How to Use a Letterpress Print Block

Doing crafts with your kids is a great way to build your relationship.

Relief printing is a traditional form of printing using a block of wood or metal that has a raised image or letters on the back of it, a letterpress print block. Johannes Gutenberg, a German blacksmith, is credited with inventing the printing block and using it to print the first books available in Europe, although the art of hand block printing originated in China. Today we can use letterpress print blocks to create a variety of homemade crafts.

Things You'll Need

• Letterpress print blocks
• Ink pads or bottles of ink and large, rectangular plastic containers (one for each color you want to use)
• Blank paper
• Large wooden clipboard
• Used newspapers
• Old towels or rags

Instructions

1. Choose what you want to design. Pick a theme and buy the print blocks, inks and paper you need from a store such as JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts or Michaels. Use darker inks on lighter paper to obtain the best results. A thicker type of paper is better for making books, cards and posters.

2. Lay the newspapers out on the table or floor where you want to work. Since the inks can easily stain carpets and other fabrics, it's best to work in a garage or somewhere with a concrete floor. Arrange your inks and blocks off to the side.

3. Clip the first piece of paper you want to print to the clipboard. Make sure it's secure. Lay it flat on the ground or table. If you are using bottles of ink, pour an ample amount into a plastic container.

4. Dip the ink block, image side facing downward, into the ink and shake it lightly to release extra ink. Press the ink block evenly onto the paper starting from the left and moving to the right and using equal pressure. If you are using ink pads, use the same procedure, starting by pressing the block into the ink pad and, afterwards, onto the paper as noted.

   Repeat the process until you have achieved the design you want on the page.

5. Remove the paper from the clipboard and set aside to dry. Clip a new piece of paper to the clipboard and work on the next design.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't overuse the ink. Start with less ink than you think you will need and practice on scrap paper until you have the technique down.

• Beginners may find it easier to start with ink pads and move to using bottles of ink later.

• If you plan to do this with your kids, make sure to supervise during the process. It's easy to spill ink by accident or to smear a piece of paper with a freshly inked image on it.

References

• Gutenberg-Museum Mainz: History of Printing
• The Crafts and Artisans: Hand Block Printing
• Wood Print Blocks

Resources

• Damosel's Printers Blocks