Handcarved Moths by Andrea Lauren

A recently completed two-color block print design featuring three different tiger moths.  Sharing my work actively on Instagram @inkprintrepeat.

Handcarved stamps by Andrea Lauren

Using up the oddly sized leftover pieces of carving blocks has been great fun these past few weeks. Here is my Amsterdam row house scene which was made from lots of small, thin slices. It was fun to print out the first four houses on the right of the print below, then print two more in different colors to finish the design and add a nice balance of seven houses.

Robin's Nest block print in three colors by Andrea Lauren

Being a self-employed creative professional, it is crucial to stay intrinsically motivated. I have personally found that developing many side projects, learning new artistic skills, and finding creative outlets for my imagination to wander have been extremely beneficial to my happiness in this freelance career.  At the start of each month, or in between large commissions, sitting down to brainstorm some ideas and concepts for personal art making has been a great key to staying organized and motivated.  My Instagram account @inkprintrepeat is the place where I am sharing this journey of making art by hand as well as connecting with traditional techniques for making images--linocut, stamping, block printing. 

Here is a three color, hand carved block print design from a recent birds series. The spot color blocks were small shapes which were registered using the acetate sheet method and a simple jig. The print was hand rubbed onto mulberry washi paper using water-based block printing inks. 

Making Stamps: Tiger

I love carving animal blocks and since it's Global Tiger Day, I sketched out and carved this guy this morning.

Making Stamps: Forest Bear

Another stamp I made this week.  I also created a repeating pattern to coordinate with my popular Camping in the Wild fabric (middle).

Making Stamps: Block Print Deer

I've become quite addicted to make mini block print stamps this year.   I can't wait to make this deer into an art print.

Andrea Lauren: Safari Silkscreen Print: Zebras

My second safari silkscreen print featuring my zebra stamp.   Loved this in the one color, but very happy with how the two color print turned out.

Andrea Lauren: Fabric Collection: Safari

My latest collection of Safari prints are created from my two and three color block print stamps.  The collection is available in three colorways in my Spoonflower shop.

Andrea Lauren: Two and Three Color Block Print Stamps: Safari

I have been dreaming up a new collection of pattern prints and have decided to hand-carve all of the elements from blocks.  I chose to do a Cheetah, Lion, Zebra and Tiger for the Safari Collection.  It has been a lot of fun to create these all by hand and get away from the computer and practice my carving skills all at the same time.

Origami Swan by Andrea Lauren

Here are some process shots from carving to printing my swan design.  I like to use the soft rubber stamping material for these little ones -- each stamp is about 4 inches -- since it requires less effort to take away material and I know I will be working with the completed image on the computer after the initial process.  Still, however, I like to be connected to my work in a hands-on way; the idea of working solely on a tablet or through software does not appeal to me personally.  The smell of ink, feeling of paper, and many errors which come with making something by hand are the true joys and life affirming aspects of creating something unique.  All in all, though, I am very pleased with the outcome--little errors and all.  Follow along with more of my processes and say hi on Instagram:  @inkprintrepeat