How to: Linoleum Block

Linoleum block designs can be intricate or very easy.

Linoleum block printing is a combination of wood carving and stamping. Popular with many street artists, it can be very intricate or easy enough for beginners. The process is that of carving a design into the linoleum surface, mounted on a wooden block, in a reverse pattern -- or mirror image. The raised area left after carving is then inked and pressed on paper or fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Pencil
• Linoleum cutters
• Exacto knife
• Brayer
• Block-printing ink
• Inking plate
• Metal spoon
• Card stock

Instructions

1. 

   Draw your design.

   Create your design. Keep it simple and draw it to fit the size of block you're going to use. Leave about a one inch margin all around the design. If you're not an artist, reduce a simple image from a child's coloring book to fit your block. Turn the image over, to make it a reverse image and, with transfer paper between the image and linoleum block, trace the design onto block

2. 

   Remove all areas you don't want to print.

   Using your cutting tools, remove all the areas that you don't want to print. Don't rush this process. It takes time and patience and you need to be careful not to gouge yourself or your work surface.

3. Cut and fold your paper as needed. Use a ruler and pencil to mark off a guide for the area the linoleum block will print. Check to see that the block fits perfectly where you want it.

4. Spread ink evenly and thinly on your inking plate. Load the brayer with ink by rolling it smoothly across the inking plate. When the design is inked, align your paper and press the paper firmly -- but gently on linoleum block. Use a metal spoon in circular motions to press the paper against the inked design.

5. Gently lift the paper off of the linoleum block and set it aside to dry. If you're making more than one card, repeat the inking, stamping and drying process ,until you have all you need.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to print in more than one color, carve a block for each separate color.

References

• How To: Linoleum Block Printing
• Notes on Linoleum Block printing

Resources

• Kathe Welch