hgtv debut custom work

You Guessed It----I was on HGTV!

Designed Stamped Pillow

That's Clever! : Episode HCLVR-133

Project by Amy from Pittsburgh, Pa.

Amy is immersed in the art world personally and professionally. As a child she learned to make her own paper and would spend hours drawing on it. She made her mark in the big city after being asked to paint a 100-foot mural in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to her larger-than-life creations, she also turns her whimsical drawings into personalized rubber stamps that can be used to create one-of-a-kind cards, totes and pillows.

Steps:

Making the Print

1) Create a drawing or sketch for the print.

2) Make a copy of the drawing on a copy machine.

3) Reverse the image using a computer software program or a copy machine. When the image is transferred to the linoleum block, it will be the reverse. Remember this if you are including any text.

Figure A

Figure B

4) Transfer the image onto the linoleum block using carbon paper or a charcoal rub (figure A). Note: Guest used a rubber base material, as it is easier to cut than traditional linoleum. The steps are the same for either the linoleum block or the rubber base product.

5) Outline the transferred drawing with a standard ballpoint pen (figure B). Outline the drawing with thick enough lines, so you have room to cut around.

6) Decide whether to use the negative or positive space for the image. For this project, we cut out the negative space, which means we are not cutting on the lines, just around them.

7) Practice using linoleum tools in a large area. The tools are extremely easy to use; just make sure you are comfortable with them before cutting out any detailed areas.

Figure C

Figure D

8) Vary the size of the points to give the drawing dimension. Tip: Don't overdo it. A traditional linoleum print has texture, lines and dimension (figure C).

9) Test the print on 100 to 140 pound watercolor paper. Ink the stamp with either a fabric base inkpad or traditional printmaking ink with a brayer. Either is fine to use, just make sure it can be used on fabrics. Note: Do not use fabric paint.

10) Flip the block over onto the paper, being careful not to move the image once it is on the paper. Begin with one color ink.

11) Press firmly, all around the print. Carefully lift one corner of the block to check the print. If the image is too light, add more ink or press harder (figure D).

12) Review the drawing to determine if there are any changes or updates to make. Remember, you can always take more away but you can never add. The print should look like you hand-carved it.

For more details, please visit HGTV.com

This painting is going into a show at Chautauqua Institution July 2009.

If you didn't notice already, all the artwork on the website is my own. Pretty cool huh? Well, a few clients thought so and the inquired about having custom pieces created just for them!

Here is my most recent custom piece. All images are Copyrighted Calligraphy by Amy

The image was my own Christmas card this year. The image was hand drawn with pencil, outlined with ink, then scanned and sent into Impress.com to make a custom stamp.

Once the stamp arrived, it was then inked onto over 100 cards and embossed, then hand colored. Yes, you read right, I hand colored each one. The interior was a custom message from our family. Envelopes & return address labels matched.

"Baby B" was the custom created linoleum stamp for a Baby Shower Invitation. Baby B was hand drawn onto a linoleum block, then carved and inked for each invitation. Invitations were then handstamped with design work on the interior. Matching envelopes and return addresses accompanied the invitation.

At the shower, the image was reused on various pieces such as a game book, signage thru the hotel lobby, and even guest goodie bags!