Dynamic String Prints

String prints enable you to create delicate organic forms with simple materials, these beautiful elegant mono prints will delight and surprise you time after time. This is one of those magic techniques that can absorb you for hours, the ‘just one more’ syndrome means it is hard to stop.

As you go on you lose yourself in the process and it can become quite meditative, the flowing patterns seem to affect your

mind and movements and you too begin to flow. If you want a calming activity that will focus your attention and uplift your spirits here is one to try.

Dynamic string prints video

Have a look at the video which shows some of the different types of pattern you can make with string prints.

Make it a printing party

Dynamic string prints are great for children (use diluted paint instead of ink if they are very young) and groups of people of any age, I have run this activity with community mental health projects and in care homes for older people as well as children at the after school club in the village.

One of the nice aspects of it is that it works better with people operating together – one (or more) to press down on the card and one to pull the string so, it is a very sociable and co-operative activity.

Materials

The materials are likely to be around already, if not they are easy to get:

• strong thread
• ink or diluted paint,
• paint pots and brushes
• paper
• a piece of stiff card
• newspaper, plastic gloves and aprons are a good idea

Lets print!

1. Fold your sheet of paper in half, lay it on a pad of old newspaper.

2. Pour a small amount of ink into a heavy container (non spill)

3. Use a paintbrush to push a length of thread into the ink, press the thread against the side of the pot with your brush as you pull it out to remove excess ink and avoid drips.

4. Lay the inky thread in coils and waves on one half of the paper, remember to leave a tail hanging out

5. Fold the other half of the paper over, or lay a new piece on top.

6. Put a piece of stiff card on top, press down on the card (get more hands to help)

7. Pull the thread tail till all the thread is out.

Remove the card and open up the folded paper to see your new print!

 Keep experimenting…..

• Try different types of cord / string / button thread/ embroidery thread etc
• Try smooth shiny paper and rough textured paper, what difference does damp paper make?
• Lay the thread in a wavy line, or try coiling it round.
• Pull the thread straight out of the paper and the print will come to a point at the edge.
• Move the string sideways as you pull it out – this will make a very different pattern.
• Dip sections of one length of thread in different colours
• Overlap prints in different colours to build up more complex images
• Do pale prints and then darker ones over them to give an impression of depth
• Try using dark paper and light coloured paint, or metallic ink on black paper
• Add drawings or collage to your finished prints

Here are some more examples of string prints to inspire you to try some different things…

Paint an area of background colour onto the paper before laying your string down

This introduces a different texture and more colours to your print.