How I made this print
I’ve created this woodblock print of Crocosmia by individually printing it by hand onto Japanese Kanoko paper. It’s based on a photo I took whilst on a residency in Skye.
I used Japanese tools to carve into pieces of flat, smooth wood to create the main printing block. I also cut a selection of stencils to use over the block to allow me to print all the colours of the leaves and flowers from the main block. I also carved a block for the delicate background colour. During the printing process, I apply ink to a block, and then lay the paper onto it. I then press on the back of the paper using a Japanese hand-printing press called a baren.
Every print in a batch is made in the same way, but each time the block is inked and pressed slightly differently. This results in a succession of seemingly identical but actually unique prints – each and every one is an individual, hand crafted work of art.
Further Details
This woodblock print of Crocosmia is one of many flower designs. If you like this one, there’s also a Daisy and Blossoming Plum Branch.
When the print is finished, I blind print my chop seal and signature seals in the corners so they appear to be embossed. This one also has the title in pencil.
Print size is 3.5″ x 2.5″ (9cm x 6.5cm) approx. (This is ACEO size). If you are interested in ACEO size prints, you may also like my Does a Fruit Fly Count? print of a frog.
The print comes mounted and ready to frame, with double bevel-cut mount – overall size is 10″ x 8″ (25.5cm x 20.5cm) approx.
I mount the print onto the backing board using photo corners. I also attach an information sheet explaining how the print was made on the reverse.
The print comes packaged in a crystal clear cellophane bag. I send prints in a board-backed envelope by Royal Mail.
