alexgeorgehughes

October 29, 2016

How to Make a Potato Block Print

I recently decided to experiment with potato printing to make some fall themed notecards for Thanksgiving.

Potato printing is a great affordable craft, and you can do so many things with it! You can print on notecards like I did, or make your own fabric, tote bags, journals, wrapping paper, or anything else you can think of. It’s also a great way for kids to create meaningful gifts for the holidays.

So, read on for instructions on how to make your very own potato print!

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The view of Ponte Vecchio on the Arno River

September 25, 2016

Block Prints Travel

What to Do in Florence, Italy

I visited Florence five years ago, and fell in love with the city. It is the capital of the region of Tuscany and his home to beautiful Renaissance art and architecture, as well as various parks and gardens. It is also famous for its artisans, particularly in the areas of leather working and paper.

Read on for my recommendations!

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Cliffs above Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy

September 14, 2016

Travel

What to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre has been on my bucket list for a long time. The name literally translates to ‘Five Lands,’ and this portion of the Italian Riviera is made up of five towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Read on for my hotel, food, and activity recommendations.

Cars are not allowed in the villages; they are accessible only by paths, trains, and boats. Colorful homes cling to the rugged cliffside, connected by narrow walkways. Above the town, terraces line the mountainside and are used to cultivate olives and grapes. Philip and I hiked up the hillside one morning for a beautiful view of the village below.

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September 10, 2016

Block Prints Travel

The Canals of Burano, Italy Linocut Print

Burano is an island off the coast of Italy that belongs to the same lagoon as Venice. Like Venice, the town is accessible by boat, and can be traveled via its main canals. Burano is best known for two things: its intricate handmade lace work and brightly colored homes.

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September 4, 2016

Block Prints Travel

A Brand-New Venice Print

Our second stop in Europe was the beautiful city of Venice. The city was built on a lagoon, and consequently there are no cars…people either walk or travel by boat.

The city is best known for its canals and gondolas, but one of my favorite things about it is the Venetian Gothic architecture. The style originated in the 14th century, and combines Byzantine influences from Constantinople with Arabic influences from Moorish Spain. Two famous examples of this style are the Doge’s Palace and the Ca’ d’Oro.

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Barcelona Block Print by Wandering Paper Co.

August 27, 2016

Block Prints Travel

Antoni Gaudí and the Barcelona Print

As those of you following me on Instagram know, I recently took a trip to Spain and Italy with my family, so I’ve decided to make a print for the places we visited. Like any good vacation, the trip left me refreshed and ready to come home and do something creative!

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August 13, 2016

Personal

Our Cut Paper Wedding Inspired by Tord Boontje

I may be biased, but our wedding was awesome! We got married at White Rock Lake in Dallas, surrounded by the people we love on a sunny but slightly chilly day in March. It was a day filled with some of my favorite memories.

Planning the wedding was also a fun creative project, all to celebrate the day I married my very best friend! I even made some block printed invitations for the occasion. Keep reading for photos of the best day ever.

by alexgeorgehughes

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How to Make a Block Print with Speedball

March 9, 2016

Creative Resources

How to Make a Block Print Part 2: Printing

Below you will find instructions for making prints with your hand-carved rubber block. For instructions on how to carve a linocut block, see How to Make a Linocut Print Part 1: Carving Your Block.

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Carving a Speedball Rubber Block for Block Printing

March 4, 2016

Creative Resources

How to Make a Block Print Part 1: Carving Your Block

Have you ever wanted to make your own block print? Now you can! Here are instructions for carving your own rubber printmaking block. Check back next week for How to Make a Linocut Print Part 2: Printing.

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Valentine Ombré Hearts Block Printed Greeting Card

February 18, 2016

Business

Small Business Goals Update: Selling Handmade Greeting Cards

Sometimes in business, you have to make tough choices about cost vs. benefit. For example, greeting cards were one of my best sellers during the holidays, but I actually made very little profit on them.

So, in my post titled Small Business Goals for 2016, I resolved to find a more cost-effective way to make cards that still retained their handmade look. Well, after a little trial and error, I’ve found a solution.

by alexgeorgehughes