Posted on by Rachel F

Do you want to add an extra special personal touch to your greetings? In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating your own custom lino block stamp for DIY holiday cards. It's a fun and creative project that will make your cards stand out from the rest.

What is a Lino Block Stamp?

A lino block stamp is a type of relief printing technique where a design is carved into a piece of linoleum. The carved areas will not hold ink, while the raised areas will transfer the ink onto paper. It's a simple and effective way to create unique and repeatable designs.

Materials You'll Need

Before you get started, gather the following materials:

  • Linoleum block
  • Carving tools
  • Pencil
  • Ink pad or Block Printing Ink
  • Blank cards or paper
  • Brayer (if using Block Printing Ink)

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to create your custom lino block stamp:

1. Sketch Your Design

Start by sketching your design on the linoleum block using a pencil. It's a bit tricky, but if you want writing or a specific direction to the design, you'll need to draw this backwards. Keep in mind that the areas you carve will not hold ink, so make sure to leave the areas you want to print raised.

2. Carve Your Design

Using the carving tools, carefully carve out the areas of your design that you want to remain white. Take your time and work slowly to avoid any mistakes. Remember, you can always remove more material, but you can't add it back.

3. Test Your Stamp

Before printing on your final cards, do a test print on a piece of scrap paper. This will help you identify any areas that need further carving or adjustments.

4. Ink Your Stamp

Once you're satisfied with your design, ink your stamp using an ink pad. If you have a brayer, you can use it to evenly distribute the ink on the stamp.

5. Print Your Cards

Now it's time to print your custom holiday cards! Place your inked stamp onto a blank card or paper, applying even pressure. Press down firmly and then lift the stamp straight up to avoid smudging.

6. Let it Dry

Allow the ink to dry completely before handling your printed cards. This will prevent any smudging or smearing.

Get Creative!

Now that you know how to create your own custom lino block stamp, the possibilities are endless! Experiment with different designs, colors, and papers to create unique holiday cards that will impress your friends and family. You can even make lino stamps to create fabric design and more! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your materials and start carving! Your DIY holiday cards will be the talk of the town this holiday season.