14. Hand-Carved Block Print Cards
What This Idea Means
Block printing involves carving designs into soft linoleum or rubber blocks, applying ink, and stamping the images onto paper goods. Crafters create bespoke stationery, greeting cards, and art prints featuring repeating geometric or organic patterns.
How to Make It
- Draw a original design onto tracing paper using a soft graphite pencil.
- Flip the paper over onto a soft rubber carving block and rub firmly to transfer the pencil ink image in reverse.
- Use a lino-cutter fitted with a small V-shaped blade to carve away the background, leaving the main design lines raised.
- Squeeze block printing ink onto an inking plate and roll a rubber brayer through it until thinly and evenly coated.
- Roll the inked brayer over the carved rubber block surface.
- Press the inked block firmly onto heavy cardstock, apply even pressure across the back, and lift cleanly away.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Always carve away from your hands and fingers to maintain safety while using sharp lino blades.
- Variation: Stamp prints onto linen tea towels or cotton fabric using specialized fabric block printing inks.
What You Need
- Soft rubber carving blocks
- Lino-cutting tool with interchangeable blades
- Block printing ink (water-based)
- Rubber brayer (roller)
- Blank cardstock notes and envelopes
