Linoleum resources update (see older "Block Printing Resources" for woodblock class followup

Linoleum block printing can use the same tools you use for woodblock printing (Powergrip like we use at Fireweed, or Flexcut, or a variety of other tools). But here are the links for recommended tools for intro soft linoleum/stamp carving class, including what you may have already purchased plus a variety of other ink, block, tool, and paper options.

Many links are for Dickblick.com but I encourage you to visit Wet Paint, MCAD Art Cellar (open to public), and Art Materials in the Twin Cities, or your local art supply store. It is VERY helpful to see your options in person and sweet to have art store expert advice! Especially key for paper!

Great book resource: “Rubber Stamping” by Stephen Fowler https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2017/07/07/stephen-fowler-printmaking-with-rubber-stamps/

layering colors with a “reduction print” from Stephen Fowler’s “Rubber Stamping” book

 

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Kit option:

Basic Speedball Kit with block, carving and printing tools.(includes black ink -see below for ink color sets)

Individual material and tool options, basics:

  • linoleum specific carving tools (speedball multiple tips, one tool, affordable, not easy to sharpen for use with wood but can be used here and there on wood) OR flexcut tools can be used for wood and lino like these

  • soft/easy cut lino blocks (Dick Blick and art stores have these options- at stores they can be pink, grey or blue too--they should be soft and bendy. Blue is for waterbased inks only, other colors can be used with oil or waterbased inks)

    • firmer linoleum comes unmounted (burlap back) or mounted to be “type high” (for letterpress printing, but also nice for holding/stamping and flatness).


  • ink brayer

  • black tube of ink and/or use stamp pads.
    Stamp pad option: try Yellow Owl ink pads (available from Wet Paint in St. Paul, and elsewhere online) b/c the pad sticks up out of the base for easy inking, and the ink can be used on fabric too!

  • Can use a utility knife, exacto, or scissors to cut shapes out of your block.

  • Tracing paper can be helpful for sketching your own drawings or things from books etc, then transferring to your block. That way you can see exactly what to rub or scribble over as you transfer (save your wrists). Remember to go over your drawing HARD with pencil, flip that onto the block, then rub or scribble FIRMLY on the back of this pencil drawing to transfer the graphite. Hold your paper firmly in one corner as you transfer and peek before removing the whole thing, so you can see if you need to rub more without smudging/moving the paper.

    OTHER INKS

    • Beginner/affordable Pick individual or sets of colors of speedball tubes here (beginner type inks) ** ink extenderhttps://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-water-soluble-block-printing-ink-extender/ can help stretch ink out and also keep it from drying as fast.

    • Nicer inks, water-washable but technically oil based colored inks (Caligo) or individual colors (more reliable color mixing etc) *THIS IS WHAT KERRI USED in class.

    • Fabric inks Speedball set for paper AND fabric (great for both applications, but esp. fabric)

    PAPER
    There are many many wonderful papers in the world for printmaking. You can also use most non-glossy papers, though "acid free" papers and printmaking-specific papers will deal with the moisture of ink better than say, light weight printer paper or construction paper. You can also play with printing on existing post cards and cards, or printing darker ink on some of your colorful paint prints (as applicable)