A Simple Guide to Block Printing for Beginners

Step into the enchanting world of block printing, where artistry meets tradition! Imagine carving intricate designs into wooden blocks, inking them with vibrant hues, and pressing them onto fabric or paper to create mesmerising, handcrafted patterns that tell a story with every print.

Discover the story behind woodblock printing, how long people have been doing it, and how to make your own DIY block printing stamps. Let’s ‘press’ on and explore the answers!

The earliest known forms of woodblock printing on paper are generally attributed to China, where the practice is believed to have begun around the seventh century AD, during the Tang Dynasty. It was likely inspired by older techniques of using seals to make impressions on clay and silk.

What historians believe to be the world’s oldest dated printed book was made by block printing. The endpapers of the Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist scripture unearthed in China in 1900 translates as, ‘Reverently made for universal free distribution by Wang Jie on behalf of his two parents on the fifteenth day of the fourth month of the ninth year of Xiantong’, which is 11th May 868.

Woodblock printing quickly spread throughout Asia and eventually into Europe. Over time, craftsmen refined their printmaking block techniques and discovered new materials for both blocks and inks, leading to the emergence of intricate textiles, religious prints, and fine art pieces. Perhaps the most famous example of a woodblock print is The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Japanese artist Hokusai in 1831.

Today, this artistic tradition continues to be reinvented by modern artisans who fuse contemporary designs with timeless methods. As a purely decorative art, DIY woodblock printing has gone in and out of fashion over the years, but has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, especially through social media. So without further ado, let’s find out about this amazing ancient artform.

If you want to know how to start woodblock printing, and how to make DIY block printing stamps, you’re going to need the right tools and materials. Keep in mind many of the processes involved in DIY block printing aren’t suitable for children, as some of the tools involved are very sharp.

When it comes to the tools of the trade, most of what you need will be available at your local hobby shop, but for some of the specialised tools, as well as the wood itself, you may need to go to a specialist shop. Here’s a list to help you get started.

Woodblock
You can use several different types of wood for block printing, including boxwood, lime, sycamore, birch, basswood and poplar.

Wood Carving Tools
Basic woodcarving gouges will work. A small V-gouge and a U-gouge are common starters.

Ink
Water-based inks are great for beginners because they dry quickly and are easy to clean up!

Brayer
A brayer is a hand tool – much like a roller – used to spread ink, paint, or glue in a consistent and even layer onto your wood block.

Pencil & Eraser
These are for you to sketch your design onto the wood block ready to be cut.

Baren
Traditionally made from bamboo, a baren is a flat-surfaced tool used in printmaking to apply pressure to a sheet of paper to transfer ink from a wooden block.

Paper
When you’re first starting out with woodblock printing, choose a paper that’s both easy to work with and capable of capturing clear, consistent impressions. In general, look for paper specifically designed for printmaking or suitable for relief printing. It’s also helpful to experiment with lightweight and heavier papers to see which texture and thickness best suits your style, ink type, and printing method. As you get more confident, you can branch out to more specialised papers like Japanese hosho paper, mulberry paper (known as masa), or rice paper.

Other Materials
The only other things you’ll need to start your DIY block printing journey are a cutting mat or piece of scrap wood to protect your work surface, and an apron or old clothes in case of ink spills.

To make DIY block printing stamps, and to start your block printing hobby, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Sketch Your Design
Draw a simple design on paper first. When you’re happy with it, lightly pencil it onto the surface of your woodblock. You can also trace it with a marker to define the areas to remain uncarved.

Carve The Block
Begin carving away the areas you don’t want to print. Start with shallow cuts and gradually remove material. Use the smaller gouge for fine lines and the larger one for clearing larger open areas. Take your time, carving slowly and carefully. Remember that the raised areas will receive ink, while the carved-away areas will remain blank.

Ink The Block
Once your block is fully carved, apply a thin layer of ink to a flat surface, then use the brayer to roll out and pick up a smooth, even coating of ink. Gently roll the ink onto your carved block, making sure all raised areas are covered – but not dripping – with ink.

Make Your Print
Place your paper carefully over the inked block. Use a baren or your hand with gentle, even pressure to transfer the ink from the carved surface to your paper. Then, lift your paper straight up to reveal your printed image.

That’s it, and you can do it as many times as you like on your piece of paper. Remember, practice makes perfect. Your first prints may not be exactly how you want them, but with experience, you’ll improve your technique and create more refined woodblock printing.

With these simple steps and tools, you can begin exploring the rewarding art of DIY block printing. As you get into it, you can try more intricate designs, experiment with different inks, or move on to more complex carving techniques.

Block printing is not only an enjoyable hobby, but also an accessible way for crafters of all abilities to explore their creativity. With just a few basic tools and materials, you can unleash your imagination, and start creating beautiful prints today!