I know there are a lot of great Gocco tutorials out there already (and I know this because I read many of them), but since so many people continue to ask me what a Gocco is and how it works, I thought I would do my own tutorial while I printed up some new cards today. If you need an even more basic overview of what Gocco is, I recommend this
timeline on the
Save Gocco! site.
I start by using vintage imagery and editing it in Photoshop, which isn't shown here. Instead, we'll start with the actual printing process. You will need a carbon-based photocopy of what the design you want to print. Many people draw their own designs with carbon pens, too.
First, slide the blue filter screen into the window of the Gocco. This filter prevents too much carbon from sticking to your master and results in cleaner, more precise prints. You can also opt to let their photocopies dry for 24 hours, and then iron them to remove excess carbon. Next, slide the actual high-mesh master screen into the window. The screen side, rather than the smoother mylar side that can be peeled away, should face the grey grid pad.
Make sure the screen locks into place by checking the tabs at the top.
After the filter and master are in place, place your image on the grid pad. The stickiness of the pad will hold an image in place, but I recommend placing a piece of white cardstock behind the image. Otherwise, the grid pattern from the pad tends to burn onto the master and can show up on your prints.
Also, use the lines on the grid pad to make sure your image is straight, especially if it contains any text.
Take one final peek through the window to ensure that it is lined up correctly.
Now you can screw two flashbulbs into the yellow housing unit.
Slide the housing unit onto the top of the Gocco, making sure that the metal tabs come in contact with one another. This is how the bulbs will flash and the image will burn onto the master.
Now press down on the front handle firmly and evenly, with both hands, until the bulbs flash. Do not look directly at the yellow housing unit as you are doing this; it will hurt your eyes! Look up and press until you hear the bulbs "pop." You can remove the housing unit, but do not unscrew the bulbs yet. They're very hot! Just set them aside and throw them away later.
When you lift up, you will see that the photocopy of your design is now burned to the master.
I used to peel the photocopy off immediately to check that the image had burned correctly, but now I just gently inspect the corners. If you leave it on, it makes it much easier to ink your master accurately. Remove your master and peel back the mylar cover:
Since this is a two-color design, I apply the ink blocking first. Ink blocking can be cut into self-adhesive strips and applied to your master to keep the colors separate.
Once you have the ink blocking in place, squeeze ink directly onto the screen. I like leaving the burned photocopy on the screen for these steps because it helps me see the design and apply the ink more accurately.
Once you have the entire design inked, you can slide the master back into the Gocco the same way you did when you burned the screen.
I always test print on a piece of scrap paper first. Press down with both hands firmly and check that your image is printing evenly. If not, remove the screen and apply ink where needed.
If you are happy with the print, you can place it in the drying rack. Be sure to leave enough space between prints on the rack to avoid smudging.
Continue merrily on your way. You can likely get up to 80 prints without having to re-ink the screen, depending on the design.
Here is a scan of a work in progress (you can click to make it larger, if you like). I took a favorite illustration from Alice in Wonderland and attempted to turn it into a silhouette/paper cut as best I could.
Can I just say that I lust after all the little paintings by Bergman's Bear? The northern New Englander in me feels right at home staring into these imaginary landscapes. I want a whole wall of them.
I made these from an old 1920s grammar textbook that a high school library was going to toss out. I love the randomness of the word lists--- they remind me of ridiculous found to-do lists and modern poetry.
I've posted several times about the book The Boss of You: Everything A Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business
. It really is an inspiring book with a wealth of information, and you can read my previous posts about it here and here.
I have an old, barely salvageable 1900 edition of Alice in Wonderland that was part of one of my very first Gocco experiments--- printing John Tenniel's famous illustrations over the text (you can see that project on my Flickr page).
I really must apologize for the lack of posts lately. You know how life gets in the way sometimes? I've been super busy with everyday tasks and some exciting news that I will share soon . . . just not yet.
I have a total weakness for blue, and a total weakness for black-eyed Susans. Part of me really wants to keep this set.
