Inklore

When I'm working on a large sketch, I typically work on an 18" square.  A print of this size works well for several of the items I sell: pillows, napkins, totes, and even on the hem of an apron.  This size would also work well if I decided to turn a print into a repeating pattern.  So, I took the sketch I had done and drew it larger on an 18" square piece of tracing paper.  Once I was happy with the final drawing I went over it with a charcoal pencil.

After tracing the entire drawing with charcoal, I turned it over onto a piece of safety-cut lino and rubbed the drawing with my hand to transfer the drawing to the printing surface.  I like to use charcoal for large sketchy drawings because it is so easy to transfer. 

Then I remove the tracing paper and my block is ready to carve.  I'll be carving this print over the weekend and will share the finished print next week!  Have a lovely weekend.