Ever fancied lino printing, but not sure where to start? Wraptious artist Bells Scambler shares some tips and tricks for getting it right.
Step 1
First I sketch out my idea, then I draw the design on the computer using Adobe illustrator, so I’ve got a better idea of how it will come out. (You can just hand draw your design too, using a piece of plain paper.)
Step 2
I print the image out, then draw over the outline of the design. I use a soft pencil so that I can then flip the paper over on a piece of lino, tape it down, scribble on the back so the design transfers through.
Step 3
After I finish with pencil, I fill in the black colour parts in with a sharpie so it’s clear where to carve the lino away, and where to leave colour to come through. (The parts you carve away become the "white" spaces). I like to leave lines in my work, so even the white space has texture.
Step 4
I use lino cutting tools of different thicknesses for details in the lino. I first started lino printing at school, and the lino we used then was so hard you had to warm it up - but this lino I buy from a local company is much softer and easier to use.
Step 5
I then check the print using an ink pad, so I can test the design and make any changes before moving on to printing inks.
Step 6
When it looks right, I squeeze out some print making relief ink onto a piece of perspex, and use it as a palette - it helps me coat the roller evenly. I cover the cut side of the lino in ink.
Step 7
You can use the back of a wooden spoon to press the paper - I prefer to use a printing press. My dad made me this one - it's made from the runners of an old set of kitchen drawers, to create the sliding motion.
Step 8
I layer up the lino into the printing press, with felt and fabric to keep the pressure on the paper. I pull it through the roller slowly so the design transfers on to the paper evenly. And it's finished!
You can find and buy more of Bells' beautiful lino work on her Wraptious page
Or visit her website at http://www.bellsscambler.com/
Do you have any lino printing tips to share? We'd love to hear them! Tag us @wraptious :)