I feature other independent businesses and Etsy shops on here occasionally, but I thought I'd make it a more regular feature with a new segment called "Friday Finds."
Make sure the screen locks into place by checking the tabs at the top.
After the filter and master are in place, place your image on the grid pad. The stickiness of the pad will hold an image in place, but I recommend placing a piece of white cardstock behind the image. Otherwise, the grid pattern from the pad tends to burn onto the master and can show up on your prints.
Also, use the lines on the grid pad to make sure your image is straight, especially if it contains any text.
Take one final peek through the window to ensure that it is lined up correctly.
Now you can screw two flashbulbs into the yellow housing unit.
Slide the housing unit onto the top of the Gocco, making sure that the metal tabs come in contact with one another. This is how the bulbs will flash and the image will burn onto the master.
Now press down on the front handle firmly and evenly, with both hands, until the bulbs flash. Do not look directly at the yellow housing unit as you are doing this; it will hurt your eyes! Look up and press until you hear the bulbs "pop." You can remove the housing unit, but do not unscrew the bulbs yet. They're very hot! Just set them aside and throw them away later.
When you lift up, you will see that the photocopy of your design is now burned to the master.
I used to peel the photocopy off immediately to check that the image had burned correctly, but now I just gently inspect the corners. If you leave it on, it makes it much easier to ink your master accurately. Remove your master and peel back the mylar cover:
Since this is a two-color design, I apply the ink blocking first. Ink blocking can be cut into self-adhesive strips and applied to your master to keep the colors separate.
Once you have the ink blocking in place, squeeze ink directly onto the screen. I like leaving the burned photocopy on the screen for these steps because it helps me see the design and apply the ink more accurately.
Once you have the entire design inked, you can slide the master back into the Gocco the same way you did when you burned the screen.
I always test print on a piece of scrap paper first. Press down with both hands firmly and check that your image is printing evenly. If not, remove the screen and apply ink where needed.
If you are happy with the print, you can place it in the drying rack. Be sure to leave enough space between prints on the rack to avoid smudging.
Continue merrily on your way. You can likely get up to 80 prints without having to re-ink the screen, depending on the design.
Whew! I've been quite busy here, though it may not seem like it due to the lack of posts.
The Jane Austen Moleskine notebooks are back, and now in kraft and black. I'm happy to be making these again. If you like, you can pick one up here.
I spent this morning working on a little Gocco project while the power was out, which got me thinking about some tools of the trade. I know that Gocco has piqued a lot of interest in recent years, and in addition to an earlier review on The New Gocco Guide
by Claire Russell (and despite the news that Gocco production is ceasing again), I thought I'd share some quick tips.
If you haven't noticed already, a lot of my Gocco work uses Victorian engravings and other images with a nineteenth-century feel. I do this for several reasons. First, my drawing skills have fallen by the wayside since high school (I'm trying to get them back). Second, these images are old enough to be public domain, are copyright free, and allow me to manipulate the original image in Photoshop, add my own text or other images, and print and sell the end result on Etsy. But the motivation isn't purely mercenary--- a few years ago, I was pursuing a PhD in Victorian literature and was convinced I would spend the rest of my days in that fabulous ivory tower, reading the Bronte sisters and writing fascinating literary criticism.
Someone recently referred me to Wondermark, comics by David Malki that use nineteenth-century engravings. I love his quirky sense of humor and thought I'd share some here ( I recommend clicking on the comics to enlarge and going directly to his site for more readable clips). Hope you enjoy them as much I as do.
These are made from a rockin' 1970s textbook (can you beat that yellow?). There's nothing like saddle shoes, kneesocks, and jump rope.
Chesney and I went to the farmers' market this morning, where he took the opportunity to try to bully every chihuahua he saw (finally dogs that are smaller than him!). A lovely old couple were selling three zinnia stems for a dollar, so I couldn't resist. I also bought lots of zucchini for a savory cheescake recipe I'm dying to try (my husband says "blech.").
I'm going to spend the rest of the morning finishing up some more buttons made from vintage childrens' books. They look like candy all piled together. Yum.
