Carve & Print Your Own Linoleum Stamp Workshop

Learn to design and carve your own lino block stamp
for cards, art prints, or clothing.

What Students Will Learn

Students will leave the class knowing how to carve and print their own lino block design. The class will cover:

• how to craft a design for the stamp,
• ways to transfer to the design to the block,
• basics carving methods and techniques,
• how to roll up ink on a brayer and ink the block, and
• printing methods on paper and cloth without a press. 

“Everything was all set. Materials very well organized. We had great introduction to the process and use of materials and to design and composition to ensure that we were successful. Sufficient time to work was allotted and information about additional learning resources and materials was thoughtfully provided.”

– Workshop Student, January 2020

Who This Class is For

Complete beginners without any drawing experience will thrive in this class, but artists with experience in other art mediums will benefit from learning this new art form. Students should feel comfortable working with their hands and viewing small details on the linoleum block (bring your reading glasses). Sitting and standing, rolling up ink, and applying pressure to the block is required. The ink can stain clothing, students may want to bring an apron. The blade is sharp, therefore there is a small chance of injury for students who forget to cut away from their hand/body. This class is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Class Overview

• Introductions & overview
• Examples and types of cuts, tools, and materials
• What designs work best (remember to reverse it)
• Cutting techniques and practice
• Transferring the design to the block (some designs provided)
• Carving your design on your block
• Inking and printing on greeting cards and paper
• Troubleshooting

Time Commitment

The class runs for 2.5 hours with a flexible breaks as needed. Students may create their own 4×5 inch or smaller print design prior to the class and bring a printed copy to carve. Students may also bring other paper or fabric they want to print on as time allows.

What’s Included

Students will leave the class with a 4×6 inch block (unmounted battleship gray or easy carve material), and prints on paper cards, small muslin bags and a flour sack towel that they make in class.

Teacher will provide ink, brayers and plates for rolling up ink, spoons for rubbing, carbon and tracing paper, pencils, clean up supplies, example blocks and premade design options that are easy for a beginner to carve. A handout with instructions, examples, supply lists and resources is also provided.

The 2.5 hour workshop with hands-on instruction and take home materials and requires a minimum of 6 attendees and a maximum of 16 per workshop.

This workshop is best done indoors. Numerous 6-8 foot tables are needed, about 2-4 people can fit at a table. The ink will stain the tables so paper table cloths are recommended. A few trash cans and access to a sink or hose is required.

“Heather was extremely knowledgeable about printmaking and she shared her knowledgeable very effectively. She is also enthusiastic about art and encouraged us to explore our own artistic path. She gave kind and thoughtful feedback on our pieces. I will definitely take another class from this instructor.”

– Workshop Student, January 2020

Schedule a workshop

If this sounds like the right workshop for you, yey! Let’s talk!

We can discuss the needs of your group; timing, facilities, registrations, options, and budget. I’ll need at least a week to prepare materials for your event. Once we come to an agreement, I’ll put it all in writing and hold the dates on my calendar for you.

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