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Block printing (also called Relief printing) is the process of carving patterns, shapes and designs into a 'block'. The 'block' could be made of wood, acrylic plastic sheet, lino (linoleum) or metal.

Different materials are suited to different results:

• metal or acrylic sheets can produce much finer lines with 'sharper' detail.
• wood and lino are more suited for bolder images.

The drawback with all of these materials is that each mark you make on the printing sheet will be printed – you cannot afford to make any mistakes.

Block prints are usually made with oil-based ink.

1. Apply the ink to a flat surface, eg an acrylic sheet.
2. Work the ink with a roller until it becomes 'sticky'.
3. Roll the ink onto the printing block. This will cover protruding surfaces, leaving recessed areas ink-free.
4. Use a clean roller or printing press to press the block onto the paper/surface of your final print.

Uses

Block printing can be used for many purposes, including:

• fine art prints
• printing lengths of fabrics (look at examples of Indian wood block prints)
• greetings cards

It is used for small to medium 'runs' of prints. Successful block prints range from bold, simple shapes and designs with limited colours, to more complicated designs using a number of different colours.

Block printing is good for making positive and negative images and repeating patterns.