Gone Loco

Awww yeah.  This really made my day.  I opened up my inbox just now to see this image of heatherjeany's new tattoo.  I can't stop smirking.  I think Mr. flashbulb looks a little peeved at Mr. Gocco for having so much clout over him, and a bigger shadow to boot.  I've mentioned heatherjeany's work before in this post.  She's really got a lot of great Gocco-created papergoods in her shop, and an extensive flickr photostream too.  She's a star. 

Gocco Daily Fix from Kate Pugsley

I have a special place in my heart for mermaids.  You see- I was one, once.  When I was in High School I dressed up like a mermaid complete with a sequin-clad bikini top for the grand opening of a video store in my hometown.  That memory=awful.  This print=charming.  As charming as anything having to do with mermaids can be.  KateP uses her trusty Gocco to print the black image almost like a coloring book.  She then adds water color and at times cut paper to complete her unique creation.  This print (is to) your wall like a fish (is to) water.   

Do Yudu?

So do you?  There has been a lot of talk about the Yudu replacing Print Gocco.  I have not done a lot of research on the Yudu but it has come up in a few conversations I've had and been witness to.  Handmade Detroit did a great little tutorial vid. on it, if you're not familiar.

Someone left a comment about it in another post today so I thought now would be a good time to address it.  Honestly, I was not-so-secretly hoping Mr. Yudu would go ahead and send me a complimentary printer to test out beforehand but it has not happened yet so let's dive in.  The truth is, I think it looks like a fantastical contraption.  It will definitely have it's place in the indie arts/crafts world but I'm not sure its place is to take over where Gocco is leaving off.  There are certainly some advantages that Yudu has over print Gocco, the most obvious being that it is, well, currently being manufactured and distributed.  It also has a much bigger print area at 11X14".  The price seems fair at $279.99 when you consider the prices of large Goccos.  I would say the cost per print is similar to what we are seeing now with Gocco.  Roughly $10 per print once you have purchased the machine and inks.  You can re-use the screens but that is a little misleading because when you "reuse" them you have to use new emulsion sheets every time-so you lose your image.  With Gocco you can keep the imaged screens and print them again and again.  You could do that with Yudu, but each separate screen costs $27.99 plus the $9 emulsion.  The Yudu is not as quick as Gocco.  There is about an hour needed to wait for stuff to dry.  Those things being said, I think the Yudu is a great replacement for trickier drawing fluid/screen filler type silkscreening.  I want one, I really do.  But I also want my endless supply of screens and bulbs for Gocco.  What can I say I'm a Gen-X girl, I want it all.  

Gocco Daily Fix from Dee Beale

Flickr Find!  I'm on a nordic track.   This print by Dee Beale is Scandi. in every way that I like. I'm fond of grey at this very moment.  Ms. Beale knows how to use it.  This print can be purchased in her etsy shop.  Guess what...you can peek at her blog too.  Have fun internetting.

Gocco Daily Fix from Happy Family

Happy birthday to me.  Unfortunately I need to turn 35 on Saturday. Fortunately, I bought myself this amazingly affordable and stunningly stylish messenger bag from happyfamily. Twenty bones.  I go back to work for a bit next week so perhaps I will be donning it for that occasion....and many more.   Update: this is traditionally silkscreened.  And that's.....okay.  Update: it arrived today and I LOVE it.  Perfection.

They work! G.E. #5 flashbulbs in action

I'm so sorry for this craptastic video but i wanted to show you that my G.E. #5 flashbulbs worked just dandy to image my master.  I've heard you have to use the blue filter every time with the #5 bulbs but I didn't and my print came out just fine.  It is my version of an open screen. I used a riso fine pen and a ruler to make a mesh pattern.  I'll use it for backgrounds and also to print with stencils.  More on that later.  OK, now ebay away!  

Where est Charlie?

Okay so now I've spent the better part of my evening watching U-tube videos.  One leads to the next to the next to the next.  Bye-bye hours. This one is worth your nine minutes, though.  The perspective is unique and the music is excellent.  I love how dirty and muddy the screen gets by the end of the edition.  Good luck cleaning that b**** up.  Speaking of french: I don't know it, so I can't say much about the who's and how's, but I can say "j'adore."    

Gocco Daily Fix from Rebecca Lefeuvre

Flickr find!  Here's a break from the norm: a fabric application. Rebecca Lefeuvre made this sweet elephant family fabric using a Gocco for imaging, then a squeegee to print.  I've been thinking about doing a pattern repeat for some time now.  Maybe now I will get up my gusto. For a reminder on how to use a squeegee with Gocco look here. Rebecca is a multi-talent.  Do have a look through her photostream, there's lots of swell handmade things to enjoy.  She also has a blog you can peek at here.  

