If you wanna make an impression with ink-block printing, an art form dating back to ninth-century China. A block print is an ink impression of a design carved into wood, linoleum, or other engravable material. Once you’ve cut out a design, you can use the block to make an unlimited number of identical prints.
You can even write a special note and make tons and tons of Christmas cards!
Ink block.
Every block print starts with an image. Choose a flower, a particular script, or even a drawing of your own. Use a photocopier to reduce or enlarge the image to fit the card of your choice. Cut ink block to approximate size of card, allowing for a border if desired. Lay tracing paper over design, securing the corners with tape if you wish, and trace with a pencil.
Brayer tool, available at art-supply stores
Linoleum-cutting tool, from Martha Stewart Crafts
Be very careful because it is SUPER sharp!
Block-printing ink, available at art-supply stores
Next, transfer image to block by placing paper facedown and rubbing the entire surface gently with your fingernail or the back of a spoon. Remember, the carving will be a mirror image of the finished print; only uncarved areas will pick up ink — not the image itself. (If you want the image to pick up the ink, as shown in the wedding-ring and small-leaf cards in the Introduction, cut away the background, so the image will be raised. For this technique, your ink block would not need to be as large as the card.)
Paper plate to roll the ink on with.
Carve design into block using a linoleum-cutting tool. Use a small blade to cut details and the large blade to carve away broad areas. Hold the cutter like a pencil, and use your other hand as a guide, keeping it clear of the blade’s path. Begin with shallow cuts; if you dig the cutter down into the block, it can cut all the way through.
Squeeze a dollop of block-printing ink onto a paper plate; roll the brayer tool over ink until thoroughly covered with a thin, even layer. Use brayer to coat the block with ink.
Plain store-bought cards, or assorted paper, from Martha Stewart Crafts
How easy was that!
You know I just HAD to add glitter in this baby!
This makes my heart smile! Do something different this year and make your own cards!
Wishing you a Friday FULL OF FUN, jaderbomb
Check out Martha’s original craft HERE and you can purchase Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts here!
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
