Quick-Guide to Dark Field Monotype Printmaking from Plastic Food Containers

While nibbling on a Trader Joe's biscotti cookie in my kitchen, I was putting the lid back on the clear plastic box, and I had a thought. This plastic is similar to the material I've purchased to make monotype prints and drypoint engravings... I wonder if you can print from these plastic food containers? The afternoon took a detour, and I was making prints from plastic cookie and blueberry boxes for the next few hours. (You can read about that first foray on my blog here.)

Trying a new art-making method often hinges on whether we already have the necessary supplies, during that magic moment when inspiration strikes. This demo includes supplies most artists or dabblers already have on hand. Plastic food containers, scissors, masking tape, a paint brush, acrylic paint, paper towels, and paper. If you already have printmaking ink, use it when you make your monotype. But if you don't have that, a tube of acrylic paint will work just as well, as long as you don't let the pigments dry before you're ready to print! Let's dive in and give it a go!