Block prints

[rick]

That's OK Marigold. I see there is a new thread.
On and off for more than a year. I started out trying to make a hanafuda card deck - a classic Japanese card deck that was first printed by Nintendo way back in the 1880s (or somewhere round there.) Absolutely ridiculous place to start but it was good painting practice and highlighted what I didn't know. I've recently finished the blocks for a different deck, more modern and with fewer, larger cards (Hanamikoji only with a chicken and egg theme.) That's also ready to go. Last night I was wondering how I was going to heat the 'size' for the paper and thinking I'll have to do it on the cooker but then looking again at this paper it looks like it's been pre-sizef even though it doesn't say it has. It's unknowns like this that hold me in a state of uncertainty all the time - it may work of sorts but is that the way it should work?! I'm going for it with the paper as it is...

 

[Marigold]

Fascinating. Could you show us some pics of your other work on the cards, Rick?

 

[rick]

Hey, got both images to load. I think the site update may have fixed that.
The first image is a normal playing card and the classic Hanafuda deck. There are 48 of them all different and quite small. The colour block behind failed due to registration. But there were about 4 blocks times 6 colours and all tiny detail - didnt get further than the new art - some of which in the second picture.
The RHS of the second picture is some of the cards for chicken hanamikoji - about normal playing card size - 6 to a block times 6 colours again but much less fiddly and all the blocks are done and was very careful to keep them all registered!

 

[Marigold]

They're really beautiful Rick. I love the colours and patterns in the cards and can only wonder at how you lined up the colours to give such accurate and lovely results.

 

[bigyetiman]

They are wonderful Rick.
They would grace any household. You are very creative

 

[Tweetypie]

WOW these are brilliant, Rick. I love the chickens. You could make card sized ones for special occasions, Birthdays, etc?

 

[Margaid]

Really beautiful, you are very talented.

 

[rick]

Cheers! I wont make this a blow by blow account -
The print came out pretty well (though I think I will have to make a bigger barren, size the paper and wet the paper just a little more.) Feeling a bit more confident that a run on the cards is ready to go.

 

[MrsBiscuit]

Wow! You could go into business doing these, I feel a lot of Xmas cards coming on with the suggestion of snow, even if that isn't what was intended! You must be (should be) very proud.

 

[bigyetiman]

Not to mention festive hens

 

[Hen-Gen]

Absolutely brilliant rick. They’d sell in our gift shop like hot cakes.

 

[rick]

Oh well, you have to try to learn! The colours were a bit lazy - thought it would be easier to mix a light tone on the go but it isn't!

 

[bigyetiman]

They are stunning Rick, there are some very talented people on this forum

 

[Marigold]

Just lovely! Creative use of lockdown time!

 

[Marigold]

Just lovely! Creative use of lockdown time!

 

[rick]

Just out of interest here is the end result of the cards. Lemon shellac is wonderful stuff for that antiquated look!

 

[Marigold]

They’re lovely Rick. There’s a second income there, I think!