Printmaking using Packaging

Notes for teachers

• What are the aims and objectives in terms of process and skill?

  Aims: To use recycled packaging to create a print

  Objectives:

  • To use a range of mark-making techniques to create different surface textures

  • To create a finished print plate using packaging

  • To understand the process of inking and wiping back an intaglio print

  • To understand and use a pasta press or craft press to create an intaglio print

• What age range is this activity suitable for?

  This activity is suitable for young people aged 11+.

• What materials will we need?

  • Packaging suitable for making a plate: mount board off-cuts, orange juice carton or Oatly milk carton (silver lined), medicinal or perfume packaging with no raised logos on it, cereal box cardboard, takeaway foil lids

  • Scalpel, engineers scribe or drypoint needle, ruler, pencil, biro

  • French polish (shellac) and an old paintbrush

  • Caligo Safewash relief ink

  • Scrim and jersey t-shirt off-cuts

  • Tissue paper and newsprint

  • 300gsm watercolour paper or card to print onto

  • Water spray bottle

  • Pasta press and thick felt pieces or craft press with felt blanket (X Cut Xpress)

• How long does this activity take?

  1-2 hours for making a plate and 24 hours for the varnish to dry, and 1-2 hours to print.

• What can we do after this activity to extend our learning?

  You can experiment with different types of materials to create other collagraph plates, for example masking tape, nail varnish, acrylic paint, sellotape, wire wool, silver foil.

• What artists might be look at to inform and inspire us?

  There are many printmaking artists who use collagraphy in their work who may be a source of inspiration but you may want to look also at how artists use mark-making in their drawings as I find this helps me to think about the marks that I use when I make a plate, for example, take a look at Van Gogh’s sketches of cottages and the variety of line that he uses.