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Sometimes there is a need to print bleed prints from paper and block that are the same size. Of course the paper can be cut larger than the block, registering it to a standard registration board, then trimmed after printing. Or the block can contain registration marks (kento) and the paper can be cut larger than needed and, again trimmed after printing. But a quick solution allows to save time and paper by registering the edge of the block against the edge of a simple foamboard jig. Construction time is about 5 minutes and the registration jig is reuseable until it's too grungy, like mine in the picture! Click on any picture to get a somewhat larger version in another window. Using the Jig
The registration jig with "bleed adapters" glued to the inside corners. The black foamboard is so that I see the contrast and make it easier to place the paper.
Inside corner view.
Block placed against the jig.
Paper placed on block against the jig. More pictures of this coming up.
Placing block against the jig.
Placing paper against jig on top of block. Notice in above pictures that I left the corner open so that my thumb/index can easily fit in the corner without bumping against the jig.
Making the jig
I use standard foam-board scraps, cut in 2" strips, length doesn't much matter as long as it is larger than the block/paper.
Place two foamboard pieces at an exact square with a bead of glue (white glue) at the edge of the piece marked with an arrow. I didn't picture this but I use the same block I will be printing from to make the square. This way I'm sure the jig will fit the block exactly. If your blocks and paper are always perfectly square, then a metal square can be used to form the jig.
Next two pieces are placed on top of the first two over a layer of glue. Alternate the pieces so that the long piece overlaps the short piece. See this picture and the next. In this picture, the "short" piece is butted against the "long" piece, both marked with arrows. In the last and next pictures, the pattern is alternated.
Third layer, again glue alternating long and short so that the corner is strong and stable.
Here is a detail of the alternating pattern. Obviously these aren't glued; I just placed some pieces together and separated them so that the pattern is readily visible. The jig is basically done! you can glue some "inside bleed strips" of foam-board to the inside corners like I did on the first few pictures under "Using the Jig". These inside strips help lay down the paper smoothly as the smooth side of the foamboard will not catch the edge of the paper. If using for a print with margins, just glue additional foamboard strips on top of the jig, as far away from the inside edges as you need the margin to be. Again, look at the first few pictures for reference. |
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