Block Printing & Linocut
Carve once. Print many.
Block printing means carving a design into a soft block of linoleum or rubber, rolling ink onto it, and pressing it onto paper or fabric. Once your block is carved, you can print dozens of cards, prints, or tea towels.
The carving is the slow part. The printing is the fast part. Most beginners start with linoleum cutters and soft-carve rubber, since it's easier on the hands than traditional linoleum.
Mistakes are permanent. Once you carve away material, it's gone. Plan in pencil before you cut.
You’ll love block printing & linocut if…
- you want one carving to produce dozens of cards or prints.
- you like the idea of a tool kit that fits in a drawer.
- your hands need a gentler version of traditional linoleum carving.
What you'll need to get started
Linocut beginner kit
Carving tools, a few rubber blocks, ink, and a roller. Everything to make your first print.
Soft-carve rubber blocks
Easier to carve than traditional lino. Buy a stack so you can experiment without rationing.
Block printing for beginners
Walks through carving technique, ink choices, and printing methods. Worth reading before you ruin a block.
Block printing baren
A flat hand tool that applies even pressure when printing without a press. Better prints than rubbing with a spoon.
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