Hand-Printing Studio

June 1, 2016

Here textile designer Olmsted introduces three techniques of hand printing--block printing, screen printing, and transfer printing. The first chapters cover basics of design, including techniques for customizing and choosing and blending colors, followed by an overview of tools and supplies used in hand printing, including surfaces, inks, and dyes. The next three sections, one for each type of printing, feature a summary of the technique and a series of projects for practicing it on an array of surfaces--mostly fabric but also wood, metal, glass, paper, carpet, and even skin (the "reptile bird children" tutorial involves stamping a curved pattern onto a child's skin employing temporary tattoo ink). Clear instructions and detailed photographs help guide crafters through the process; the projects range from sweet and whimsical (a "tomato thief" squirrel block printed on a pillow) to abstract and sophisticated (watercolor designs transfer printed on carpet squares and ribbon). VERDICT Crafters interested in exploring diverse techniques of hand printing will appreciate Olmsted's all-in-one approach; those with a specific interest in one method may prefer a more focused guide.

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