Carving Techniques
Hold the carving tool at a slight angle and push it into the lino at a consistent depth. Raise your wrist for a steeper angle to cut deeper.
Cut away from your hands and body for safety. Use a non-slip mat under the block to keep it stable.
For straight lines, stop the tool at the end of the line, lift it slightly, then pull it back to break off the lino shaving.
Rotate the block as you cut to create curves and circles. Move your whole body for more pronounced curves.
Use the corner of a V-shaped tool to carve triangles and the end of a U-shaped tool to make dots and semicircles.
Inking and Printing
Roll out a thin, even layer of ink on a smooth surface like glass or a slab.
Lift the roller as you roll back and forth to pick up just the right amount of ink.
Lay the paper over the inked block and rub firmly with a baren or wooden spoon to transfer the ink.
Print on dampened paper for a cleaner impression. Let the prints dry completely before stacking.
With the right techniques and a bit of practice, soft cut lino is a rewarding medium for making bold, graphic prints. Take your time carving and experiment with different tools and mark-making to develop your own style.
