Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens

by Lena Corwin, Thayer Photographs Inc. (Photographer)

It’s the natural inconsistencies―the accidental differences between one finished piece and another―that make hand-printed fabrics, papers, furniture, and works of art so interesting. The quirks are what show the maker’s intimate involvement in the process, and it’s that unique quality that first attracted textile designer and illustrator Lena Corwin to hand-printing. Even though decorative prints are more in vogue than ever, there was until now no up-to-date hand-printing guide―no single source explaining the tools and materials that are used today, or reflecting a contemporary aesthetic. Corwin has given us that guide. Using step-by-step instructions and up-close photos, Corwin teaches crafters everything they need to know to master stamping, stenciling, and screen printing, from making their own printing devices to trouble-shooting when plans go awry. Her inimitable collection of projects ranges from stamped stationery and simple-to-sew pouches, to stenciled tote bags and furniture, to screen-printed bed linens and upholstery fabric. There’s even a silk-screened dog bed. The author has created original artwork for each project (full-size patterns are included in an envelope at the back of the book), so that every crafter can achieve the same beautiful results. Or maybe not quite the same. It’s the subtle differences that make hand-printing so special and alluring.

Genres: Crafts, Art, Nonfiction, Sewing, Reference, Design, Art Design

144 pages, Spiral-bound

First published July 16, 2008

About the author

Lena Corwin is a textile designer and illustrator based in Brooklyn. She has done work for Marithé + François Girbaud, Calvin Klein, Jill Stuart, and Elle Decor magazine. She also illustrated Stewart, Tabori and Chang’s Kids Crochet and Kids Weaving.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a dozen or so projects that are categorized by printing method and get progressively harder through the course of the book. The instructions are very detailed and organized. The book is beautifully made, has great photography, and even includes patterns for the author's designs, so it seems like the book would be great both for newcomers to printing and to those with a little more experience who want tips or inspiration. I could definitely see teachers using the book to do a project with students.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! She has SUPER great instructions and great pictures to go along with it. There is such a WIDE variety of printing styles and techniques that she thoroughly covers - from stuff you may just have lying around, to more professional and professionally made stamps. I love her tutorials and the different projects she includes. The projects also range from classic to modern to very chic! Attached to the back cover she also includes copies of her designs in a nice pocket envelope.

[Megan Kiekel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most useful crafting books I’ve ever read. It teaches you skills rather than just projects.

I can’t wait to try these projects out! I loved making reduction prints in high school and really want to handmake textiles, make my own silk screen frame, and learn to print on different surfaces. This book teaches all of those things and more.

[Mindofwinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. There are a variety of techniques included and they are all very accessible. I've used this book to make freezer-paper stencils on T-shirts and to make block prints for fabric. The directions have not failed me yet.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book by Lena Corwin.It was simple and to the point.She talks about different techniques that can be used.There are also projects inside to try from the book.The other cool thing is that the book has picture of the tools and printing by hand projects.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying reading this book so much. I'm completely fascinated by the hand printing process and can't wait to get to work on a project. The book is well-written, accessible and inspiring! Love it!

[Jessica]

Step by step guide to printing, using text and images. Does a great job of breaking down when to use which tecnique and medium.

[BarbaraNathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fabrics. I have explored them in Amsterdam, parts of France, Italy, and Germany. I enjoy painting on them, and on walls, so this
book of textile designing is happy addition to my library. Lena Corwin provides sensible directions for adding textile designing to anyone's portfolio of artistic expression. The color photographs help articulate the skills she teaches in this fabulous book. I also bought it for my daughter-in-law, artist extrordinaire. We plan to take one of Lena Corwin's workshops in 2012. Love it!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. Clear instructions, wonderful inspiration. Very practical, she tells you when to get professional assistance (rubber stamp makers and silk screen burners are the way to go for more detailed printing of your designs), and the ins and outs of using freezer paper to make stencils. Best description of how to stencil I've read anywhere, by the way. I highly recommend this book!

[Autumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is ok. Print Workshop by Christine Schmidt or Bend the Rules with Fabric by Amy Karol are both much better and more empowering. But I like to learn techniques and then make things up instead of recreating the exact project in the book. If you want someone to tell you exactly how to recreate the shade of orange she uses on the silkscreened baby quilt, then you'll love this one.

[Griggette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The woodblock print is one of my favorite art forms, and I have always wanted to try the technique.I can't wait to make my own hand-printed wallpaper and fabric. Easy to follow directions, and very encouaraging in that the requisite tools are very affordable and accessible.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very useful for home printmakers, including techniques, ink recipes and project ideas. I also like that they show different techniques used on different materials/textiles so you know what you're getting into. A valuable reference book.

[Vid · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this book is a dream ... exactly what I was looking for to inspire me in my new love of stamping. I am excited to try some new techniques and many projects in the book I think can be adapted for other items. Definitely a keeper!

[hh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy to read and understand step-by-step guide to many various types of printing processes that one could do at home with relative ease. the photos are great. the ideas are inspiring.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I've only flipped through this at the bookstore, but it's now at the TOP of my wish list. Gorgeous projects, and the instructions make them look simple. Can't wait to give some a try!

[Maleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas, clear instructions, lovely photography.

[amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice-looking and straightforward. The projects aren't super-ambitious, but then again, it's for beginners.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and amazing ideas!

[Liz]

Even though this book goes over basic screen printing techniques....i just couldnt help buying it. Its so pretty and it will inspire me to get out my silk screens and print some thing new!

[Catherine Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

getting ready to make the baby quilt. I'm very excited. This is a great book. very inspiring.

[Preethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another printmaking book I'm in love with! The projects look fun and easy to do.

[j.elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt this book did an excellent job of introducing print making to the beginning home crafter. The projects were easy to understand and funky for those who love the indie style.

[Enjoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really well organized and has some really great creative ideas for DIY projects at home.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far this book seems just to refresh my memories of art class in high school, especially linoleum block and screen printing, but it definitely inspires creative ideas

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book for crafty screen printers. Easy to follow tutorials with pictures for each step. Found this book to be very inspirational.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally and completely inspiring. I will be doing this (when I buy my own copy and some rat doesn't have it on hold at the library)

[Mindyapple]

I really like this book, so detail and lovely printing, very inspiring.

[Umnia]

gorgeous!

[michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only wish there was more specific information regarding the inks and various other materials...otherwise, very good resource and how-tos.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book - I want to do every single project!