Mono-print postcard swap - Due August 11th

Many of you have asked for a “gelli print” swap, and I'm finally ready to take this on as our next technique based challenge.  Out of mindfulness that not everyone owns a gelli plate, I’m calling this one a “mono-print” swap, and suggesting a number of alternative printing surfaces

Monoprints are made by applying paint or ink to a smooth surface or “plate” – such as a piece of glass, plexiglass, or gelli plate– and pressing a piece of paper on top of the paint, then pulling up the paper to reveal a print.  You can make marks and add texture to your paint before you make your print.  You can create multiple layers of prints on a single piece of paper for interesting effect.  There are so many fun things you can do with the process.

Before the gelli plate was invented (and sold by the gazillions) people did this type of printing on blocks of unflavored gelatin.  I still prefer gelatin to my gelli plate, but it takes a bit of planning and some fridge space to create the gelatin plate, and I’m not much of a planner.  You can read my comparison of gelatin vs. the gelliplate here.

There are a million websites and YouTube videos devoted to gelli printing if you need some tips, and the same basic principles can be used on other smooth surfaces (though you will get differing results with each surface.)  I’ve done monoprinting on a cookie sheet, on a piece of plexiglass, on a big smooth tile, and on a laminated table top.  The results are always fun and interesting.  If you have any favorite techniques, tutorials, videos or website, please share them in the comments.

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For this swap, we will be creating postcards using mono-prints from your gelli plate, or any other surface.

You can print directly onto your postcard, or you can create a collage using your mono-printed papers.  You can use a mono-print as a background for a mixed media piece, or your mono-print can stand alone as the artwork.

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Swap details:

• You may submit as many as  four cards  (you will get back the same number you send)

• if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope

• write “MMSA mono-prints” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail

• I highly suggest you write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you.   

• A note for your partner is a nice touch.

• include a mailing label with your name and address for each card you create
  (I will attach them to the cards I mail back to you)

• Please attach the proper postage to your postcard (see below for postal guidelines).  If you don’t have any stamps and it’s difficult for you to get some, go ahead and send me money instead.  You can stick cash in the envelope, or send it to me via paypal (iamrushmore@gmail.com)

• international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.15 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

• In order to use the postcard rate ($.34) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible.  A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage

• If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular "forever" ($.49 ) stamp is what you need.

• If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.70

• If your card doesn't bend at all, the post office considers it a package and you should go get it weighed to figure out the proper postage.

You can find all the postal specifications (and a handy postage calculator) here:  http://postcalc.usps.gov/

Mail your cards no later than August 11th (I don’t need to receive them by the 11th, they need to be postmarked by the 11th.)

Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States