Module One - Chapter Two - Printing Crosses

Here are the prints I created from my cross shapes. Initially I used a shape which I found in the tracings I made from the guitar photographs (shape adapted from bottom right hand corner tracing in blog on asymmetrical designs).  I made two large stamps - the shape and its mirror image using 'funky foam'.  Although this shape is asymmetrical, it does not rotate or reflect well as both sides are quite similar.  I was disappointed that the shapes did not yield more varied patterns but I did find the overall effect of the prints interesting, probably because I like the colour combinations and the way I could easily mix and blend the paint colours.

I then decided to change tack and look for a shape that would generate a greater variety of patterns.  

This shape came from one of my cross drawings - see first page of line drawings (design from The Internet) and again I created two stamps (much smaller this time) of the shape and its mirror image.  Although the shape is very simple, I knew it would produce a nice range of secondary patterns when rotated and reflected.  I particularly like the sharpness of these designs which was achieved by using a selection of ink pads used in rubber stamping.

Shape printed in same direction in rows

Alternate rows turned upside down

Shape and its mirror image - alternate rows reflected
and using two colours in the background.

Shapes reflected, rows offset and printed on a slight angle

Shape repeated in same orientation on painted newsprint

Pairs of shapes, one upside down and  printed back to back

Shape and mirror image repeated in rows to create an M shape

Mirror image reflected in alternate rows

Squares printed with ink pads then shapes printed
mirror image in the corners of each square.
I think it creates the effect of stars.

Shape repeated in a circle then overlapped. Reminds
me of the symbol of The Isle of Man.

Alternate rows upside down and shapes
fitted into the gaps from the previous row.
 I like the diagonal lines created by this design.

Design printed onto painted tissue paper.  Shape and its
mirror image slightly offset, which created an N shape

Finally I created a page of  'cross shapes' taken from a selection of my cross drawings.  Some are very simple, others are more complex, being a combination of different shapes layered together.