Printmaking

How to Make Multicolored Block Prints

Sane person's way: Carve one block, print it in black, and paint in the colors by hand.

My way: Carve a separate block for each color, using a wooden spoon for a press, print them

perfectly registered on top of each other.

Step 1: Get an image.

In this case a photo of

Roycroft Renaissance Master Embroiderer

Diane Ayres.

Step 2: Create a paint

by number type design

on tracing paper,

planning where each

color will be, and what

coloroverlaps what.

Step 3: Using carbon paper, transfer the design to linoleum blocks, one for

each color, BACKWARDS.

(Forgetting the backwards part will result in terrible remorse later.)

Step 4: Carve the blocks, one for each color, leaving only the parts that

should print.

block for gold

block for red

block for green

block for black

Step 5: Mix ink colors. Roll ink onto the block

to be printed first. Place paper on top, rub with a

wooden spoon (tightwad's printing press). Use

cheap paper because you are going to screw up.

Repeat with each block, placing block precisely

over image on paper. Curse heartily when best

efforts fail. Start over again until you get it right.

Step 6: Now get out the good paper and do it all

over again. If half of your prints come out

well, consider yourself a pro.

Step 7: Have a drink: you can now reproduce your

image the Old-Fashioned way. Toy with the idea of

switching to the Sane-Person's way.

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