Tools of the Trade: Lino

So if you want to start block/lino printing there are a few essential items that you need in your box first. Hopefully this will give you a few ideas of some simple resources (this is not extensive as there is some variety e.g. in lino blocks for example)

The Lino block:
This comes in different forms, there is a basic lino (often black or beige in colour) and this is soft cut and easy to use.

There is also a hessian backed block (which I personally am not a fan of, I find it more difficult to use and the times I have used it I find it does not print as well as the regular lino). Maybe it was the stuff I was using but my preference is the soft cut lino!

There is then transparent block. This is a little stiffer to cut than soft cut lino but this has one major bonus...it is transparent! So it makes it very easy to trace images should you want to...and believe me this is very useful!

You can buy lino in various sized blocks so decide what you want to print and which size you will need, it is very easy to cut using scissors so if you but a large block and find that you want to split it into a few smaller block this can be done really easily!

What I like about lino is that you can draw on it and trace onto it using tracing paper (as well as rub it out) if you use a soft pencil which makes cutting the desired image really easy!

Hope this helps when choosing your lino!

Introducing 'The Owlery'

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!

I would like to introduce 'The Owlery' which started as a block print project with my class in school. I am a special needs teacher and started to experiment with block printing and print making in my Art teaching. I soon got the bug and started to experiment with design and print making myself on a British Woodland theme which has resulted in The Owlery being born in October 2013! 

This is a forum to showcase my designs and chat about the process as well as the other wonderful things I find on twitter, pintrest and in the community!

I have also started some vintage inspired wedding designs for @VynJohns vintage wedding dress designers in Sheffield.

I am very active on twitter so search for @TheOwlerySheff for updates and feel free to get in touch with your comments and requests!