A Great Tutorial: How to Blockprint

Hello, world! I wanted to share this excellent blockprinting tutorial with you. Last week I led a craft night project at the Etsy Labs was carving your own stamp, and this tutorial is one of the resources I recommended on the handout.

There are many wonderful resources out there on blockprinting, and I have to say that this one created by LizzyHouse is one of my favorites. I was seem to return to this tutorial and recommend it to others. It's very detailed, full of great tips, and interspersed with lovely, clear photos. If this doesn't make you reach for your carving tools (or dash to the art store to get some), I don't know what will! Check out the tutorial here and be sure to scroll to the bottom to download the PDF.

Here are a few further resources that I'd recommend as well:

Books:
Linoleum Block Printing by Francis J. Kafka

Lotta Prints: How to Print Anything, from Potatoes to Linoleum by Lotta Jansdotter

Lino-Cuts by Claude Flight

Hand Block Printing on Fabrics by T.J. Corbin

The Craft of Woodcuts by John R. Biggs

Groups:
Printsy (Etsy's printmaking team)

Block Prints Flickr group

Suppliers:
New York Central (my favorite!)

Daniel Smith

Dick Blick

Also, be sure to support your local art supply store!

My New Website!

Drumroll please... I am very happy to announce the launch of my brand new website! You can find it at yoursecretadmiral.com. It is a continual work-in-progress, as I will be adding new info to it all the time.

I'd love feedback, if anyone would like to share their thoughts!

Love,
Your Secret Admiral

Print Party at Fact & Fancy Gallery

Over 100 prints from up-and-coming local & international artists!
$5 from each sale will be donated to the Rabbit House Society

When: November 7, 8, 9 from 12-7pm. Opening 11/7 from 6-7:30pm.
Where: Fact & Fancy Gallery. 75B Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

More details here.

Hello, Sock Monkey

Last weekend, I learned how to make sock monkeys. This is my first one! He'll be donated to fresh art to benefit their wonderful programming. Learn all about fresh art's sock monkey program here.

Hello, Pikaland!

If Pikaland was a person and not a blog, she would probably be my best friend. But, as a blog with the most exquisite taste, it has led me to many wonderful gems, including my new favorite artists, Bombo (see: Whaleless) and Katey Jean Harvey.

Pikaland is also home to the PikaPackage, a monthly collection of treats from illustrators and artists who sell their wares online. I am very excited to announce that you can find some of my goodies (see below) among the ranks of October's PikaPackage. Read all about this month's package and enter win one right here.

Hello, Pincushions

I have been making pincushions like crazy. These are my first ones! This project has reminded me how much I love hand sewing and working with fabric. My pincushion frenzy was inspired this tutorial I found on Purl Bee. You can check out the rest of my pincushion family in my shop as well.








P.S. I haven't fallen of the face of the blogosphere, I promise. I am back and I am in action. I have more regular blog posts up my sleeve, so please stay tuned.

Hello, Fact & Fancy. Hello, Brooklyn Flea.

This Sunday, I had the good fortune of joining several wonderful artists at the Fact & Fancy booth at Brooklyn Flea. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!



Here are some of my books at the booth!


I like like knitknit's knitted delights. I remember hearting her knitted powercords way back when I first was learning how to use Etsy. Her shop will always hold a special place in my heart (so to speak).


Bailey Doesn't Bark's meticulous and humorous hand-painted porcelain also graced the tables of the Fact & Fancy booth this weekend. I love the cross-section of finery and uncomfortable (such as rats) that she explores in her work.


Oh, astulabee. I am in love with these gorgeous creations, so gorgeous and charming and impeccably crafted. I am particularly charmed by that critter with the twig antlers and her lucky paw keychains. I look forward to seeing what she creates next!