Thermofax Printing: Bringing Personal Imagery Alive

The latest book from Claire Benn and Leslie Morgan of Committed to Cloth (C2C) is another practical 'how-to' book on creative use of the thermofax screen.

A thermofax is an imaged silkscreen that’s light-weight, takes up little storage space, is easy to use and easy to make, or have made for you. Its power lies in its ability to print fine detail or delicate marks such as handwriting, feathers, skeletal shapes, old documents, photographic images and loads of other personal imagery. It’s the only real alternative to photo-emulsion screens, at a fraction of the cost.

The book provides advice on suitable imagery and how to adapt it for thermofax use, along with guidance on developing good technique. The 54 pages contain clear step-by-step instructions in Plain English, accompanied by over 100 instructional and inspiring photographs. Recipes for different media such as thickened dyes and discharge paste are included along with guidance on fabric paints, acrylics and the use of Soy Wax and freezer paper as resists. There are two ‘Projects’ sections: the first provides nine different approaches to printing with the thermofax. The second offers invaluable recipes on colour mixing, including advice on how to make complex colours and hard-to-find neutrals.

The bonus DVD provides over 1 hour of guidance on suitable imagery, making the screens and using them – a valuable accompaniment to the book as it’s just like being on a workshop with Claire & Leslie.

Soft cover, color images, 54 pages, includes 70 minute bonus (free) DVD