This video shows how to make a relief print using cardboard and a stippling technique. It is a great way to make dark, interesting images using a common material.
Supply List
Note: Printmaking is a versatile medium. If you are not able to find all the materials, likely you can find a way that will work for you. Experimentation is key. I recommend a test run on a smaller image before jumping into your main project.
Cardboard - I found that thinner cardboard worked best. You could also try matte board, foam core, or anything you can poke a hole in and ink up.
Hole punching tools - In the video I primarily used the intaglio scribe, a specialty printmaking tool. I also used a sharp pencil and a ballpoint pen. Anything that will poke a hole in your cardboard will work. It is better if it is a sharp tool, otherwise it can cave in the surface of the cardboard.
Intaglio Scribe
Pencil (sharp)
Ballpoint pen (for larger holes)
Inking surface - Glass or plexiglas
Ink - In the Highpoint classroom and in my own studio, I use Caligo Safe Wash Relief Inks. They are only available online in the US. Speedball professional Relief Inks are similar and would work well, these are more readily available in the US. Speedball block print ink is readily available and affordable and will get the job done, however it dries quickly.
Eastern Style Printmaking paper - For this video I used Black Ink Mulberry paper. I recommend the color packs, as it is fun to try out different colors. Any mulberry paper will do, but the Black Ink brand is readily available in art supply stores.
Brayer - Speedball Soft Rubber Brayers are what I recommend. They are relatively cheap and can last a very long time if treated well.
Pallet knife - A putty knife will work well, though you may need to make sure the edges will not scratch your glass by using a fine grit sandpaper.
Hand Printing tools - I prefer a wooden spatula, but you can use a spoon, door handle, or a barren.
X-acto blade
Spray bottle
Painters tape - Masking tape will also work just fine
Newsprint
Cutting surface - I have a cutting mat in this video, though anything that you don’t mind getting cuts in it will work. I use a large piece of scrap plywood for larger cuts.