Gocco Daily Fix from KidsHaus

I. Love. Her.  Love her bandana, love her name, love her tail, lover her whistle and most importantly: her attitude.  She was made by KidsHaus who has lots of other fun Gocco prints in her shop.  She also has a neato blog.  I might just have to put my money where my mouth is and purchase frau bird for my girl's easter present.  I love it, she's still small enough that I can just buy her what I want.  Heh Heh.  I think frau bird was made using 3 screens, but I'm not sure.  I'l ask her when she arrives.   Update: She arrived on my birthday and she is even sweeter in person.  

Gocco Alternative

This.....this might be good, folks.  Etsy seller CraftChi will take your emailed image (see specifics) and create this thermofax screen, all for as little as $15.   Get this, you even get a test print.  There's no risk!  No {too much toner, too little toner, bulbs didn't flash} frustrations.  Let's face it, it takes a little more planning and a little less spontaneity than dragging out the Gocco, but it is definitely something to consider.  If you are thinking about purchasing a thermofax machine, it would be an excellent test-purchase.  Visit Craft Chi's blog to see how she makes the screens.  

Gocco Daily Fix from Little Paper Dog

Ahoy Mateys!  I guess I still have the underwater world on my brain after my trip to this awesome aquarium last week.  I'm in love with creatures of the sea lately.  This Orange Octopus Screenprint  from LittlePaperDog should satisfy my need.  If I ordered one though, I think I would have a hard time disposing of the packaging, I just love it.  This would make a great gift for a baby or kid--or an adult for that matter.  It's that kind of fun.  Too too sweet.  

Price Per Gocco Print, Broken Down

I ordered supplies a few weeks ago and kicked myself the next day when I realized I had not gotten the best deal out there.  With so many different package sizes and shipping fees, it can be a headache figuring out how much it costs to actually make one print.  Here is a break down of each supplier and their cost per print.  I included the sold-out shops for good measure.  

For the SMALL size Gocco printers:

Dick Blick- currently out of Gocco supplies.

Ebay- prices vary but seem to be hovering around $25 for either a package of 5 screens or 10 bulbs plus shipping.  Very general cost per print would be $11.60 or so.  

Northwoods Studios- only does 2 packs of screens and 4 packs of bulbs (2 prints).  With 2 packs of each in my cart (4 prints) the shipping came to $8.50.   Price per print came to $17.02. 

Marlene Watson- screens and bulbs are currently out of stock.

Nehoc- It is my understanding that Nehoc is not able to ship Gocco to the U.S. 

Print Addict- the prices listed include shipping to every country except Africa and South America.  Products come in "packs" and choices are somewhat confusing because the descriptions are not quite consistent but as I read it, each pack of 5 screens/10 bulbs inclusive of shipping is $46.50, so $9.30 per print.

Print Addict Japan on Etsy- packages of 4 screens and 8 bulbs are $50 plus $12.50 shipping.  That is $15.62 per print.   

Thinkink-website is currently disabled.  Rumor has it they are all sold out of supplies. 

Welsh Products- $24.75 is the price for 5 screens.  It is also the price for 10 bulbs.  Shipping is extra.  Price per print excluding shipping is $9.90.  Orders can't be placed online.  

Wet Paint- screens and bulbs are out of stock.

For the LARGE size Gocco printers:

Letters & Print currently has 5 screens for $31 and 10 bulbs for $15.  You can only buy the bulbs if you are also buying the screens.  Shipping for the set is around $13.00.  That comes to $14.80 per print considering that 4 bulbs are needed for each large print.

Paper Source currently has 5 screens available for $38.00  They are out of stock in the bulb department.  Shipping for just the screens would be $8.00.  Price per print  is $9.20 plus bulbs.

So, there you have it folks.  If you have a small Gocco, Print Addict is currently the least expensive.  If you have a large Gocco, Letters & Print is probably the best way to go.  If you see any misinformation here or have any suppliers to add, please leave a comment.  Happy shopping!

Gocco Daily Fix from Something's Hiding in Here

Here's some fun!  Gocco you can play with.  Today is a two-fer since I was having technical difficulties yesterday.  Technical difficulties with my gusto, also known as laziness.  Anyway...I digress.  These blocks and yoyos are printed with the Gocco stamp kit.  Something's hiding in here is a girl/boy team with just the neatest shop.  Clever things that make you smile.  They also have a fun blog.  Enjoy.

Savegocco.com Website Update

Progress is moving slowly but surely on the re-launch of the savegocco.com website.  I'm hoping that it will offer the resources that it did previously, with a few fun extras.  If there is something that you would like to see on the new site, please let me know.  The focus will be less on "saving" Gocco, per se, but rather ways of "keeping it alive" by retrofitting, etc.  Basically, ways to move forward now that Riso has definitely stopped production and distribution of printers and supplies.  Of course, it will also be a voice to the "powers-that-be" that screams out our need for new (and perhaps improved) supplies and machines to be invented/produced.  Thanks for your patience and I welcome your suggestions.  Enjoy Thursday. 

Gocco Daily Fix from Yellena

Yellena's Mustard Gocco Screen Print reminds me of a cross between life on land and life under water.  It is one-third of her spring series of Gocco prints.  Each one is equally as magical.  An edition of 250.  Dive in!  

