As always, the festive season had been creeping up on me when I realised I hadn’t got round to making any cards yet. Sketchbook to hand and looking through photos for ideas, I made drafts of subjects that I wanted in my design.
This design is inspired by the garden birds that bring me joy as I watch them busy foraging about. On a winters morning, the brisk walk to refill the feeder and swift return to the house is followed with a pause as I glance back to see sparrows suddenly arrive. Goldfinches seem unaware of me gazing at them from a nearby window as they procariously perch on the stems of Verbena bonariensis to nibble at the seed heads.
You may have noticed lots of paper pieces stuck to this image. These were areas where I made changes, the pieces gradually built up on top of each other until I had an image I was happy with.
This technique of altering small sections at a time makes it easy to experiment to my hearts content with different ideas. If an area doesn’t work, I simply cover it up with a small piece of paper and redo that part again.
Much of my time is spent on drafting the design. I like to be clear what is to stay and what is to be cut away. Lino cutting doesn’t allow much room for error as once a shape is cut into lino, it is difficult to stick it back if I change my mind. I find PITT artist pens useful to finalise the drawing, I begin with pencil always but with the draft complete, the pens are used to create a sharp black and white image.
When I think I am happy with the design, something I often do is take a photo of it. Seeing the picture on a screen somehow makes me see it in a different way and I notice little details that require altering. Its also helpful to get a second opinion before carving the design.
Here is the finished card, handprinted onto a hammered texture white cardstock using a bright, berry red colour ink. The cardstock compliments the design beautifully. So heavily embossed, the surface is, it creates little snow flake impresssions where the ink doesn’t pick up. I love this effect.
To purchase this card, please visit my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GwensPrintPress