Get creative this Christmas with Vicki's handmade prints

Community Engagement Manager, Vicki Gillow shows us how to create multi-purpose prints for the festive season! The prints can be used for cards, decorations or gifts. Using recycled materials, this wonderful activity is a lovely way to reuse and upcycle packaging and paper.

To make your angel or star display, you will need to follow Vicki's simple instructions using the following materials.

Materials you will need: 

• Cereal box
• PVA glue
• Pencil or pen
• Scissors
• An old paint brush
• A tube/pot of thick paint (acrylic, poster, or printing ink)
• Recycled coloured paper (Vicki used an old scrapbook and backs of old exercise books)

Part 1: Make your printing block

Watch this video for a visual guide. 

1. Cut two squares of card about 10cm by 10cm (this can be smaller if desired).

2. Draw a star on one piece of card – use the two triangle technique (refer to video).

3. Cut this star out. This can be complete, or, for a more complex design, cut six triangles and a hexagon.

4. Stick the star onto the other card. This can be as a whole star or in sections with a small gap in between each shape. For an angel, invert the top and bottom triangle (refer to video).

5. PVA the top of the card and allow it to dry.

Part 2: Print your star or angel

Watch the video below for a visual guide. Have a dry and wet are ready. 

1. Cut coloured sugar paper and card for print.

2. In the wet area, squeeze a small amount of thick paint or printing ink and use an old brush or roller to coat the block print evenly.

3. In the dry area, place the coloured paper over. Be careful to register it in the middle of the paper.

4. Rub or roller the back of the paper and Peel off.

5. Print a number of times re-inking each time. Please note, the third and fourth will probably be you best prints.

6. Clean the printing block once you have finished and reuse when desired (use wet wipes and or damp cloths and dry).

7. Leave to dry and once dry, add glitter.

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