Paper Block Printing Class

With Lucy Holtsnider

Please bring a simple, high-contrast 4" x 6" (or smaller) image to work from. 

Create a stunning two-color print from a single block in this hands-on workshop. This class introduces reductive printmaking, a technique where you progressively carve and print a single linoleum block in stages, layering colors to build a complex image. Using simple, non-toxic materials, you’ll learn skills that you can easily use at home without a press. No drawing experience is necessary to create a beautiful edition of prints. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, discover a new creative art, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make & Take Home:

• You'll create 10 two-color prints on high-quality paper. Your finished artwork will be perfect for framing, gifting, or starting your own print collection. 

• You'll also take home the materials to make more of your prints, including an instruction and materials sheet, 10 5x7" sheets of card stock, one 4x6" block of linoleum, and ink.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

• Designing an image for the reductive printmaking process

• Transferring a design onto a linoleum block

• Learning the reductive carving technique on a single block

• Understanding how to layer colors effectively

• Properly inking a block and hand-printing on paper

• Safe and effective carving techniques

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

• Linocut carving tools, linoleum blocks, brayers (ink rollers), barens (for hand-printing), and bench hooks.

Class Outline:

1. Design & Transfer: Introduction to the reductive method, adapting your image for a two-color print, and transferring the design to your block.

2. First Layer: Carving away the areas for your first color and printing your first edition of prints.

3. Second Layer: Further carving the same block to create the design for the second color, then printing directly on top of your first layer to complete your image.

4. Wrap-Up: Review of the process, tips for drying prints, resource sharing for at-home practice, and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

• Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

• Class Capacity: 7 maximum, 3 minimum

• Materials Provided?: Bring a 4 x 6" image of what you'd like to print.

• Age Limit: 13+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

• Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

• Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

• Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Be prepared to get a little dirty.