Linoleum Block Printing
Linoleum block printing, which is also called linocut, is a 20th century refinement in the field of producing relief cuts and printing with them. This printing is basically a printmaking technique that involves a sheet of linoleum and a woodcut. Using this, the desired shapes or designs are carved on the linoleum surface, using a sharp knife or a gouge. This method leaves uncarved area depicting mirror image of the designs to print. This sheet is then attached to a roller, which is typically called brayer and then impressed on the desired fabric or paper. It is a simple method that can be performed by hands or using press and one of the most favorites amongst the kids too!
Linoleum Block Printing Ideas
Due to the durable qualities of linoleum, (which is made of linseed), there is a certain fineness in the texture of the linoleum block printing. It is also a fact that one single block can be used for making more than one print. Though this printing uses woodcuts, it is also important to remember that it differs greatly from the woodblock printing. Linoleum is easy to cut, compared to wood and as a result, it cannot sustain the pressure and tend to degrade faster than the wood printing boards. The tools include, cut sheets, a dryer for easing the cutting of the sheet, other small wood carving tools like chuck with replaceable blades, gouge in various sizes, v-venor blades and brayer.
One can get various colors by using separate blocks of linoleum for each color but, one can also make, what they call a 'reductive' print (like that of Pablo Picasso) and have many colors on a single block of linoleum. Another method of obtaining the linoleum cuts is the application of sodium hydroxide paste on its surface. This application creates a soft surface that can be printed in various techniques as intaglio, relief or reduction. Due to its easiness, it is often included in schools as a prime part of kids' craft projects. Children enjoy creating some beautiful printing molds and projects related to them as well.
Linoleum block printing is one of the most exciting of all the DIY arts and crafts projects. In short, they are several homemade 'rubber stamps' that could be used for printing various designs on different fabrics and papers of all sorts. It is a great 'food for thought' as well. One can easily get hold of linoleum sheets as they are inexpensive and extremely easy to use. All you need to do is to bring home some linoleum sheets and carve your design in REVERSED manner (mirror image) on it. There are numerous shapes and designs extending from letters to faces that one can try. It all depends on how creative one gets.
Printing Method
If you are not that good at drawing, then there are ready-made design templates available in markets, that you may like to try. For those, who are totally unaware of this printing, here is a simple example that would explain to you how to make a greeting card.
Material
- Ready to use linoleum block carving tool set
- Linoleum blocks and block inks
- Ink rollers
- Paper or card of the desired size and color
- Tracing papers
- Soft lead pencil
- Glass baking dishes (flat surfaced)
- Paper towels and clean rags
Pick the best design that you like, if you desire to print text, them make sure it is spelled right with no grammatical errors. Take the design in your hand and flip its side to place it on the linoleum block. Make sure that the pencil marks are downwards on the linoleum block. Tap down the borders of the design with a pencil (make sure the border marks are not too bold to overwhelm the design). Determine the size and place of the design you want to print. Trace the design from the back, without leaving a single detail and mark.
If you are using more than one color, then you would like to use more than one linoleum blocks for the sake of convenience. Once you are sure of having the whole design traced on the paper, then lift the paper from the linoleum block and put it aside. Place the linoleum block on a static surface and hold it tight with one hand. Use necessary carving tools and give shape to the block surface. Always use edging tool first so that you could get the outlines and straight lines, if any. Dust off the carved block with a clean rag.
Now pour some linoleum block ink onto the smoothed block surface and roll it, using the ink roller. Make sure to roll it until the ink is evenly spread. Set aside the roller and place the colored linoleum block on desired place on the paper chosen by you and press it very gently. Remember, too hard pressing of the block could ruin the fineness of your design and efforts. Now, let it dry and your greeting card made using linoleum block printing, is ready!
Once you get proficient in the basic linoleum block techniques then you can try more and difficult art projects, like T-shirt printing and large wallpapers as well! The key is to have a firm pair of hands and a little bit of patience that one needs to carve the linoleum blocks. Once you acquire both, then this carving project is a piece of cake for you.
