Sat / Sun, Oct 19, 20, Sat 9-4, Sun 10-4.
More info, registration, supply list, photos at Whispering Woodlands – October Workshops.

This is an introductory level printmaking class. Explore how to make block prints using linoleum. Plan, draw and transfer your design, prep, cut and print a linoleum block without a press. Demonstrations will include: different ways to add color to your print, printing on fabric such as silk scarves printed by hand, and a 2-color card/print with basic registration.

hands use wooden spoon to rub/transfer ink from block onto mottled brown silk fabric

Printing small cicada linoleum block onto hand-dyed silk scarf


intricately patterned red and green scarves feature insects, chickens and other decorative motifs

Lino-printed silk scarves. Cicada design was printed by inking and then printing this small, quickly-carved cicada linoblock over and over. This technique of repetitively printing a small linocut is easy to print by hand, without a press.

Focus on a design for holiday or greeting cards if you’d like, giving it your personal touch. Or, consider printing on scarves or tees, with gift making in mind. A smaller block can be carved reasonably fast, and then used as a repetitive motif. Explore the power of the multiple in printmaking… by printing patterned motifs or printing repetitions on fabric and cards. (additional cost for silk scarves, or bring your own t-shirts, all are great affordable gifts)

clydesdales, linocut, lucky book

Clydesdales, Lexington, and Lucky Book
Print: 4x4in, Book: 2x2in.
1-color linocut, hand-carved rubber stamps on dyed/colored masa.


Make your design as simple or as complex as you’d like, but keep details to a minimum and/or size of block small so that you can finish cutting and printing before end of workshop. (5″ x 7″ – 4″ x 6″ ideal. No larger than 8″ x 10″).

Better understand the different substrates for cutting (different kinds of linoleum, rubber, wood, and synthetic materials), different papers for printing on, and the different tools you’ll need for different techniques/substrates.

NOTE: I include the Clydesdales, Lexington print/book above, to show some of the fun things you can do with a simple 1-color linocut (like we will be doing in class), dye and stamps.