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!

The nights have well and truly drawn in now and decorations are going up all over the place. With plans being made for the festive season, it is hard not to feel a little bit Christmasy. My recent piece of work has definitely a winter wonderland in mind. I have tried to again to look at an organic/ textured feel combining pencil sketch worked over in photoshop & illustrator.

It would be interesting to hear what you think about this softer, more nostalgic look when compared against my more graphic, and colourful style. Feel free to leave a comment, it would be great to hear from you!

Now where’s that Bing Crosby album?

Starting to feel the chill as the seasons change, so Illustration Friday’s subject this week seemed most appropriate.