10 steps to being successful in the art of block printing

This blog is partially sponsored by speedball arts. Most of the products were purchased in 2018 when I started block printing. All opinions, ideas, and images are my own.

Dear beginning block print artist, I have some great news for you! Do you want me to spill the beans?! Okay, drum roll, please, with additional horns!

Block printing isn’t that scary! Omg, I actually said it! I mean, it can be if you cut with the carving tool facing your body, but for the most part, it’s not too bad. The main thing to learn as someone embarking on the block printing journey is…you guessed it – proper technique.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of learning the ins and outs of this wonderful art form. I totally believe that anyone can join the block printing party as long as they understand the basics. I’m excited to share my top 10 steps to help you take the block printing world by storm! Okay, get right to it!

Step 1. Purchase quality supplies.

Choosing the right supplies when embarking on any creative journey can be really important, especially if you want to get great results. Depending on where you live, you should be able to find a block-printing kit at your local art store or on Amazon. I purchased my first kit in 2018 from my local Blick store; here’s the kit.

Step 2. Carve away from your body.

No matter where you look on the internet, you will find this advice. Please carve away from your body. That’s it, just do it!

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Please don’t carve in this matter. It’s very easy to slip and injure yourself.

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The image below shows the best way to carve a block, which is carving away from your body while standing and using a bench hook. This bench hook is included in the speedball kit.

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Step 3. Go slower than slow.

I say this from experience, go slow, folks! When you’re carving a block, you will get excited, especially for the first time. Unfortunately, where there is excitement, there will soon be an “ouch!”. So, once again, I say to you, go slow and enjoy the process.

Step 4. Sorry! You make knick yourself, so keep the bandaids close.

Wait… I know you’re wondering why this step is even included, but I had to be honest. If you’re honest with yourself, you won’t fully run away from the learning experience once it happens. I say, “Keep the bandaids close and the tissue closer”.

Step 5. Basic shapes are the way to go!

Create simple patterns first, then advance into more intricate designs. You don’t need to attempt a large piece right now, so just push that out of your head. As an absolute beginner, it’s best to start small with a design that won’t take too much time. After all, you want to see if you even like block printing in the first place, right? Here are a few pictures of my patterned blocks.

Step 6. Reverse, that’s right, Reverse.

Copying your pattern in reverse is one of those things that I constantly have to remind myself of, but it’s the same for other types of crafting too. Just sing the “Cha-Cha slide” lyrics “Reverse! Reverse!” as a reminder, and you’ll be okay! Here’s the link to the song if you want to jam out in advance. At 3:03-3:35, you’ll hear the line! 😂

Step 7. Don’t carve too deep, at least not yet.

Now there’s nothing wrong with carving deep, but I think it’s important to make sure your pattern can stamp clearly first. I like to use my Misti stamping tool to check my design before doing a final deep carve.

Step 8. Tracing can be a breeze if you use a paint medium.

Most people start off using a 6B pencil for tracing, but if you decide to design intricate patterns or people, acrylic paint mediums will assist you better. It does require additional supplies, but it’s worth it because the technique will keep your details intact. Here’s a link to a good tutorial.

Step 9. Use a bench hook plate and your index finger to stabilize your hands while carving.

A bench hook plate is an invaluable tool for carving smaller blocks because it helps to stabilize the block and allows you to use both hands during the carving process. If you decide to stick with block printing and create larger prints, it won’t be realistic to use a plate unless you build it to size.

Step 10. Be ready to learn and make mistakes.

When you learn anything new, there will be tough and aggravating moments, but that’s a part of life. Take the good with the bad and decide if the stress of the process is worth enduring to grow.

🚨Extra Advice: Be sure to carve at a leveled angle, don’t stab the block. The goal is to carve on top of the block; not poke a hole through it.