Modern Monogrammed Monoprint Cards
Project Description: Monoprinting is an easy, fun, and addictive (!) technique for creating unique images. Create a set of one-of-a-kind monogrammed notecards that each feature a monoprinted background. Lilac foil adds a modern touch to enlarged script initials.
Designed by: Alice Golden
Difficulty: Easy
Materials:
- Grafix Impress Print Media™: Monoprint Plates (.030 inch, 6×9), Inking Palette (.005 inch, 9×12), Stencil Film (.005 inch, 6×8)
- Utrecht American Master’s Printmaking (white, 11×14)
- Papertrey Ink Stamper’s Select White Cardstock
- Therm O Web DecoFoil: Lilac
- Paint brush
- Dick Blick Matte Acrylic Extender
- Craft Smart Lavender Acrylic Paint
- DecoArt Americana Lavender Acrylic Paint
- Brayer
- Dies (can use any shape you like as an option since it is used to add texture to the monoprint) – Sample uses Garden Guild die from Papertrey Ink
- Die cutting machine
- Scissors and/or paper trimmer
- Laser printer*
- Laminator*
*Or print and laminate foil at an office supply store
Steps to Make This:
- Cut several sheets of printmaking paper to 4” x 5 ¼”. Cut several more than you need for the final set of notecards as you will want to choose your favorites (and this technique is addictive… you will want to have extras to experiment with).
- Squirt a teaspoon of each color paint onto palette and add ½ teaspoon of extender; mix well. Apply paint to a monoprint plate in any pattern and mix of color desired. Press paper onto plate and rub with a brayer or your hands. Carefully peel up print and allow to dry. Repeat with a second piece of paper. If you work quickly you should be able to get at least two prints from each application of paint. The second print will be much lighter than the first. It is interesting to see the variety of designs created simply by moving paint over a smooth surface.
- To add even more interest to your monoprint, die cut shapes from Stencil Film and place between paper and plate. Try printing in one color, letting paper dry, and then printing with a second (or even third) color. The sky is the limit when creating monoprints and the beauty of them is that they are so quick and easy to create, yet give such interesting and unique results.
- Once you have a selection of prints, choose 4-6 of your favorites to use for the notecard set. Print a large script initial in a random pattern directly onto the print using a toner based printer (or bring to an office supply store and ask them to print for you). Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply foil in a coordinating color. The texture of the paper will show through creating a distressed metallic effect on the monogram.
- Apply the foiled prints to the front of white cards cut to 4 ¼” x 5 ½”.
TIP: Create a set of matching envelopes by pressing the edge of plain white envelopes into leftover paint on the monoprinting plates.