DIY Mini Press: A Portable Art Press for Printmaking Enthusiasts

Revolutionizing Printmaking with the Halfwood Press

The DIY Mini Press is the only mini etching press kit in the world that comes with all the necessary parts and tools for assembly. In less than an hour, users can put together this portable press and start printing intaglio, relief, lithographic, stencil prints, as well as unique mono types and mono prints. Despite its small size, the DIY Mini Press is capable of producing professional-quality fine art prints in the hands of a skilled printmaker.

Designed with precision and functionality in mind, the DIY Mini Press is a testament to the marriage of aesthetics and practicality. The press features welded steel, precision rollers and bearings, and geared chain drives, all clad in fine woods that add a touch of elegance to its design. Brass appointments further enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the press.

Measuring just 38 mm in length, the DIY Mini Press is incredibly compact and portable. With an overall press width of 240 mm and a height of 270 mm, it can easily fit on any tabletop or work surface. The press bed has a length of 370 mm, a width of 153 mm, and a thickness of 50 mm, allowing for the use of plates up to 130 x 180 mm with small margins. The top roller raises to 25 mm from the bed, providing ample space for printing.

Printmaking with the DIY Mini Press is a simple and enjoyable process. Printers create printing plates with etched lines and textures, apply stiff inks to the plate, and wipe off the excess ink. The plate is then placed on the press bed, covered with damp, pliant paper, and the press wheel moves the bed between the rollers. As the paper is squeezed into the ink-filled incisions, the ink is transferred onto the paper fibers, resulting in a beautiful print. This mini press brings the printmaking experience to homes, schools, and recreational spaces, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The DIY Mini Press project began in 2004 in Seattle, USA. It followed the success of five larger models of the Halfwood Press, all of which received positive feedback from users. The decision to offer DIY etching press kits was driven by the desire to make printmaking more accessible and to educate people about the art form. More than 150 online videos were created to provide distance learning opportunities and further expand the reach of the DIY Mini Press.

Overcoming various creative, technical, and research challenges, the DIY Mini Press has become a versatile and beautiful tool for art, education, and craft hobbies. With its user-friendly design and professional-quality results, it has gained recognition and was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding expertise and innovation demonstrated by the DIY Mini Press, making it a must-have for printmaking enthusiasts around the world.