What You Need to Get Started
Before you start printing, make sure you’ve got the basics on hand. You’ll need a craft knife or linoleum cutter, a brayer (that’s the roller), some printing ink, and a block to carve either linoleum or foam, depending on how serious you want to get. Foam is great for beginners and quick projects. Linoleum gives you more control and detail once you’re ready to take it up a notch.
Set up a workspace that can take a bit of mess. A kitchen table works fine just cover it with newspaper or scrap paper. You’ll want a hard, flat surface for rolling out ink and pressing your prints.
Now, about the tools carving blades are sharp. Really sharp. Always cut away from your body. Take your time and keep your hands behind the blade path. Trust us, slowing down a little here makes sure you’re still creating tomorrow.
Project 1: Styrofoam Block Prints
If you’ve got a recycled food tray and a pencil, you’ve got what it takes to start printmaking. This is as low tech as it gets and that’s the point.
Grab a clean Styrofoam tray (the type meat or veggies come in), cut it into a flat sheet, and draw your design straight into the foam using a dull pencil or pen. You don’t need to press hard just enough to make a visible groove. Roll on some watercolor paint or block printing ink with a brayer, then press the inked foam onto a piece of paper. Use your hands or a clean roller to apply firm pressure. Pull the foam away, and your print is done.
This one’s ideal for kids, first timers, and anyone wanting to crank out simple designs, fast. Clean up’s easy: just wash your tray, roller, and hands with warm soapy water. No press, no mess.
Project 2: DIY Linocut Prints
If you’re ready to step it up from foam blocks, linocut is the next move. Start with the basics: a linoleum block (soft cut works well for beginners), a set of carving tools, and a small roller (called a brayer). You’ll also need block printing ink and some paper you don’t need anything fancy, but go for something with a little weight.
Sketch your design on the surface of the linoleum block using a pencil or erasable pen. Keep it simple: bold shapes and clean outlines work best, especially when you’re just starting out. When carving, go slowly and always cut away from your hands. Sharp tools plus rushing equals a bad time.
Once carved, roll an even layer of ink onto your block with the brayer. Then flip it and press onto your paper. A clean, firm press using a baren or even the back of a spoon helps transfer all that detail. Peel it back with confidence.
Want to save yourself some future effort? Set up an assembly line. Ink, press, peel, repeat. Printing multiples not only saves time but lets you experiment with color or paper types without starting from scratch.
Want to dig in deeper? Mastering Printmaking has step by steps and expert advice that go beyond the basics.
Project 3: Gel Plate Monotypes
Gel plate printing is one of the easiest and most satisfying techniques to try at home zero press required. Start with a gel printing plate (store bought or homemade), a few bottles of acrylic paint, and a stash of stencils or interesting textures like string, lace, or leaves. Roll a thin layer of paint over the plate, press in your stencil or texture, then press a sheet of paper down firmly. Peel it back, and you’ve got a one of a kind print.
The magic here is in the layering. Let each layer dry fully before adding the next, and you can build depth and detail without overcomplicating things. Think bold colors over neutrals, sharp lines under soft washes. No two prints will ever look the same which makes this a favorite for artists who like a bit of surprise.
Beyond wall art, monotypes are perfect for custom cards, collage backgrounds, journal pages, or even wrapping small gifts. This is one of those mediums that’s easy to learn, hard to mess up, and endlessly fun to explore.
Project 4: Leaf and Natural Object Printing
Bring the outdoors into your art studio with this tactile and naturally inspired printmaking method. Using simple materials like leaves and other plant textures, you can create striking, organic designs that are unique to each impression.
What to Collect
Head outside and gather a variety of natural materials:
Leaves with distinct veins (like maple, oak, or ferns)
Lacey florals or botanicals with detailed textures
Interesting grasses or seed pods
Dry or press your materials slightly for easier handling, but avoid brittle items that might crumble with ink.
How to Print with Nature
This process is simple, satisfying, and adaptable for use on both paper and fabric:
- Ink It Up: Roll a thin, even layer of ink onto a flat surface.
- Apply the Object: Gently press your leaf (or other natural object) into the ink until lightly coated.
- Transfer the Print: Position the inked side down on your desired surface, then press evenly with your hands or brayer.
- Reveal the Texture: Lift to reveal a detailed, earthy impression filled with organic character.
Where to Use It
Natural object printing works well across different surfaces:
Paper Prints: Use for cards, wall art, or journal pages
Fabric Printing: Try on cotton tea towels, tote bags, or even clothing panels
Why You’ll Love It
Adds a personal, seasonal feel to your prints
Combines craft with nature appreciation
No carving or cutting required
This is a great technique for experimentation and a low pressure starting point for beginners who want instant results without needing advanced tools.
Tips to Level Up Your Work
Explore these ideas to elevate your home printmaking practice and add more personality to each piece you create.
Start a Print Journal
Keeping a dedicated printmaking journal can help you:
Track which techniques you’ve tried
Note what worked (and what didn’t)
Record material combinations and ink results
Sketch ideas for future projects
This small habit can lead to big improvements over time.
Play with Texture and Materials
Don’t limit yourself to a single method or material. Try combining various elements to create more dynamic prints.
Mix linocuts with gel plate backgrounds
Overlay natural object prints on monotypes
Use stencils, found textures, or fabric scraps for unique effects
Layering not only enhances visual interest it often uncovers unexpected surprises.
Grow Your Skills on Your Schedule
Want to take your work further without leaving your home studio?
Explore new tools and techniques
Practice at your own pace with structured learning
One great way to stay inspired and keep improving is through guided resources like Mastering Printmaking, which offers tips, tricks, and in depth tutorials for artists at every level.
Keep Creating
Printmaking isn’t a one and done kind of hobby it’s a cycle. Once you’ve landed on a design you like, don’t stop at just one copy. Print in batches. This keeps your momentum going and gives you a stack of handmade pieces ready to become gifts, cards, or framed art. People love getting something personal. Bonus: you’ll get better with each run.
After you’re comfortable with a process or two, it’s worth mixing them. Layer monotypes over linocuts. Add texture from leaves on top of a gel plate print. Combining techniques opens up a ton of creative freedom and pushes your pieces past beginner level fast.
And above all, stay curious. Try new tools, new paper, new inks. Printmaking’s charm is in the unpredictability the accident that becomes your favorite detail. The only way to grow is to keep experimenting. Trust the process, but don’t baby it. Make a mess. Learn as you go.
Stepheno Yatesingers played a key role in shaping FLP Emblemable’s creative direction, contributing his keen eye for visual balance and artistic storytelling. His support in refining content, organizing resources, and enhancing the platform’s overall aesthetic helped ensure a seamless and inspiring experience for every visitor.