Having gathered my materials I began thinking about how to layer up and construct my collage block for printing. I drew the image directly onto the cardboard block and then traced it so that I could still figure out what shapes I wanted as I went.

Cardboard block with drawing.

Layering process

I found the layering process quite tricky. I’d considered what i wanted different layers to be in terms of textures/materials beforehand. But I hadn’t thought about the order I’d need to stick the layers down in, in order for it to work how I’d planned. As a result some of the layers had to be cut to be different shapes/sit a little differently on the block, but I don’t think this has massively affected the overall look of the block.

Complete layered block

Close up- 1

In ‘Close up -1’ you can see areas of modelling paste, dried leaves, bubble wrap and some cartridge paper houses. I’m mainly worried about how the modelling paste will come out.

Close up- 2

In ‘Close up – 2’ you can see some of twigs, leaves, wallpaper, grey linen. I’m not too sure about how the twigs will print here, but i’m hoping that by applying the ink with a tooth brush they’ll pick up more of the ink this time than in previous attempts.

Close up – 3

In this close up you can see, brown paper bag, wallpaper, cartridge paper, and leaves from a plant. You might be able to see I’ve scratched away a layer of the cartridge paper to try and depict the windows, this is the bit I think is most likely not to work. But we’ll just have to see what happens when I print it all…