I’ve given the die-cut monoprint technique a go and oh wow! I love the results! The step-by-step guide within the feature should help you create your very own monoprint cards with die-cuts. It is very addictive and once you start you won’t be able to stop!

Monoprinting is a form of printmaking during which you can take one original print – for example, pressing an object into freshly-applied ink or paint to make a ‘mark’, removing the object and then placing a panel on top to take a print. With die-cut monoprints, the idea is to apply a water-soluble dye-based ink to the panel directly, die-cut the inked card, mist with water to re-activate the ink, place a clean panel on top and press firmly by running it through an embossing machine.

Once the die-cut is removed, it will leave a pattern identical to the inked die-cut. I took it a step further and reversed the process by creating a negative monoprint. I inked an entire A6 panel with Distress Oxide Ink, misted this panel with water to activate the ink, then placed a plain die-cut frame in between the inked cardstock and another A6-size panel, before running it through my machine. In this case the die-cut created a ‘resist’. There are so many possibilities. You can use any die-cut shapes and various coloured inks.

What I have learned during my play is that the more ink you apply to the panel, or die-cut you will be using to imprint onto a panel, the better. Therefore, an ink applied directly to a paper always gives more vibrant results than if applied by a sponge. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on how much water you apply when misting the inked panel. Too much and diluted ink will seep around the die-cut and the details will be ruined. Too little and you might get a speckled dry-looking impression. After a few test-runs you will understand the process and there will be no stopping you! Enjoy!

1

Apply Distress Oxide Ink onto a 5” square of white cardstock, from the centre outwards

2

Die-cut the mandala from the centre of the inked panel

3

Spray water all over the inked panel

4

Immediately place a same size piece of white cardstock on top. Run this through the embossing machine in between the cutting plates to apply maximum pressure

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