How to Make Linoleum Block Prints

Linoleum block printing is a craft that dates back to the early 1920s. The artist uses a piece of linoleum that is mounted on a wood block to create a carved picture. It is similar to wood-block carving; however, because linoleum is much softer, it is easier to carve. It is a craft that is easy for all ages and is a traditional elementary school art project. It is also used in scrapbooking and creating homemade greeting cards.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Linoleum block Linoleum cutting tools Paint Roller Tissue paper Pencil

1. Create the design for your linoleum block on a piece of tissue paper.

2. Flip the tissue paper over and shade in the entire surface with pencil. Hold the pencil on an angle and move back and forth across the paper, shading until there is no white space left. This makes a homemade carbon paper.

3. Flip the paper back over and tape it to linoleum block. Trace over your design to transfer it onto the block. Remove the paper once you have finished tracing the design.

4. Carve the design using linoleum-cutting tools. You can either outline your image and leave the background flat and without a lot of details or carve out the background to create a raised image.

5. Roll paint onto a linoleum roller and transfer onto block image. Run the roller across image until the entire surface is covered with paint.

6. Flip the block onto a piece of paper and press firmly on its back. Lift the block off the paper and uncover your image.

Tips & Warnings

• Include any background markings you want on your final design. Linoleum blocks and carving tools can be purchased at a local craft store.
• Be very careful with carving tools since they are very sharp.