DIY: making prints with linoleum

Printmaking is messy business, but the results can be satisfying and visually arresting, depending on the paper and carving technique you use.  All printmaking is indirect, meaning that you do the artwork on a piece of wood, linoleum, stone, metal plate, or such, then transfer it to paper.  Best of all, you don't need a press to transfer the linoleum print (or a woodblock print), but can use the back of a spoon, a brayer, or press the block down on the paper. Throughout this post are samples of linoleum prints (aka linocuts).

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A linocut by Redbud505, Keyword Pictures

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When transferring your artwork to paper, it's important to use the right ink.  If the ink is too thin or watery it will flow into the recesses of the design and transfer poorly, if at all.  Speedball is an established and well-respected brand in printing supplies and gives some good information.

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Jeff Moriber, "Coney Island Dreams"

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There are some really good how-to articles online about making linocuts.  At Make, take a looks at "Linocuts 101."  Hudson Hill posted a very good article at Instructables.  A group of articles/projects can also be found at Apartment Therapy.

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Michael Roman, "Rolleicord"

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For some ideas on other types of printmaking and a challenge or two, try DIY.org's Printmaker page.

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Michelle Han, "Brownstone Bloom"

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-- Marge