If gel printing is the playful, experimental cousin of printmaking, block and lino printing is its slightly more methodical (but equally nerdy) sibling. The process is beautifully simple: carve your design into a block, roll on some ink, press it to paper or fabric, and voilà, you’ve made a print. It’s satisfying, it’s meditative, and it comes with endless creative possibilities.
At Art Supply Center, we carry everything you need to get started, whether you’re cutting your very first block or you’re ready to tackle multi-color registration prints like the printmaking rockstar you are.
What You’ll Need
- Carving Tools – We’ve got all the Speedball carving tools you know and love (with different blade sizes so you can play with line thickness).
- Blocks – Choose from easy-cut blocks (softer, beginner-friendly) or traditional lino blocks (firmer, for finer detail).
- Inks – Standard printmaking inks, fabric inks for textiles, and all the colors you could possibly want.
- Paper & Cards – Strathmore printmaking pads, blank greeting cards, and other surfaces ready for your designs.
- Extras – Brayers (rollers) for inking, barens or spoons for pressing, and a steady surface to work on.
We’re always happy to help you mix and match supplies to fit your project, because not every block printer wants to carve the same way. (Some of us are detail-obsessed, others are here for bold, graphic shapes, both are valid printmaker moods.)
ASC Tips & Tricks for Better Prints
Clean As You Go: Ink builds up quickly. Wipe your tools, brayer, and block as needed to keep your lines sharp and your workspace less chaotic (we say “less,” not “totally clean,” we know our crowd).
Carving: Always carve away from your hand and use sharp blades. Softer blocks are beginner-friendly, but traditional lino holds detail better once you’re comfortable. Start with simple shapes and bold lines before moving into fine detail.
Brayer Prep: Don’t glob ink directly on your block, roll it out first. Spread ink onto a flat palette (a piece of plexiglass works great) and roll your brayer back and forth until the ink looks smooth and velvety, not streaky (you’ll begin to recognize the look, feel, and yes, even the sound for the right amount of coverage). That’s when it’s ready.
Even Inking: Less is often more. Too much ink can flood your design; too little won’t transfer well. Aim for a thin, consistent coat across your block. If your design is super intricate you may consider a blank ink pad and ink to get the thinnest (and still effective) coat ever.
Printing: If you don’t have a press, no problem. A baren, wooden spoon, or even the heel of your hand works to apply pressure. Experiment with different amounts until you find what pulls the cleanest print.
Paper Choices: Test on scrap paper first, then move to your “fancy” stock once you’re happy. Different papers absorb ink differently, so it’s worth experimenting.
Project Ideas to Try
Block printing doesn’t have to be limited to paper, you can take your designs just about anywhere. Here are a few of our favorite directions to explore:
Print on Paper
Paper is the classic choice, and for good reason, it shows off crisp detail and layers beautifully. Try making fine art prints, bold graphic posters, or patterned wrapping paper for gifts. You can even experiment with zines or collage by printing your blocks onto different types of paper, from smooth bristol to textured handmade sheets.
Print on Fabric
Fabric inks open up a whole new world. Carve a repeating pattern and print it across a tea towel or tote bag. Customize a t-shirt with your own design. The trick here is to heat-set the ink once it’s dry, so your masterpiece survives the wash. (Ask us how we know)
Print on Cards
Block printing on blank cards is a fantastic way to make your greetings more personal. Holiday cards, thank-you notes, birthday invites, each one becomes a small piece of art. The small format is forgiving, too, so you don’t have to carve an entire mural to make something impactful.
Play with Layers
Want to get nerdy? Try carving multiple blocks for different colors, then line them up in sequence to build a layered print. Or go loose and let blocks overlap for abstract, unexpected results. Every layer changes the story and sometimes the “happy accidents” are the best part.
And remember: each print you make is slightly different. Even with the same block, no two pieces are exactly alike. That’s part of the magic of printmaking.
Ink-Splattered Magic
Block and lino printing has that irresistible mix of old-school craft and DIY punk energy. It’s hands-on, tactile, and a little unpredictable (in the best way). There’s nothing quite like pulling your first print after carving for hours and seeing your design come to life in ink.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make multiples of your work, whether you’re creating gifts, cards, or a small run of prints for sale. And if you’re into pairing techniques, block prints look amazing layered over gel prints or collaged into mixed media projects.
Stop by Art Supply Center for everything you need to start block and lino printing: carving tools, blocks, inks, brayers, paper pads, blank cards, and fabric inks for all your textile experiments. Whether you’re printing holiday cards, decorating t-shirts, or just carving your first potato-inspired doodle, we’ll get you set up with the right supplies (and cheer you on every step of the way). As always, tag us at @ArtSupplyCenter, to show off your work!
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