Block printing is a subtractive form of relief art you start with a block, carve an image into it, and when that block is inked and pressed onto another surface, the reverse image is left
The MOIRAI
These sisters are the three fates who, in Greek mythology, control destiny & the thread of life
Clotho decides when someone is born, Lachesis measures the length & quality of life, and Atropos chooses their manner of death
How TO MAKE YOUR OWN Block Prints
hand-carving often unintentionally leaves small ridges behind that show up in the print; this is called “chatter”
You’ll need some basic supplies
A pencil & paper
rubber carving blocks
a lino cutter (I use Speedball)
alcohol ink pads
Speedball lino cutter & 5×7 rubber blocks
STEP ONE – DRAW & TRANSFER
Make a pencil drawing the size of your rubber block
Draw clearly and emphasize the lines you want to be copied
Turn the drawing over on the rubber block, HOLD IT VERY STILL, & apply decent pressure over the entire back of the drawing – this is called “burnishing”
I like to use the back of a wooden cooking spoon
(hint: lift the corner of the drawing up to see how well it’s transferring before completely removing it)
You will end up with a mirror image transfer of your original drawing!
STEP TWO – TRACE THE LINES
Using a ballpoint pen or thin permanent marker, trace over the lines, so they won’t rub away
Now’s the time to decide which areas you intend to carve, and which areas you’ll choose to leave intact
The parts you do NOT carve will print as solid shapes
The parts you DO carve are now your negative space
( yes, your words will be backwards )
STEP 3 – CARVING THE BLOCK
This is the fun part!
I like to begin with a #2 cutter, which carves a “V” shape
Unsure where to start?
Pick a spot you’re sure you want to be carved away (negative space), and work from the outside of the image inward
Take breaks, this part is tough on wrists
STEP 4 – PRINTING WITH INK
The moment of truth, the big payoff!
Using alcohol ink pads is a great starting point for beginners
The first time you ink your block, apply an even layer and let it dry for a moment
Apply another layer of ink evenly across the stamp
If you have a small stamp, turn the stamp over onto your paper, press down firmly, all over the block, multiple times
If you have a large, detailed stamp, carefully place the paper on top of the stamp and burnish with the back of the wooden spoon, being sure to hold the paper in the same place the whole time
You might find some areas you forgot to carve or need to fix, I always do
ISN’T IT BEAUTIFUL?
I’M SO PROUD!!
Remember to send me a picture of your print via taryncorbinart@gmail.com