Spring Cleaning

There's no better time than today to clean my press.  We're currently experiencing the fallout from ex-cyclone Oswald, delivering gusty strong winds and horizontal rain.  So what better time than to give 'Thumper' my etching press his annual clean.

Firstly, I remove the surface rust on all the rollers and exposed metal surfaces with a creme cleanser and scourer, being careful to clean the 2 main rollers in the direction of the grain, that is around them rather than from side to side.

 

There's a few rust spots on the rollers I can't remove - its a bit disappointing, but I have to be realistic considering our humid weather, my aversion to regular maintenance, and Thumper's age - he's almost 5 years old!

 

 

 

After rinsing off the creme cleanser and drying with a towel, I wipe on a coating of liquid lanolin to protect against future rust.

And finally a drop or two of oil to assist lubrication.

Thumper is ready to go, lets start printing before the rain eases off and I have to rejoin the world!



Monoprinting Workshop

Magical Monotypes

1 day workshop 9am-4pm

9 March 2013

Brisbane

 
Join me and enjoy this free and expressive type of printmaking using plants, stencils, netting, string, lace and other materials to create one-of-a-kind and often unexpected images.

During the workshop I will be demonstrating the beauty of ghost prints as well as printing in layers and with rich colour.
 
I've got a large resource of objects to use in the printing process or you can bring along items you would like to try – for example, leaves/grass stems (non-juicy, partly dry). Unsuitable items are those that are bulky, fleshy or anything thicker than thin card or anything metal or sharp.

The prints will be created using my travelling etching press "Thumper" and archival quality printmaking papers and inks.

Please wear old clothes or an apron, and comfortable shoes. BYO lunch.

All materials provided, including paper and inks. A $10 material fee is payable on the day.

The workshop is being run by Queensland Spinners Weavers and Fibre Artists Inc.

Date: Saturday 9 March 2013
Location: Auchenflower, Brisbane
Cost: $60 members, $80 non-members.

For further information and bookings: http://qldspinners.org.au/workshops-2/how-to-book-workshops/