Flickr Gocco Pool

Flickr find!  The flickr Gocco pool is a super place to get ideas for what Gocco can and can't do. There are about 3000 members and nearly 7500 images to look through, if you're so inclined.  If you are new to Print Gocco it is a "must do" before you begin.  The link will be a permanent one down the right hand side of the page...keep scrolling.  

Gocco Daily Fix from Annacote

Spring has sprung here on the West Coast.  I'm vacationing for a few weeks on the Monterey Peninsula of California and I am definitely seeing signs of spring here.  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and most importantly, the bulbs are blooming.  The Allium is probably my favorite of all bulbs.  I've never seen them in orange and yellow but it works!  Annacote of Modern Printed Matter creates these images by digitally manipulating photographs.  Detailed Allium Flowers is a limited edition of 50 Gocco prints.  It comes signed and numbered by the artist.  Perfect for this time of year when everything is coming up green.  

Gocco Daily Fix from Sean Tuberity

Love me again!  Mine had glitter tassels on the handlebars and a bias striped seat.  This banana beauty comes to us via flickr from Tubes of Gocco registration fame (see below).   Tubes is Sean Tubridy of Blue over Blue graphic design firm in Minneapolis.  The print is titled: Transportation Series 3-Stingray.  It is a limited edition of 25.  Check out the actual photo on flickr to see the how-to discussion on half-tones etc.  Although this print is not available, you can find other prints by Sean in his Supermarket shop.  Groovy.

Tips and Tricks: Hard-Core Registration Set-up

I was thinking about doing a little video about registration techniques for Print Gocco.  Then I came across this on flickr and it made my silly video idea seem like a real "flop." I'm all about the puns lately, I guess.  I still plan on making the video but while you wait, you can think about assembling this awesome contraption Sean Tuberity came up with.  It doesn't seem too hard to make when you think about it.   The vertical block needs to be the same height as the base of the printer.  I'm assuming the flop is some kind of thin plexiglass??  This might be the next thing on my "honey do" list.   

Gocco Daily Fix from Nebo Peklo

March flowers, anyone?  This print by Nebo Peklo gets me geared up for springtime!  Although the jewel-tone colors are traditionally for fall, the delicate lines and voluptuous flowers scream out for the sunshine.  I have love for the layers.  Let me guess...two screens?  Maybe three?  At any rate, it is a limited edition of 50 and you can purchase it directly from the artist for 15 pounds.  That's about 22 greenbacks.  So you can skip the withering lillys from the grocery in favor of this lovely arrangement from across the pond.  

Gocco Daily Fix from Paperday Studio

Heh Heh.  I'm tootin' my own horn here.  I really hadn't planned on it.  I was searching for images made with one of the larger sized Print Goccos and I came across my own.  So here it is: Knot Love.  I made it for Valentine's day but it's great for all year long! 

Tips and Tricks, Non-Riso Pens

This flickr find nearly got me misty-eyed.  Sometimes I can't believe how helpful the internet community is.  Candice Kimchee posted this fantastic test to flickr.  The image shows which non-Riso drug store pens work with Print Gocco.   I cherish my screens and bulbs too much to attempt this test, and now I don't have to!  Cheers to you, Candice Kimchee, my cyber-friend.

Gocco Daily Fix from Nateduval

I'm digging the hand-drawn Gocco print lately.  Hand-drawn and and hand-lettered.  This print from etsy seller nateduval has both.  It looks like he printed this with one screen and "marbled" or "rainbow-ed" the ink.  It's so great to see new and modern examples of techniques which look a little (ahem) cheesy in the old Riso "how-to-gocco" handbook. Enjoy.

How Much is Too Much?

I saw a recent flickr discussion post about supplies that made me chuckle.  Someone mentioned that printaddictjapan had replinishment sets for $25.  Didn't sound too bad until you figured out that the set was only for two screens and four bulbs!  That's roughly $12.50 per print. When I started using Print Gocco in 2002, the standard cost per print was $6.  Part of the draw of Print Gocco was that relatively low price. So, I ask you: as supplies begin to get more and more costly, how much is too much?  I don't think I would ever spend more than $10.00 per set to make a print, myself.  If I pay any more than that, it's better to just make my own stencil and screenprint.  It's messy and more time consuming but that's the related "price." It's a classic case of this-for-that.  Gocco is easier, but more costly than stencil screenprinting.  At what point does that high cost drawback outweigh the ease-of-use benefit?  I suppose it's different for each person.  Thoughts?

Gocco Daily Fix from xtinalamb

Flickr find!  I've seen this a few times but forgot to bookmark it in the past.  Luckily for me (and now you) I stumbled upon it today.  I think this is the largest (and perhaps most beautiful) image I've seen using Gocco so far.  It is 24X46 inches.  Xtinalamb hails from London and is a talented artist and designer.  View her Gocco photo set for the how-to on this beautiful over-layed print, and loads of other inspiration.