Medieval Tiles - Water-based Ink

4"sq. griffin

I like the wood marks. They give an energy to the print. This is an Irish tile.




3"sq. unicorn



3"sq. deer

Daniel Smith burnt umber water-soluable ink on Somerset. There may be a touch of yellow ochre as well. I was going back and forth between the two with the blocks. Gave me some lovely browns and golds.

Fabric Block Print

ochre on cotton (w/ black peeking thru)

I had to add magnesium carbonate to the fabric ink to make it thick enough to roll and cover. There was still some black ink on the block, which gave the print an antique gold effect. I may try it again on purpose. I like the solid ochre print as well.

I have some methyl celulose on hand -- I may try thickening the ink with that. Also could try rice paste. The ink is water-soluable and heat setting. So far it works fine with a press. I need to see how it will print without one.

I'm thinking of covering the block with a piece of wood then whacking it with my rubber mallet. I'll also try stepping on it. I'll put a felt underneath.

I tried printing some of my other blocks -- finer-lined -- and they were too closed to print well. This technique really works best with large areas of white.

Medieval Medalion

faux print


3" sq. block

I'll be making a mess of these medieval tapestry and tile pattern blocks to mix and match for fabric printing at a fiber retreat this summer. I have some fabric inks to try out.

Flavia's Unicorn

Paleo-Unicorn (Flavia), Paleo-Mythos Series
This woodcut is patterned after Flavia's heraldic device in her colors. I daubed extra green on the unicorn and red on the hand. I liked the rounder look to the cuts.