Experiment with ways to create deeply textured printing plates using encaustic wax medium. Explore building texture with this interesting medium by heating it and drawing into it with a skewer. Once the wax is cooled, it holds its shape and makes a great printing plate. You can use it by itself as a stamp or as a printing plate with a makeshift press from a tabletop printing or embossing machine. Prepare the textured plate then run it through a letterpress machine converted into a press (see facing page).
pancake griddle
grill thermometer
encaustic wax medium
1-inch (25mm) natural bristle brush
5" × 7" (13cm × 18cm) Plexiglas plate
clay carving tool and skewer
Turn on the pancake griddle and set it to 150 to 175°F (66 to 79°C). This temperature is recommended by the manufacturer. Place a thermometer on the top of the griddle to monitor the temperature.
Dip natural bristle brush into the wax medium and paint a few brushstrokes on the Plexiglas. As it dries, the color of the wax will change from clear to translucent.
With a clay carving tool begin to carve into the wax with the end, drawing circles and scraping away pieces of wax.
With the bottom of the skewer add tiny circle shapes in the wax by pressing it into the surface. Continue to make marks until you are satisfied with the design.
Use the pointed tip of the skewer to draw additional thin lines and add more detail. Let encaustic plate sit and cool.