Linocut printing demo - without a press
Channel: Ellen Weadock
Date: 2023-08-23

This is a brief demonstration to show how to transfer an image to a piece of linoleum, carve the linoleum block, ink the block, and two methods of printing without a press.

Credit needs to go to my friend KRRRL (Karl Whitaker), who introduced me to using a balance board for printing. You can see his posts about his Bucket Exhibitions blogspot: https://bucketexhibitions.blogspot.com/ 

Because the carving requires sharp implements, please closely supervise children if you choose to include them in this activity.

In the first section, I neglected to note that after the image was transferred to the linoleum, I used a workable fixative spray to keep the image from smudging while I carved the block. If you choose to use this product, please do so sparingly and outdoors.

Materials mentioned in the video (or afterward here) are listed below. These are available in most art supply stores or on-line:

Tracing paper and carbon paper
Linoleum (not mounted, or without a backing)
Bench hook/inking plate, inks, brayers, linoleum cutting tools, etc.: https://www.speedballart.com/our-product-lines/speedball-printmaking/speedball-blockrelief-printing/speedball-block-printing-tools-accessories/
Fixative spray
Plexiglass sheet
Baby wipes
Reusable cleaning gloves
Standing desk balance board

The ink I used was Speedball professional relief ink, color Supergraphic black. This is a water-miscible, oil-based ink that can be easily cleaned with baby wipes, eliminating the requirement to use turpentine or mineral spirits.

If you want to view more of my work, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/works-by-weadock/home