In this blog we will show you three lovely linocut projects. Each project builds on the same basic lino cutting technique but ends in a wholly different result. After all, linoleum art is not limited to prints on paper, it opens a whole world of possibilities!
The first step in any project is to gather the materials. For the projects in this blog, and for most lino projects, you will need:
Sketch your design on the linoleum sheet.
It does not have to be a very clean sketch, as it will not be visible in the end. It just needs to be clear enough to see where to carve.
When you are happy with the design, you can start carving away the linoleum. Be careful, the tools are sharp! It is important to remember that everything that is not cut away, will show up in your design. You need to think a little in reverse, for this!
Once you are happy with the cut, you can start the printing process.
Put a little bit of paint onto a tear-off pallet or other smooth surface. Make sure your brayer is completely covered in a nice layer of paint. Roll it gently over the linoleum, without too much pressure, to make sure everything is coated.
Take your painted lino stamp and press it firmly onto the paper.
Press thoroughly on every corner to make sure the paint touches the surface. You can add a new coat of paint if you want to make more prints. Let the paint dry for at least 30 minutes.
When you are done, or want to switch colours, wipe most of the paint off with a damp cloth and wash off the residue with water. Store the lino stamp away for future use.
Besides paper, you can easily stamp your design onto anything textile so long as you use textile paint. For example, a tote bag!
Make sure your bag is washed without fabric softener and completely dry. Insert a piece of carboard underneath the area you will paint to prevent the paint from bleeding through to the back of the bag.
Next, paint your design with textile paint. If you want a design with one colour, you can use the brayer. If you want different colours, you can use a brush for a more precise application. Press the design firmly onto the tote and let dry for 30 minutes.
Another fun way to use a lino design, is to create a notebook cover with it.
Using the same methods as before—sketching, carving, and painting the stamp with a brayer or a brush—you can create your own custom notebook. If needed, you can add details or do corrections with a fine liner.
All designs in this blog are made by Margreet Bunt Dekker.
