Making Linoleum Block Prints

Linoleum blocks can be used to print cards, make your own wrapping paper or simply for art.

Supplies:

• Linoleum block of your chosen size (should be able to obtain these at you local craft store)
• Linoleum cutting tools
• Paper to print on
• Linoleum Block Paint
• Roller
• Plate for paint
• Tracing paper
• Pencil

First you draw the image you want on a piece of tissue paper the size of your block.

When you think the image is perfect turn it over and make the entire back black with a pencil (essentially you are making your own carbon paper by doing this)

Then turn it right way up and tape it to your block and trace your image again.

You can skip all these steps by just directly drawing the image on the block, but that does not allow for mistakes.

When the image is on the block you can start to carve.

You have two choices; you can carve each line on the block...

Or you can carve around your image...

Carving around the image as shown above can be harder and takes longer, but I like the outcome better.

Printing Using Your Linoleum Block

When you have finished carving, you can start to print. You can make corrections after you have made a print.

To make a print you want to put a pea-sized blob on paint on a plate and roll it out with the roller. When it gets tacky you can roll it on your block.

Roll on an even coat of paint. Then place it on the paper you want to print on, press hard then carefully turn it over and rub on the back of the paper to make sure the image transfers well.

Let your print dry. Now you can glue it on to another piece of paper to make a card, frame it, or print the same image multiple times on a large piece of paper and use it as wrapping paper.

Making Stamps with Insulating Foam

Another form of stamp you can make is with insulating foam. You can get this at your local hardware store. It is the insulating foam you can put around your door to keep cold air from coming in; it has tape on one side.

You will want to use foam that is fairly thick, so you will have room to cut out bigger shapes.

Cut out what shape you want, take off the paper stripping and place the foam on a block of wood.

Do the same steps as before for printing your image. This form of stamp does not last as long as the linoleum block but does not take nearly as much time to make. (Originally Published 12/28/2004)

About The Author:
Stella is currently a college student who works with children. She contributes craft ideas to ThriftyFun.com. If you have any craft ideas that you would like to share with Stella and ThriftyFun community, please submit them here: Click Here

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Making Linoleum Block Prints

This is real helpful thanks a lot.

Post By sara (Guest Post)

RE: Making Linoleum Block Prints

I learn lino printing at school and have to do an evaluation could I use some of your photos in it?
Marianna age 13

Post By Marianna (Guest Post)

RE: Making Linoleum Block Prints

Could you give me some good ideas of a drawing to put on one of these

Post By Laura (Guest Post)

RE: Making Linoleum Block Prints

Great Tutorial,

Thanks for sharing your tips & ideas with the rest of us. I certainly like your creative idea about "Making Stamps with Insulating Foam". Do you ever have a problem with the insulating foam's adhesive eventually failing to stick?

I'm a relief print artist myself and always look through the internet to find unique and creative ideas.

You have been a great inspiration.
Thanks Much,

Sassafrass Winter Solstice
SassafrassWinter.com

Post By Sassafrass Winter Solstice (Guest Post)

RE: Making Linoleum Block Prints

(Answer: sent in by email)
Hello,
I have never used or seen a wooden frame to secure the block in and do
not know it's advantages but you do not need it to create a linoleum
block like mine. With the blocks I have used I did not need to soften
it. One thing I did not make clear in my article is that you must use
block printing paint. I recently tried some acrylic paint and it did not
work. I tried to find these items at JoAnn fabrics and they did not
carry them but possibly Michael's craft store? Please feel free to ask
more questions, I'll try to answer them the best I can.
Stella

Post by ThriftyFun

RE: Making Linoleum Block Prints

(sent in by email)
I like your clear and easy instructions for linoleum block printing. I want to get started in it but don't know exactly what to buy. One website said you need to make a wooden frame to hold your linoleum block, but I see you don't use one. Also, I recall when I was a teenager (many years ago!) doing this, I had to soften the linoleum with an iron. Do you have to do that with today's materials? Thanks for a reply.

Post by ThriftyFun

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