Ready for Screen Filler

Three screens ready for filler

I rooted around and found some old screens that had images on then that I didn't want to use again and cleaned them up. Then I laid out the shapes on cross section paper - this will insure that they are square. I traced each shape onto the top side of the screen with a pencil. I found it easier to flip the screens over and paint the drawing fluid onto the under side. I used a ruling pen and a straight edge to put all of the lines onto the screens. Then I filled in the squares and rectangles with a brush and drawing fluid. I need to have openings in the screen for the rubbings. I added a 1/4" seam allowance around all - this will make it easier to cut out the fabric pieces. One of the screens has rectangles instead of squares so that they can be used as borders. Now I need to spread screen filler over the back side of the screens and let them dry before I wash out the drawing fluid.

With any type of printmaking, preparation and designing have to be thought about before the fun of making the prints. You have to have an idea of what the goal is and how to get there.