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Getting started with plexiglas block printmaking

I have been fielding a lot of questions about getting started in basic printmaking so I thought we would start with one style that I really like and is inexpensive to get started with.
This is good for students who have access to a press and want to expand past basic wood and oil linoleum block printing. (if you don’t have a press or one you can use, on simple designs a heavy rolling pin will work)
Times are tough so let’s do this really cheap!
We are going to do a Plexiglas scratch print block.
Remember CHEAP is the key word here!
Off to Lowes or Home Depot we go, both have an in house cutting service and always have lots of scrape pieces for sale, if you don’t see it ask! Some scrape pieces are kind of big so you may want to have them cut it for you, keeping all your scrapes. (You get a few cuts for free).
Next go to the fasteners (Nails) isle, buy some pencil size nails (big so they fit your hand) 10 should be enough to get started.
I use a fine black sharpie for putting my image on the Plexiglas.
You will need a hammer, I have a 3lbs. hammer with a 10 inch handle, and mine is True Temper model #ZE1.
Next here is where you can save some bucks.
Go to your Goodwill or other thrift type store, used tools, you need files. You don’t need big ones small files with a medium to fine bite will work. I have two!
Now the fun begins,
Look at all your nails, separate them by which have the best or cleanest points.
The ones with the best points are the ones you will work with the most.
Use your files to remove any flashing on the nail points, flashing is the extra on the point of the nail that was not removed during manufacturing. Keep the same bevel but smooth and sharpen those points.
On the others use your hammer and pound the points as flat as you can. You are making little knives; it will come to you as you get going.
You want all your knives to look a little different from each other (that pretty much happens on its own, unless you are a real blacksmith, I am not).
Then use your files and file different shapes on your nail/knives.
Basic: Flats, rounded and points.
Pointed nails are for drawing on the Plexiglas
Flat knives are for long straight lines
Round knives are for areas where you want to remove lots of material
Points knives are for bigger lines.
Remember that you will be inking the areas of removed material.
Let’s get started!
Draw a simple image on your Plexiglas.
Cut your image with the tools that YOU MADE!
Simple bold lines, try to limit yourself to only straight lines on your first one, remember you are learning how to handle the tools and safety is a concern. Cut away from you (GOOD RULE)
REMEMBER YOU CAN ALWAYS REMOVE MORE MATERERIAL BUT YOU CAN NOT PUT ANY BACK!
My point is you can always add more detail later.
Clean your Plexiglas block good with soap and water. (Removing all oils, dirt and Plexiglas waste).
Inks up your block, then with a fine cloth wipe away the ink from the flat areas. This is a reverse of what your print is going to look like.
Start printmaking have fun making your prints, making your own tools and remember with Plexiglas you can always add more detail as you add colours.

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