How long does "Linocut Block Printing Workshop" take?

This quest typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.

What's the difficulty level?

This is a Beginner level quest and is family-friendly.

What does this quest cost?

Estimated required cost tier: $$.

What supplies do I need?

You'll need: Speedball Linoleum Cutter Set with Interchangeable Blades, Unmounted Linoleum Block (6x8 inch, pack of 2), Speedball Water-Based Block Printing Ink (Black, 5oz tube), 4-inch Hard Rubber Brayer, Japanese Baren or Wooden Spoon.

Linocut Block Printing Workshop

About This Quest

Carve your own designs into linoleum blocks and pull hand-printed art that's uniquely yours. Traditional printmaking technique you can master in an afternoon.

Linocut printing sits at the intersection of drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. You carve a mirror image of your design into a soft linoleum block using V-shaped gouges, roll ink across the raised surface, then press paper onto it to transfer the image. The satisfaction of peeling back that first print—seeing crisp lines and solid blacks emerge—hits different than digital art. Your hand pressure, the ink consistency, even slight variations in paper texture make each print subtly unique despite coming from the same block. The learning curve is forgiving. Simple geometric patterns and bold silhouettes work best for first attempts—think high-contrast designs with minimal fine detail. You'll nick yourself learning how to angle the gouge away from your hands (always carve away from your body), and your first block might have wobbly lines. That's part of it. By your third or fourth print, you'll feel the rhythm: ink the block evenly, position the paper, apply firm circular pressure with a wooden spoon or baren, lift carefully from one corner. Once you've carved a block, you can print it dozens of times. Mix ink colors, layer multiple blocks for multi-color prints, or experiment with different paper stocks. The block becomes a reusable stamp for greeting cards, zine covers, or fabric prints. Store finished blocks flat wrapped in newsprint—they'll last years if you don't gouge them accidentally while digging through your supplies.

Duration

2-3 hours

Estimated Cost

$30 - $60

Location

Indoor

Season

Year-round

Family Friendly

All ages welcome

Safety Tips

Store the unused Speedball lino cutters (#1, #2, #3, #5, #6) safely in the included red plastic handle's removable end storage compartment to prevent injuries and keep blades organized.

The baren's clear varnish coating on the bottom prevents surface marks during operation—ensure you're using the varnished side against your paper to avoid damaging prints and to reduce sliding resistance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Sketch your design on paper first—keep it simple with strong shapes and high contrast. Remember: text and asymmetric images need to be drawn backwards (mirror image) on the block.

Transfer your design to the 8-inch x 10-inch Speedball Battleship Grey linoleum block using graphite transfer paper, or draw directly on the block with a pencil. Shade the areas you want to carve away—those will stay white in the final print.

Secure the block on a non-slip surface. Start carving with the Speedball #1 cutter (smallest) from your 5-piece set, cutting outlines and details first. Always push the blade away from your hands and body. The linoleum should peel away in thin curls—if it crumbles, warm the block slightly with your hands.

Switch to the wider #5 or #6 cutters from your Speedball set to clear larger negative spaces. Don't worry about carving completely smooth—texture adds character. Test your progress by rolling a thin layer of ink over the block and checking which areas are raised.

Clean carved debris from the block with a soft brush. Squeeze a ribbon of Speedball screen printing ink onto a glass or acrylic palette. Roll the 4-inch rubber brayer through the ink until it sounds slightly tacky—evenly coated but not dripping. The durable, elastic rubber drum applies ink smoothly.

Roll ink across your carved block in multiple directions (vertical, then horizontal) using the 5.9 x 3.9 inch brayer to ensure even coverage. The raised areas should be fully coated while carved areas stay clean.

Position your paper carefully over the inked block—once it touches, don't shift it. Press firmly with the bamboo and wood baren using circular motions, working from center outward. The flat, smooth surface and ergonomic one-hand handle provide uniform pressure for 30-60 seconds.

Lift one corner of the paper slowly to check ink transfer. If coverage looks good, peel the print off smoothly. Lay it flat to dry for 15-20 minutes. If coverage is patchy, add more ink and try again with fresh paper.

Clean your block and tools immediately with soap and water since Speedball screen printing ink is water-based. Dried ink is nearly impossible to remove from brayers.

Print multiple copies while your block is inked, experimenting with different papers or ink colors. The Speedball ink works great on paper and cardboard. Store finished prints flat between newsprint sheets to prevent smudging.