This drypoint card can be traced from a photograph into a simple line drawing. A mono-printed red breast is made with a swipe of an inky thumb and will be slightly different on each card you print!
This method uses a press but you can see a press-less method here.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-001-500.jpg)
Use a piece of drypoint plastic slightly smaller than the card you will be printing on. Tape the plastic over the image and trace it using an etching needle.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-002-500.jpg)
Use a wadded up piece of fabric to daub etching ink all over your drawing. Use a piece of mount board to scrape off the excess.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-003-500.jpg)
Wipe off the ink using a piece of scrim with a twisting action.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-004-500.jpg)
Clean any remaining ink off the plate with a cloth. Be careful not to take too much ink out of the lines.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-005-500.jpg)
Use your thumb to apply a smudge of red ink to the robin’s chest.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-006-500.jpg)
Dampen your card with a sponge. Blot it with a j-cloth to remove excess water. It should feel slightly damp but not wet. These cards are not thick enough to handle a proper soaking like we normally would do for intaglio printing.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-007-500.jpg)
Place the plate face up on the etching press. Place the card on top. Cover with the blankets and put through the press.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-008-500.jpg)
Lift the card to reveal your print.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Robin-009-500.jpg)
Ink up the plate as before ready for your next card.
To make this card you will need:
- White cards
- Drypoint Plastic
- Etching Needle
- Rag fabric
- Scrap of card
- Scrim
- Akua Intaglio Ink or Caligo Safe Wash Etching Ink
- Sponge
- J-cloth or blotting paper
- Etching press (or follow this method)