About Beginner Block Print

 

What is Block Print

Block print is a type of relief printmaking, a technique where a design is printed onto paper or fabric using one or more carved blocks. The process involves carving a design into the material (wood, linoleum, rubber) leaving the design raised. Ink is applied to the block surface and the carved block is pressed onto paper or fabric to transfer the design.

This process is thousands of years old. It is time intensive and requires no modern technology.

Block Print Process in this Beginner Block Print Workshop

This workshop will be broken down into 3 portions:

Sketch

Sketching for block print involves making a map of what you will carve away. The drawing doesn’t have to be perfect or detailed, sometimes it’s easier to add textures with carving tools on top of the basic forms.

The inspiration for this workshop is wildlife and nature!  There will be reference photos to choose from. The inspiration is only in place to avoid getting stuck, you can make anything you want.

Some pre-prepared designs will be available for anyone that wants to skip the sketching step and jump right in to carving.

Carve

We will work with rubber carving blocks (Speedball Speedy Carve) in a 4×6″ format. Speedy Carve blocks are  relaxing to carve, easy on the hands and wrists. As the name suggests, these rubber blocks have a quick carve time. You will have a Speedball carving tool with an assortment of blades which is great for experimenting with different shapes and sizes.

Print

There will be two ink options provided to try. First option is a beginner Speedball water-soluble ink, which requires rolling the ink onto the block surface with a brayer. This is a traditional and fun method which can take some practice to get just right.

The second option will be Archival Ink. Archival Ink is a great option to use for quick test prints or finished prints, it’s applied via an ink pad just like any stamp.

We will print our designs on a handmade Lokta paper. Lokta paper has a beautiful texture which feels satisfying to the touch and brings a warm texture to indoor spaces. You will leave with several prints of your design in 5×7″ format.

What you Take Home

You will take home your carved block and your fresh prints. The ink we are using dries quickly and will be dry to the touch by the end of the workshop.

Why Block Print

Block print is incredibly approachable and can be practiced by all, regardless of how artistic you feel you may or may not be. There is a relaxing aspect of carving and working with your hands which many people can benefit from, both artists and non-artists alike.

It’s a practical form of art that you can continue to practice after this beginner block print workshop. The cleanup can be kept easy with strategic ink choices. The process can be broken up into stages with clear stopping points which allow for integrating block-print into a busy daily routine where longer forms of art may feel impossible.

About your Instructor

Creative Workshops will be led by Anne (@troublingvisions). Anne is a self-taught block print artist. This class is tailored to toward true beginners – if you are looking to try something new, do something with your hands, or break out of your routine.

Read more about your instructor here.

Class Policies

Tickets are FINAL SALE, NON-REFUNDABLE, and NON-TRANSFERABLE to other classes. To reach out about transferring your ticket to another person to attend the class in your place follow instructions in your confirmation email.

You will be required to sign a waiver at the start of class regarding the risks of working with sharp tools.

In the event of class cancellation, we will email you to notify you of a canceled class and all tickets will be refunded automatically.