Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens / Lena Corwin

It s the natural inconsistencies the accidental differences between one finished piece and another that make hand-printed fabrics, papers, furniture, and works of art so interesting. The quirks are what show the maker s intimate involvement in the process, and it s that unique quality that first attracted textile designer and illustrator Lena Corwin to hand-printing.

Even though decorative prints are more in vogue than ever, there was until now no up-to-date hand-printing guide no single source explaining the tools and materials that are used today, or reflecting a contemporary aesthetic. Corwin has given us that guide.

Using step-by-step instructions and up-close photos, Corwin teaches crafters everything they need to know to master stamping, stenciling, and screen printing, from making their own printing devices to trouble-shooting when plans go awry. Her inimitable collection of projects ranges from stamped stationery and simple-to-sew pouches, to stenciled tote bags and furniture, to screen-printed bed linens and upholstery fabric. There s even a silk-screened dog bed. The author has created original artwork for each project (full-size patterns are included in an envelope at the back of the book), so that every crafter can achieve the same beautiful results. Or maybe not quite the same. Remember: It s the subtle differences that make hand-printing so special and alluring.