The last time I screen printed was in high school and my choice of imagery was related to Dave Matthews Band. So, when I saw that there was a workshop hosted by Make and Do HK for an introductory screen printing class, I signed up immediately to bring focus to my foggy memory of the process and to block out the poor imagery choices I made when I was 18 years old.

Prior to the workshop, the facilitator asked the participants to bring in two copies of an image that they wanted to screen print. Providing examples of what would be successful, I choose to select something that was related to Hong Kong and could be used for Christmas present making opportunities. Teapots it was!

Using contact paper and Exacto knives, we carefully cut out our imagery and then put the stenciled contact paper directly onto the screens. This process took the longest as once printing started, things moved fast and messily! Acrylic paints were used to print which made for fast drying prints and endless color options. From overlapping prints to marbling colors, it was a fun way to revisit the screen printing process and view it through the lens of an art educator rather than student artist.

The process that was taught used simple materials and could be easily adapted for young learners and has definitely got my mind revving of the potential lessons that could be facilitated or Grade 1 or 2. In lieu of Exacto knives, students could simply cut out shapes in contact paper with scissors and stick it on to the screen. To cut down on the need for 20 plus screens, a few students could collaborate on one screen building up a pattern. Because they would stick the contact shapes it would print the negative but the learning is still there and great exposure to screen printing.

Thank you to Pinyin Press and Sara Armstrong, a boss babe who has taken her love of printmaking and design and transformed it into a thriving business!