PRINTING TOOL

Clay Relief Plates Clay Relief Plates

Craft supplies can also double as a printing material. Crayola Model Magic is a kids’ art supply that is great for creating printing plates. It does not dry hard and can be used for stamping. In this exercise, create a relief printing plate using stamps and Model Magic.

Creative Toolbox

modeling compound

deli paper

soft rubber brayer

rubber stamps

chipboard letter stamp

STEP 1: Create Plate

Roll out the Model Magic onto a piece of deli paper using a soft rubber brayer. Make sure it is flat and even in thickness. Press a rubber stamp into the surface and roll on the back of the stamp with the brayer.

STEP 2: Add Designs

Choose a few more stamps and repeat the process. Press the stamps into the surface of the Model Magic.

STEP 3: Add Letters

Place a chipboard letter stamp into the surface to add letters to the plate. Roll over the back of the chipboard plate with the brayer.

STEP 4: Relief Printing Plate

Here’s the final plate. Set it aside to dry, depending on the climate it will take up to 24 hours to dry.

Modeling Compound Tips and Ideas

• It’s helpful to have a cushion surface when printing with the clay relief plates. Place a paper or board substrate on top of a folded towel or fabric. This will help create more detailed prints.
• Experiment with molding or fiber paste for printing more textured surfaces.
• Create smaller modeling compound stamped plates to use as journal embellishments.