This week my studio has been transformed into a print room as I turn my hand to a skill I lasted used at art school some 16 years ago.

I wanted to create an image that would be relevant as a Christmas card but also to stand up on its own as a print.

The first stage was to sketch out the image and then refine it to something that would be workable on the lino that I would be using to create a printing block.

This image was then in turn, transferred onto the lino ready for cutting.

My cat Iha was happy to oversee my progress.

Then the printing began. I rolled the mixed ink onto the lino with a rubber brayer, carefully placed the card or paper onto the lino, covered and applied pressure with a baren. Normally you would use a large printing press that acts just like a mangle, squeezing the paper against the lino but the baren is cheaper, saves space and keeps your arms in shape!

Once the first run was complete, I cut into the lino more, repeating the rest of the process for the second colour.

And there we have it, hung out to dry! The prints and cards will soon be available to buy online but in the meantime if you are interested in picking one (or some!) up, send me an email, I’d love to hear from you!

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