SirenPrints

Original linoprints inspired by mythology & folklore

Birmingham, England On Etsy since 2019

81 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars

SirenPrints

Original linoprints inspired by mythology & folklore

Birmingham, England | 81 Sales

5 out of 5 stars

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Announcement    **Shop update** New listings just added - Brigid, Celtic goddess of healing and spring, and a new version of Doris, Greek sea goddess

Announcement

Last updated on 03 Aug, 2020

**Shop update** New listings just added - Brigid, Celtic goddess of healing and spring, and a new version of Doris, Greek sea goddess

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Greek & Roman mythology

Egyptian mythology

Irish/Celtic mythology
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Stephanie Mulrooney

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Stephanie Mulrooney

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About SirenPrints

Sales 81
On Etsy since 2019

My printing process

Every piece I make usually starts with a photograph. Sometimes I have an idea and I search for specific images that fit with what I have in my head, or, if I don't have a starting point already in mind, I browse sites like Unsplash to find some inspiration. My work is mainly portraits and figures, and I look for images that are bold and striking, and will give a strong outline for print.

From here, I sketch out a line drawing based on the photograph. I use a soft pencil and a fineliner for this so that I can transfer it across to a lino block once I'm happy with it. My sketches are pretty minimalist - I don't add texture or shading at this stage, as I like to feel that out on the lino.

I use traditional lino as well as easy carve versions. Once the sketch outline is transferred, I go over it with a fineline marker, and then it's time for my favourite bit. I use carving tools to take out sections of lino, removing the areas I don't want to pick up ink when I print. It's super satisfying and theraputic - although you have to be careful not to slip and nick your fingers, as the tools are really sharp!

I stop often and shade over the carving with a marker, so I can get an idea what the final piece will look like and check on progress. It's amazing to see the piece appear magically on the surface as you go!

Once I'm happy with the carving, it's time for a test print. I mix oil-based relief inks on a perspex sheet to get a colour I'm happy with, and then roll out with a brayer to get a smooth, even layer of ink. That is rolled on to the lino block, and then I apply a piece of paper on the top. I hand press my prints, which means using a barren, a spoon, and a lot of elbow grease!

Now, it's time to peel the paper up and see the results. Sometimes, I'll need to go back and make some tweaks to the block, to clean up areas that are printing small marks (called chatter), or to adjust the design slightly. And then, it's a case of printing a whole edition!

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  • Stephanie

    Maker, Owner

    Marketer by day, printer by... well, whatever time I can find really! I always loved doing crafty, creative stuff and then one Christmas, my Mum bought me a linocut printing starter kit in our family secret santa. The rest, as they say, is history!

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Last updated on 08 Mar, 2020
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