Studio Tips &
Buying Guides
Practical guides on art materials, studio workflow, and techniques — written for working artists and beginners alike, grounded in day-to-day conversations with artists in Kingston, Ontario.
Art Supplies Guides and Studio Tips
Japanese Paper Guide: Washi vs Tissue Paper and When to Use Each
Discover the beautiful world of Japanese papers and learn when to choose washi versus tissue paper for your art projects. We'll explore the unique qualities of each paper type, from traditional washi's strength and texture to delicate tissue paper's translucency. This guide covers key selection criteria including weight, absorbency, and intended use. Perfect for watercolourists, printmakers, and mixed media artists looking to expand their paper knowledge.
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Block Printing on Fabric: Your Complete Guide to Beautiful Results
Block printing on fabric creates stunning custom textiles using carved blocks and specialized inks. This traditional technique works beautifully for tea towels, tote bags, clothing, and home décor. Success depends on choosing the right fabric, using proper block printing inks, and mastering basic printing techniques. With practice, you'll create professional-looking printed fabrics that are both durable and washable.
Read moreLinocut Supplies Guide: Everything You Need to Get Started
Discover the essential linocut supplies you need to start printmaking. Learn about linoleum blocks, carving tools, and printing materials. Get practical advice on choosing quality supplies that fit your budget. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists looking to expand their printmaking toolkit.
Read moreHow to Choose Lino Cutting Tools: V-Tools and Safety Cutters Explained
Lino cutting tools are the heart of printmaking success. V-tools create precise lines and details, while safety cutters offer controlled carving for beginners. The right gouge depends on your project needs, experience level, and comfort with traditional versus safer designs. Quality tools make cleaner cuts and last longer, improving your prints and creative experience.
Read moreSilk Screen Printing at Home: Emulsion and Your First Print Guide
Transform your creative space into a screen printing studio with the right equipment and know-how. Learn about photo emulsion, squeegees, inks, and frames to create professional-quality prints at home. We'll guide you through essential gear, from starter kits to professional setups. Get ready to make your first screen print with confidence and the right tools.
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Lino Printing for Beginners: Essential Tools & Inks Guide
Lino printing is an accessible printmaking technique perfect for artists of all levels. This guide covers essential tools like lino blocks, cutting tools, rollers, and inks. Learn how to choose the right materials for your first prints. Get practical recommendations from beginner-friendly options to professional-grade supplies.
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Monoprinting for Beginners: Pull Your First Print in Under an Hour
Monoprinting is the quickest way to get the magic of printmaking without a press. In this guide you will set up a small work area, pull your first clean print in under an hour, and learn simple fixes for smudges, patchy ink, and paper slip, with options for kids and adults.
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Printmaking Art Ideas: A 7-Day Challenge for Busy Creatives
Printmaking is perfect for productivity because it rewards small, repeatable sessions. Use this 7-day challenge to plan one simple block, pull a tiny edition, and finish with confidence. Includes time boxes, budget-friendly setups, and age-based options for creative households.
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Printmaking 101: A Beginner's Introduction to Relief Printing, Screen Printing, Intaglio, and More
New to printmaking? This Printmaking 101 guide breaks down relief printing, screen printing, and a few other classic methods, then walks you through beginner-friendly next steps. It also links to the inks, paper, and tools you can shop at Art Noise in Kingston, Ontario.
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Relief Printing History: From Woodcut to Linocut, and the Supplies to Start Today
Relief printing has a long history, from woodcut to linocut. This guide connects the story to the supplies you need today at Art Noise, linoleum blocks, carving tools, brayers, barens, Impressions block printing ink, and papers that pull clean prints.
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Relief Printing With Lino Blocks: Step-by-Step, Plus Troubleshooting for Cleaner Prints
New to relief printing, or getting patchy, blurry prints? This step-by-step guide walks you through carving a lino block, brayering an even ink layer, and printing by hand, with quick fixes, a simple checklist, and links to core tools, inks, and papers.
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Relief Printing Supplies: The Essential Starter Kit for Linocut (and Smart Upgrades)
Build a simple relief printing setup with the essentials: a carveable block, a lino cutter, a brayer, printing ink, and a baren for hand pressure. This collection gathers the core pieces, plus Impressions block printing ink colours and printmaking papers for proofing and editions.
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