just add sunlight....

There were a few questions about the solar plate print process so here is a very quick rundown...
First you make a transparency ( you can photocopy onto a transparency or draw/paint directly onto one. Anything can be photocopied- photos, drawings, collages, found objects....)
The transparency is placed onto the solar plate(coated with a light sensitive polymer which is water soluble) and exposed in the sun or under a UV light source. The UV light penetrates the clear areas and hardens the polymer coating, the opaque areas remain water soluble.
The plate is developed by washing and scrubbing in a water bath, then dried.
The plate now has the design etched into it- you then ink it up and wipe the surface to create an intaglio print or roll ink on to the surface to create a relief print. There are all sorts of ways to ink up and rub back using different colours. The plate and print paper is then rolled through a print press to make the final print. Often a second ( or even third) 'ghost ' print can be made from the one inking of the plate.

This print was made from this watercolour I did for Illustration Friday....
I also made a collage using postage stamp images, a black and white photograph, sheet music and some bits of vintage book end papers. Below is the original collage...

and here are two prints...

The top one is one colour ( my favourite Payne's grey) and the bottom one a mix of a few different colours applied using the a la poupee method.

I'm going to frame a few of the prints that I made for Christmas gifts...I also think a few print supplies might be on my wish list for this year.....

Speaking of Christmas, I was lucky enough to be given a whole heap of used postage stamps from my very generous Aunty .Knowing my passion for such things, she is always on the lookout and hit the jackpot at a friend's garage sale. I always put some stamps into my mostly old paper packs as well as save some special ones for my own use ( that's where the lovely tree and the small bird image in the above collage came from). I thought it might be fun to share a bit of stamp goodness around so I have made up five small packets of stamps - if you think you could find a use for them just leave a comment  and I will draw out five names on Sunday night.

Comments

[Alisha]

I recently started collecting used stamps and other material for collages. I was inspired by your SmallPeople. :) So throw my name in the hat -- I'd love to boost my fledging collection.

[Jhoanna]

Thanks for explaining the method. And I adore your prints - the fish one is especially stunning and I can imagine it in a number of different colours including a bright red :-)

[Tamara]

Ooo - they sound like a treat! Please count me in ;-)

[Melissa]

Thanks to your Old Paper Packs, I can't get enough paper and have started collaging in every spare minute I have. And it's my birthday :)

[+marzipan+]

LOVE old stamps .......
and love your blog!! x

[Jamie V]

I love using old stamps... and the solar plate print is something I'd like to try! Thanks for the info! Jamie V

[Toña]

Damp the stamp and tamp it down.
On a lamp, on a ramp, or even on your brother's amp.

[Zelia]

:) how lovely!

[Shireen]

Your prints are lovely! They will make for beautiful Christmas presents. No need to put me in the stamp draw. I have a box full of neglected stamps and matchbox labels waiting to be used.

[melissa]

marianne- i am in love with these prints- how clever are you? the grey is my favourite, too- thank you for explaining the process for us- i am off to read more!

[Jenny]

I am always in awe of your beautiful work!

[julie]

These are just beautiful Marianne!! You talents are endless. The top one is my favourite too. xxx

[Hanna]

looks like fun, I really like the prints!

[Belinda]

The prints look great and the making sounds so interesting! I would love to try something like that.
I've had a real thing for grey for the last about 12 months, and I don't see that changing any time soon!
Count me in for the lovely stamps :)

[Uschi]

Marianne, those are wonderful and thanks for the detailed description!!

[cruststation]

Your prints are beautiful! I have heard of solar plate prints, would love to give it a go one day.

[Anastasia]

i somehow missed this post - what an interesting process....
did you do a class?