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  • Using Pearl Ex Metallic Pigments to Enhance Linocuts

    Using Pearl Ex Metallic Pigments to Enhance Linocuts

    Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments are metallic pigments that can be mixed into printing inks, acrylics, oils, encaustics and loads more. As printmakers we were keen to see how they could be used in various printmaking ap. . . 
  • Meet The Maker - Rebecca Perdue

    Meet The Maker - Rebecca Perdue

    Hello! I'm Rebecca Perdue. I am a printmaker and artist based in a small garden studio in Wiltshire. I work primarily in linocut and monoprint, but also paint and make occasional silver jewellery pieces and textiles. I'm very interested in linking...

  • Introduction to Linocut Tools

    Introduction to Linocut Tools

    As printmakers, we know that having good tools can be a game changer when it comes to your printmaking practice. There are lots of lino and wood cutting tools to choose from so read on for a breakdown of the...

  • Choosing Printmaking Paper

    Choosing Printmaking Paper

    Choosing the paper for your printmaking project can have a significant impact on the way the print turns out. Changing the colour, thickness or tex. . . 

  • Glossary of Printmaking Terminology

    Glossary of Printmaking Terminology

    Scroll through the list below to find definitions and explanations of common printmaking terms: Acid-free – refers to papers that are made with an alkaline pulp, usually with calcium carbonate added. Acids contribute to the deterioration of paper and therefore of prints. Aisuki – a rounded, bevelled chisel tool used in Japanese Woodblock Printing, often …
  • Designing a Repeat Block by Hand

    Designing a Repeat Block by Hand

    Visualising what your design will look like when printed can be the hardest thing about designing a repeat pattern. We have a good method for sketching out your initial design to see how it will work when it is printed. For this project, we. . .
  • Easy Christmas Cards Six Ways

    Easy Christmas Cards Six Ways

    We’ve had a lot of fun this week working on easy, quick and fun ways to print your own Christmas cards! We’ve come up with six simple ways for you to try. Take a look at our instructions below and have a go yourself.   Bah Humbug Lino Printed Card This two-layered lino card is quick, …
  • Should I use Caligo Extender or Opaque White?

    Should I use Caligo Extender or Opaque White?

    When mixing shades of ink, we have the choice to dilute the colour with either Opaque White ink or Extender. Both of these give us different results so which should we choose? We have performed a few experiments to show the difference between mixing with Opaque White and Extender. We have used Cranfield Caligo Safe …
  • Transferring a Linocut to Inkjet Film using Adigraf Water Soluble Ink

    Transferring a Linocut to Inkjet Film using Adigraf Water Soluble Ink

    We have recently discovered that you can expose a screen with artwork made by transferring a linocut to inkjet film using a water based ink. Often when we want to convert our relief prints to screen prints we need to use some kind of digital programming to make this possible. With this technique there are no computers involved. . .

  • The Endless Possibilities of a Square Block Repeat

    The Endless Possibilities of a Square Block Repeat

    Using a simple square block can create a myriad of possibilities of pattern. We have used Speedy Carve and Versafine inks for this project. Cut a square from the Speedy Carve using a scalpel. Draw a quarter circle curve on the block using a pencil. Above the curve draw some simple lines fanning from the …
  • Using Hawthorn Process Colours

    Using Hawthorn Process Colours

    These are oil based inks that work beautifully for relief printing. We have a fantastic range of colours including the process range. Process colours are inks specially formulated to create a full spectrum of colours when mixed. There is a Process Yellow, Process Cyan (Blue) and …
  • Making a Multi-Block Linocut

    Making a Multi-Block Linocut

    A multi-block linocut uses more than one piece of lino to create a layered image. Usually, each block is inked with a separate colour. Where the colours overlap, another colour can be achieved. Multi-block linocuts allow you to partially print an edition and create complete test prints as you can go back to each block…
  • How to Design and Print a Half Drop Repeating Pattern

    How to Design and Print a Half Drop Repeating Pattern

    A half drop is a great way of creating a repeating pattern where the repeat is slightly obscured. It can make for a less gridded-looking structure and add complexity to your design. Here's a simple, analogue way to make one...
  • In the Studio 2022

    In the Studio 2022

    We have had the pleasure of hosting lots of new and exciting Fab Friday workshops and wonderful Guest Tutors in 2022, exploring a variety . . .
  • Using Schmincke Water-Based Inks to Create a Jigsaw Linocut

    Using Schmincke Water-Based Inks to Create a Jigsaw Linocut

    We love the range of colours that are available in Schmincke water-based inks. We’re creating a jigsaw linocut to allow us to use multiple colours of Schmincke ink in just one block! We are using Easy Carve Blue as it’s soft to cut up with a scalpel, making it ideal for a jigsaw linocut. To …
  • Making a Stamp with Japanese Transparent Stamp Carving Block

    Making a Stamp with Japanese Transparent Stamp Carving Block

    This new Japanese Transparent Stamp Carving Block enables you to carve your design and bake it in the oven until it appears clear. Clear stamps are so handy as they let you see where you’re printing! This is great for repeat patterns, accurate registration, multi-colour designs and lots more. Begin by tracing your design onto …
  • How to Design and Print a Straight Repeating Pattern

    How to Design and Print a Straight Repeating Pattern

    Here’s an easy way to design a repeat pattern (without using a computer) and to block print it on to fabric. We used MasterCut for our block because it’s an easy to cut stamping material that prints beautifully...
  • Speedball Block Printing Ink – Black and Extender

    Speedball Block Printing Ink – Black and Extender

    Speedball Block Printing Ink is a great water-based ink for relief printing! We love the combination of black and extender to make beautiful grey tones, like this graduated moon, made using the rainbow roll technique! Start by drawing your design onto a block. We are using a piece of Speedy Carve to create two blocks …
  • How to Block Print onto Fabric with Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink

    How to Block Print onto Fabric with Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink

    Speedball's Fabric Block Printing Ink creates a bold print onto fabric so you can create your own striking designs! We're using a piece of traditional lino to create our block and then printing it onto a piece of cloth to upholster a stool for the studio...
  • Linocut and Reduction Printmaking by Laura Boswell

    Linocut and Reduction Printmaking by Laura Boswell

    We’re thrilled to be able to stock Laura Boswell’s brand new book: Linocut and Reduction Printmaking. Laura Boswell is a leading printmaker, specialising in linocut and Japanese woodblock. You may have come across Laura at one of our printmaking workshops, or perhaps you’ve seen some of her fantastic how-to videos. This new book leads us …