Learn the basics of cutting linoleum for making your own prints while looking at examples of linocut prints that have been used to promote social change.

These tools can also be used to make art, cards, posters and gifts. Join us online for instructions.

We'll talk about print & protest, learn how to carve a linoleum block, and review the printing process. Students will receive a copy of the recording to refer back to when they're ready to print, since carving a block can take time. Common Press is available to answer questions after the workshop.

Tools & Supplies:

Purchase your own tools and you're set to work on more blocks over the months and years to come. Or Penn students, faculty and staff can request to borrow a toolkit from PennLibraries (shipped out February 12). We regret that we cannot ship toolkits outside the United States.

Supplies Needed:

1 linoleum block (any size but a 3" x 5" or 4" x 6" postcard-size is recommended; a mounted block can be most easily printed on our presses at a later date, but unmounted is fine for printing from home)

1 linoleum carving set

Block printing or "relief" ink that cleans up with water, single color

1 baren, or a wooden spoon 

1 soft rubber brayer

1 permanent marker, fine point recommended

paper - thin and smooth is best for hand printing. larger than your block.

1 sheet of wax paper larger than your block

highly recommended: 1 piece of rubber shelf liner at least the size of your block

You can find some examples of specific items to purchase here:

https://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/JBRBKXGY7KYK2/items/

Please note that I've provided multiple options for many items, for example there are three different linoleum block alternatives to account for any preferences on size and style, as well as inventory availability, but you only need one block for this workshop.