3.21.2009

Gocco

I bought a Gocco (from a Japanese word loosely translated as "make-believe play") more than a year ago, and I've yet to use it. Mind you, when I learned that the manufacturer was going to stop making Gocco and shipping supplies to the U.S. in December 2008 (see here and here), I stocked up on inks, screens, and bulbs in a panic. But, nooooo, that didn't motivate me to actually use my Gocco. The Gocco and the supplies still sit on my shelf, untouched.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty visual when it comes to learning how to make something. But I also need to
hear the instructions -- for some reason, visuals without words don't seem to take -- so the best combination for me is both hearing the instructions and seeing the action.

So I was delighted when I came across this video (below) from Etsy Labs on YouTube. Not only does it promise that Gocco printing is insanely simple, but it shows this to be really, truly so. So for all of you who have been procrastinating about making Gocco prints (to use in your books, natch), you have no excuse now (I'm saying that to myself as well as to you). Get out your Gocco and print!

P.S. Here are some FAQs about Gocco, should you want to learn more. And for inspiration, the beautiful Gocco print shown above is by Yellena, who has some gocco prints among the work for sale in her Etsy shop. And here's a gorgeous multi-color Gocco print from nebo peklo and some lovely work from Two Guitars, including these cards:



Gocco Printing From Etsy Labs

8 comments:

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

How fun! I actually didn't know what the word meant and hadn't looked it up. I just liked it anyway. Gocco gocco gocco. Never tried though - I had a feeling it would be too messy to suit my taste. Is it messy?

♥ visit me at www.afiori.com

Sue said...

Good luck getting started with your Gocco. I'd love one and keep nearly taking the plunge. Looking forward to seeing what you make :-)

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Carol said...

Well, now I have to dig out my Gocco again and see what I can do. I've just done some workshops in Australia with Ed Hutchins (NY) and I'm completely inspired to use my Gocco to make small editions. Ed was a great teacher and I feel privileged to be able to have been in his classes.

Unknown said...

i love my gocco printer so much and am so sad that the supplies are pretty much gone now. you should really start using it-- you'll be addicted in no time!

Luna Levy said...

Love the Yellena gocco print. Oh yes, try it out. I don't have one, but I'd love to see your results :)

Luna Levy said...

Hi - in response to the paper/adhesive question... it depends on the paper and the surface. I sometimes even think it depends on the humidity and temperature. I have experimented with various adhesives... there is an acrylic adhesive made by Lascaux that works well, and bookbinding glues/supplies also help in avoiding crinkling. But it is tricky! Good luck and hope this helps!

Hi! I'm Wendi! said...

oooh - I'm so jealous! I've seen that video and it looks like so much fun, but the last thing I need in my studio is another piece of equipment. . .