DIY Greeting Cards: Linoleum Block Printing (April 2016)

The graphic look of handcarved relief prints make perfect greeting cards. This ancient art form, similar to stamping, uses a carving tools called gauges to create an image in relief. Using ink and a press, the image can be transferred onto paper to make greeting cards (and much much more).

Beginning with iconic images, traditional motifs, flora, fauna, festive patterns and stylized hand lettering, students will learn from an expert printmaking how to visualize and create a design and that will work well as a print. Students will learn how to carve a linoleum block using a set of carving tools, and how to print using oil-based inks. Each participant will use the printing press to create a set of their own greeting cards ready to mail to friends and family.