How to Block Print at Home (Beginner Basics)

A few years back, a friend of mine sent me a video of someone block printing and said "I think you'd like this". At that point, I'd never heard of it before. But she was right - I was hooked. I loved the raw texture of these imperfect prints, and I want to show you how to make beautiful hand-made art as well!

At its core, block printing is about carving a design into a block, inking it, and transferring that image onto paper or fabric. It’s hands-on, imperfect in the best way, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re curious about how my prints are made or want to try it yourself at home, here’s a simple breakdown of the basics.

 

What is Block Printing?

Block printing (also called relief printing) involves carving away negative space from a block so the raised areas hold ink. When pressed onto paper, the inked surface creates a mirror image of your design. Each print is slightly unique, which is part of the charm.

 

Basic Materials for Block Printing

You don't need much to get started. 

• A pencil (to draw your design)
• A carving block
  
• Carving tools
• Block printing ink
• A soft rubber brayer (or roller)
• Smooth flat surface to roll ink (eg. acrylic sheet, glass or tin-foil covered book)
  
• Something to print on, like paper or greeting cards

 

How to Block Print

Step 1: Design your image

Using your pencil, draw a design onto your block. Be mindful that whatever you draw, you will print the reverse image. For example, if you are wanting to add text, make sure to draw it backwards on your block so it prints the correct orientation.

Step 2: Carve the block

Using your carving tool, at about a 45 degree angle, carve away the parts you do not want to print - this is known as your negative space. Whatever is left behind on the block is what will print. The carving tools are sharp so be cautious to carve away from yourself.

Beginner tip: If you're just starting out, I recommend using a rubber block (as opposed to a linoleum block or wood block) as the material is softer and easier to carve into.

Step 3: Ink the block

Squeeze a small amount of ink onto your glass, or other smooth flat surface. Using your brayer, pick up a very small amount of ink and roll it on another part of the glass to evenly coat the entire brayer with a thin layer of ink. Roll your ink covered brayer onto your block. Avoid over inking. If you're printing on fabric, you'll need to use fabric printing ink.

Beginner tip: Water-based ink is great to start out with, it dries faster and the cleanup is easier than oil-based inks.

Step 4: Print the block

Carefully lay your inked block onto paper. Using your fingers, apply pressure all over the backside of the block to transfer the image onto the paper. Be sure to press the edges! You can also use a tool called a baren or the back of a wooden spoon to help press the image.

Peel back a corner of the block to check if the ink is transferring well, then carefully peel back the block off the paper. You're welcome to carve away more of the block to refine the design or add detail. Otherwise, step back and admire your hand-printed art!

Why I Love Block Printing

Block printing is all about embracing the imperfection. Once you carve it, you can't undo it. There's something special about that - embracing the imperfection. 

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