Art, Paper, Prints and Painting

I started making ATCs a few years ago, and I was instantly hooked. There’s something so fun about working on such a tiny surface—just 2.5 x 3.5 inches. It feels manageable, almost like a creative sketchbook page, but in miniature. I could try out new techniques, play with colour, or collage scraps I didn’t want to throw away, all without the pressure of filling a big canvas. I started with oil paint. I rolled the paint onto a small sheet of glass and pulled some prints. The oil work well as it’s thick and sticky, so you get an instant rough surface, which prefer to a flat acrylic surface.   What I love most, though, is the spirit of sharing. ATCs aren’t meant to be sold—they’re made to be traded. I’ve swapped cards through the mail with people from all over the world, and it’s such a joy to hold a little piece of someone else’s creativity in my hands. Each card feels like a tiny gift, a personal expression that connects you with another artist in a really genuine way. I have also d...

I love paper. Ever since I started printing I love the feel and texture of paper. There are so many varieties of paper. Hands made, machine made, papers for different purposes, art, printing, tracing, watercolour etc etc. I love pepper with a texture. So many papers have a texture. Sometimes you won’t realise it until you touch it.   I have a lot of respect for paper. It is a natural material. Mostly made from wood pulp, but also from linen, cotton, grasses and so forth. I don’t like to waste paper. I keep scraps and use them for lists, for collage, just not throw paper away even if it’s   going to be recycled.   I started making boxes and books to go in the boxes. I used to buy beautiful sheets of decorative paper to cover the books and the boxes.   I still make books and I cover them in my own prints.   I also have a stock of screen prints that were not good enough to sell. (No waste please!) So I started cutting the unwanted printed paper up to make books and...

There’s something magical about screen printing. It’s a process that feels both old-school and endlessly creative, a mix of craft and play. Whether you’re printing your first tote bag or running a full edition of posters, the joy lies in the balance between control and surprise. One of the biggest appeals of screen printing is its tactile nature. Unlike digital work, you’re working with ink, mesh, and squeegees—tools that demand a hands-on approach. Pulling ink across a screen is a physical act, and when you lift that screen to reveal your image, it’s always a small thrill. The imperfections, the texture, and the vibrancy of the colors make every print feel alive. Screen printing also gives you freedom to experiment. You can play with layering colors, overlapping shapes, or even letting accidents become part of the design. Some artists love the crisp, clean lines; others embrace the unpredictability. Either way, you’re part of a long tradition of printmakers who have used this medium...

Etching is a traditional printmaking technique that combines drawing, chemistry, and craftsmanship to create beautiful, detailed images. While it may seem intimidating at first, beginners can absolutely get started with a few basics and a curious spirit. A two colour etching. Printed first in blue then the plate inked up in purple  and turned 180' before making the second pass.  What is Etching? Etching is a type of intaglio printmaking. Instead of drawing on the surface, the artist scratches lines into a metal plate (often copper or zinc) which has ben coated with varnish on both sides. Acid is then used to “bite” into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is pushed into these grooves, and when paper is pressed onto the plate with a printing press, the image transfers. What You’ll Need: A metal plate (copper or zinc is most common) A ground (a waxy, acid-resistant coating) Etching needle or scribe to draw into the ground Acid bath (ferric chloride for copper, nitric acid f...

Lithography is one of the most fascinating and historic printmaking techniques. Developed in the late 18th century, it was once the medium of choice for artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and Käthe Kollwitz. Today, it remains a powerful way to create rich, textured prints with endless creative possibilities. If you’re curious about getting started, here’s what you need to know. What is Lithography? At its core, lithography works on the principle that oil and water don’t mix. Traditionally, artists draw directly onto a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy medium. The surface is then treated chemically so that the drawn areas attract ink while the blank areas repel it. When dampened, the plate or stone can be rolled with ink and pressed to paper, producing beautiful, repeatable images. What You’ll Need to Begin Lithography does require some specialised tools and materials. If you’re new, it’s worth joining a community print studio where the heavy equipment is already available. B...

  Why Try Lithography? Lithography offers a unique combination of freedom and control. You can work with detailed line drawing, painterly washes, or bold, graphic shapes. The textures and layers are unlike anything digital printing can replicate. Plus, it connects you with centuries of printmaking tradition. Tips for Beginners Start by taking a workshop—handling the materials makes everything click. Work at a shared print studio if possible, since presses and stones are heavy and expensive. Don’t be afraid of mistakes; lithography is as much about learning the process as making finished prints. Lithography can feel a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve tried it, the magic of seeing your first image come off the press is unforgettable. Whether you’re an artist, a printmaker, or just someone curious about traditional crafts, lithography is a rewarding way to combine drawing, chemistry, and creativity. Next post will be a beginners guide on how to start the process of lithog...