In this post I am sharing with you how created this curled up cat lino print.
As you might have noticed – I love cats. They are cute and adorable and can throw some awesome shapes when they are snoozing. So, of course I had to create a cat lino print – and will probably make more in different poses.
For this print I used just my Essdee and Abig tools as at that time I didn’t have any other tools. I now also use Powergrip tools and Pfeil tools. For the lino block I tried out the white Essdee Mastercut (check name) – it’s white and rubbery and that is a bit of an issue when you transfer pencil on the lino- it smudges easily – to avoid that it’s really best to use a permanent marker.
Curled up cat transter paper
I like this lino block as it’s very easy to carve unlike the classic battleship grey lino.
Curled up cat lino block
Once carved I made test prints on cheap cartridge paper and also on an assortment of paper I bought, to see which paper is suitable for hand-printing.
Testing various papers for the curled up cat lino print
After all these tests I noticed that really the best paper for the job is the Japanese Hosho paper. It’s thin enough for hand printing, but still strong. It comes in an odd size and I cut the paper in half using my metal ruler, this is why you will see a rough edge on these prints. The paper has a smooth and a rough side. The rough side doesn’t work well when printing by hand, but might work with a press.
Registration method with Ternes Burton pins and tabs.
Registration method with Ternes Burton pins and glass baren.
Registration method with Ternes Burton pins – finished print.
For the ink I decided Califo Safewash ink – which is easy to use and clean up and gives consistent prints. I also used my new improved registration method with Ternes Burton pins and tabs. It really does make a difference being able to just clip the paper into the pins. You can add extra ink without having to worry to move the paper. I made the mistake of using a very thick double-sided tape which made the block a bit uneven. Once I selected the good prints from my first batch, I tried ordinary thin double sided carpet tape and that worked much better.
Curled up cat lino print – drying
I hope you like my little curled up cat. You can find my edition of 26 prints here.
Curled up cat lino print.
Thanks for reading
Helen x