Mari Lwyd: First Proofs With Chine Collé

I printed up a first proof from my latest Mari Lwyd lino block and then did a second proof with chine collé, using fine coloured tissue papers. I cut and ripped some tissue paper shapes than placed them on the un-inked block, just to see if they were what I wanted and where I was going to put them. Then I inked the block (Cranfield Safe Wash relief ink).

Next, working VERY quickly, I covered the BACK of the tissue pieces with glue from a solid stick (Pritt) and placed them STICKY SIDE UP onto the inked block – this bit is tricky because everything is sticky – the tissue, the ink and my fingers! Then I put my printing paper onto it and took a print using a traditional bamboo Japanese baren.

The Mari Lwyd, which is a life-size puppet made with a horse’s skull, is traditionally decorated with flowers, ribbons and bells.