Creating a Design
Since the beginning of this year I have been busy creating lino cuts for hand printing onto greetings cards. Many people are curious about the processes involved so I decided to write this blog.
To begin I choose my subject and draw it lightly in pencil. I try and simplify it thinking of the tools involved in cutting the design and how the lino will need to stand up to being printed numerous times.
Using tone and shapes I define different subjects through changing them from black to white depending on what is next to them. Take for example a silver birch, with it’s stark silvery bark it would be depicted mainly using white. Where it meets the sky however, it will likely appear darker than it’s surroundings like a silhouette, so be depicted in black where it meets the skyline. Using tone like this means there is always contrast between subjects. I then use black pen to finalise the design. Sometimes I change my mind, in these instances I simply redraw the area or subject I want to change on a small separate piece of paper and stick it over the top of the design till I am happy.
Preparing the Lino Block
Before I can transfer my image onto lino, I have to prepare it ready. To do this I stick it down onto a block of wood using strong glue and leave it to set overnight, sandwiched between boards with a weight on top. The following day, I give it a very light sand simply to remove some of the surface and create a grain that the ink can easily settle onto. Then I ink it up using water based ink just to make sure that the lino is completely even and there aren’t any dips. I have done this ever since I had an issue with one lino block. On this occasion, after inking up my lino, I discovered a fingerprint size area that hadn’t inked up despite being raised. This affected the print and couldn’t be rectified. But we all learn from experiences like this.
When I am satisfied with the design, I trace it using tracing paper and pen.
I then get my lino and tape a sheet of transfer paper over it so that when pressure is applied the carbon rubs off onto the lino.
Over this I then tape the traced image in reverse, so any writing will look back to front but when printed will be correct. Very important.
Now I trace over again to leave an imprint on the lino.
Carving the Lino Block
Once traced, I remove the sheets from the lino to reveal the image and am ready to begin carving. I place the block onto a bench hook to keep my block from slipping. Leaving the red shaded areas, I cut out the rest using a fine point tool for intricate areas before using larger tools for larger expanses of white.
It can take a while to cut out, I often do short bursts of it, remembering to keep sharpening my tools regularly to make cutting easy and less likely to slip. A SlipStrop is ideal for sharpening tools.
Inking up
Once the carving is complete, I give it a light brush over to remove any excess lino chippings from the surface. Then I roll onto it a layer of water based ink to to proof check the design.
Placing a sheet of plain paper carefully over the inked block, I use the back of a wooden spoon to apply pressure evenly over the block before removing the paper to reveal the imprint.
Printing onto Cards
Now the design has been checked I can print onto my cardstock. Here I have used a card with a texture to it, I like the luxury feel of textured cardstock and the affect it has on the image. This one creates a dappled impression that I find quite delightful.
The ink I use for my cards is Cranfield Caligo Safewash relief ink, it is easy to clean up without strong chemicals and has a lovely even, velvet finish. It does take a few days to dry.
Finally for my seal of approval, I add my stamp to the back. Sealed safely inside a recyclable glassine paper pouch with matching envelope, the card is ready to write in and send to loved ones.
Thank you for your time in reading this blog, I hope you found it inspiring.
My cards can be purchased from a lovely shop called Sussed in Porthcawl where you will find an emporium of local crafts and fair trade goods, well worth a visit.
My cards are also available in Giles Gallery in Pontyclun. A beautiful gallery with a wonderful selection of locally made art and craft.
If you can’t make it to either of these lovely shops, my handprinted cards and limited edition prints can be purchased online from my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GwensPrintPress