Simply Play
- Karené
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Hi Pattern Peeps,
I'm keeping things simple for this post - a little pocket of printing ideas and inspiration.
If you have a moment for yourself, I hope you'll enjoy seeing what others do and what you might be able to try at home.
I was in South Africa last month - on holiday with my family and there was so much energy, bold design and bright colour that I wish I could bring back with me. The variety of cultural influences creates a wonderful flavoursome mix.
So I thought this month I would introduce you to a wonderful South African pattern designer, called Heather Moore of Skinny laMinx. I've often mention her in my Linocut Pattern class, because her pattern concepts are very simple but effective (influenced heavily by Midcentury Modern style) and she also shares some interesting and accessible printing techniques.
On that note, I know we have no workshops over the Summer, but you can still print at home. I've made a little video on how to give an old Tshirt new life with your printing blocks and have a look at Margarts, who prints with fruit, vegetables and found objects in a remarkable way.
If you're looking for upcoming workshops, scroll down to the end for some links.
Leave a comment on things you enjoy!
Have a wonderful Summer and remember to take time out to play!
Karené
SkinnylaMinx by Heather Moore
When I think of SkinnylaMinx (a business named after a cat) I think of Heather Moore's massive smile and fun, bright and bold prints. A sense of play is at the heart of all her design. She is able to simplify motifs into shapes and combine them in an off-beat novel way.
Her designs come from her playful printing and paper cutting experiments. See her design experiments grow from carvings in tiny erasers, masking tape prints, paper cuttings or mini-silkscreens on her alternative instagram : @makingfriday She explains how Making Friday studio time started, here:
"studio time is better than root canal"
I highly recommend her short online course : How pattern works. It gave me a new sense of wonder for the way shapes can work together and the role of tone.
You get the feeling that she doesn't take it all too seriously, but has created a thriving business from this fun. See her website and shop here: www.skinnylaminx.com
The SkinnyLaminx Background Story, including how Heather started off as an illustrator is here: A Potted History
And the SkinnylaMinx instagram is here:
Go see!
Printing at home - Upcycling an old T-shirt
A fun project to try at home is printing on an old Tshirt. For those of you that have been to my block printing workshops - it's the same printing technique, just using a mask to print on a specific area - which helps to make it look a little more refined. I created a very simple little video of the process - that might inspire you to do the same! If you do try it, please tag me @patternandprint.by.k . I'd love to see the results!
Margarts - Printing with everyday objects (Videos)
You don't need fancy blocks, or lino. You can print with almost ANYTHING! All that is need is plenty of curiosity and willingness to give it a go!
Margarts has me convinced. I first got hooked, when I saw her print on a glass plate (that I'm convinced my grandmother must've had), and then another and another. Then she turned to fruit and veg and all kinds of everyday things. She seems to say Why not? Let's try! The beginning of all great things...
Website:
https://www.margarts.com/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margarts/
Youtube:
Upcoming Workshops - Come Play!!!
I have at least one workshop a month scheduled until December! You'll see on 27 August I'm teaching an Introduction to Art Journaling in Glasgow. It's a really free way to collect and explore visual media from your everyday life with printing, collage, painting, doodling etc. Then there are Indian Block printing and Lino Pattern printing workshops in various locations. If you've been to a workshop before and you'd like to play with my blocks, but print on something else - you're welcome to bring your own items - just remember that the fabric should be a natural fibre like cotton or linen. If you click on the summary below it will take you to the Workshop Page, which has direct booking links. So if you'd like to come and play, find one that suits you and I hope to see you there!
August
September
October
November
Hope to see you there!
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