Sunflowers, Relief

Plate type: Wood Pyrograph
Printing technique: Relief
Image size: 2-1/2in by 3-1/2in
Paper size: 5in by 7in
Paper type: Rives Lightweight
Ink type: Daniel Smith Oil Relief Ink

Sunflowers, Intaglio

Plate type: Wood Pyrograph
Printing technique: Intaglio
Image size: 2-1/2in by 3-1/2in
Paper size: 5in by 7in
Paper type: Rives Lightweight
Ink type: Daniel Smith Oil Etching Ink

Finished the Sunflowers

I tried to fix the mistake of burning the back edge of the vase through the flower stems by filling the line with a wood filler (Plastic Wood). With the small size, I used a toothpick to apply the filler, but didn't do a very good job. I probably needed to fill it high and a little larger area and then once it had set, sand it flat. As I didn't do this, the filler ended up bellow the surface of the wood and didn't help fix the mistake for printing.


I printed both intaglio and relief. The prints came out well with fine detail. The grain of the wood inked differently and showed up more than I had expected resulting in several stripes across the image. I'll have to take the grain into account in future prints.


I also need to work on meshing the textures and lines. The petals could be more defined, while the leaves could be less defined.

Overall, I think it was a success.

Sunflowers In-Progress II

The block is complete, except for a mistake. Can you find it? I am going to try to fill it with wood putty.

Sunflowers In-Progress

I have finally started burning this sunflower block. It is the first I have done of this style, so I am not sure how it is going to print. I do like how it is starting out. I am not sure how I want to define the petals; a solid line seems too heavy, so I might try a dotted line or some kind of broken lines.
The picture is based on a reference image submitted by tessp on the WetCanvas Reference Image Library.

Working on Projects, Nothing to Show

I've been working and thinking about multiple projects this past weekend and couple of days. Nothing is far enough along to show, but here are some descriptions on what I am working on.

PVC Pipe Pin Press:
I am looking to make some improvements on the pvc pin press. I am making a new set of end caps with the correct smaller sized hole for the plastic handles I am now using. I plan to use my wood lathe to clamp the pipe cap with a Nova Chuck and have a drill chuck for the tailstock; I should be able to achieve a precisely centered hole. A threaded rod the full length of the roller will ensure the handles are in line.

PVC Pipe Roller Press:
I want to try to use the pin press roller design to make a press roller. I am thinking 18" wide with the 4" pvc pipe I am using now. The frame will be wood 4"x4" with steel threaded rod taking the load from the rollers. Solid bearings (bushings) instead of ball bearings will keep cost down and hopefully work just as well. I want to gear the hand drive and modify a vernier caliper for an accurate height gauge.

Pyrography for Printmaking and Miniature Attempt:
I am working on one of my first miniature prints for the October Monthly Miniature Challenge on the WetCanvas Miniature Forum. I have the sunflowers drawn on a 2-1/2" by 3-1/2" block ready to burn. I am looking at getting a needle point burning tip. It looks like it would be great for miniatures and textures.