue carefully cutting out the image. Remember to always cut away from the body.
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- Once the cutting is complete, gather materials and prepare your work area for printing.
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- Squeeze out a pinkie sized amount of ink and get rolling, up and down and back and forth until the ink is smooth and even. I find the enameled butcher’s tray to be simple to use and quick clean.
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- For an even print, make sure the paper you’re transferring the image to is on a smooth flat surface. Flip the linocut block onto the paper and press down firm and evenly.
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- Another method is to place the paper directly onto the inked up block and to rub with a clean, dry brayer.
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- Slowly peel the paper away from the block, hang, or lay flat to dry. Shown is as assortment of test prints and final pieces.
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- If necessary, after the print is dry, cut down to the proper size.
Please keep in mind that this is only an overview of linocut printing, and that any time you plan on using a sharp tool, it is important to observe proper safety precautions. The instructables website has a nice piece on linocut printing and safety here.
And for further reading and inspiration be sure to check out this impressive online exhibit of Picasso’s prints by MOMA. As usual, they have outdone themselves with another amazing interactive web presentation!! Love. Love.
