Monoprints.

(Monotype)

Monoprinting is my favorite printing style.  As the name suggests, it is a style of printing which only allows for one off prints.  Though the same plate may be used to create "ghost" images or fainter (less inked) prints. 

The basic idea is to create an image on a glass or plastic plate using ink and water, one color or multiple colors. Then placing paper or cloth over the plate and using a burnisher to make the transfer permanent. You can also use a myriad of other hand tools to transfer different amounts of ink to the paper.  Using the back side of a spoon or back end of a paintbrush lines can be created in the ink. 

With all the different methods of applying ink to the plate, coupled with the different methods of transferring the ink to the paper makes monoprinting an extremely dynamic printing method.

The only downside to this style of printing would be the inability to make multiple, and consistent prints.  Though, for me, it is never about creating multiple prints, it is all about the process.  I feel that the actual creative process is what it is all about, so doing many different prints all on the fly without much preparation is a lot of fun.