Printmaking

I am getting really excited about the idea of starting a card/stationary business using the block prints I've been making. I posted the Goliath beetle on my Facebook page and got a strong response from people saying they would buy these kinds of cards. It was encouraging so I started to explore the idea more in my mind while Mike was in Argentina. I found a printmaking class at the local City College that is offered through their adult education program. This particular class is aimed at people ages 55+ but I was still allowed in, so I signed up. I really enjoy making the block prints and so far the cards I've made have turned out great. This is something I could see myself actually getting into so this class will help develop my skills and techniques and teach me about materials to use and things like that. Getting some real information instead of just making it up as I go is going to be neat. Mike is even going to join me in the class. It will be a fun way to spend our Friday nights for 10 weeks starting in April. Anyway, if you can't tell, I'm looking forward to this and it'll be fun to see if anything comes of this new interest. For now I'm still just playing at home and creating new blocks. Pictured above is my latest creation -- a wasp.

Ground Beetle Stamp

The second in my beetle stamp collection -- Carabus meander -- a ground beetle. Mike and I made a list of the beetle families we wanted to use to mark our tables. So now we have a scarab and a ground beetle. Thirteen more to go. Here is our remaining list:

Histeridae Passalidae

Tenebrionidae Buprestidae

Cerambycidae Cucujidae

Curculionidae Coccinellidae

Elateridae Chyrsomelidae

Cleridae Dytiscidae

Lucanidae

The carabid took me about 3 hours. Good thing we are getting a head start!

Goliath Beetle Stamp

Last weekend I worked on a second stamp. This time I used a Speedball Linoleum Block. These blocks allow for more control when carving and don't crumble like the rubber blocks did. I was able to create more detail with this block and even though it took about 2 hours to make, the end result is very nice. I think using these blocks, the prints will turn out really nicely for table identifiers. I also have a new business idea! Since these blocks are going to be long lasting, I might as well do something else with them...like make cards. Here is my first attempt. I used Artoz cards from the local craft store and oil based ink. I would eventually buy nicer paper and probably use something other than oil based ink (it takes forever to dry), but I think there is a whole world of bug lovers who would eat these up. Here's my first set of 5 cards. What do you think?!