Get Started with Printmaking: Supply List
Share
There's no right or wrong tools when it comes to printmaking, but if you recently attended one of my workshops these are the tools you can purchase to get to printing at home!
The Basics
Speedball Linoleum Handle and Cutter
This tool is used to carve your block and the set includes 5 different blades to use.
Buy it on Blick or Buy it on Amazon
Speedball Speedy Carve Blocks
There are many options for blocks, but in our workshop we used this brand and style. It comes in a variety of sizes so pick the size that fits your project or buy a larger block to cut down.
Ink: Stamping Ink
Ink is where things change. The ink I use in my workshops is different than what you might use at home. If you want an easy-to-store option I recommend buying ink pads like Ranger Archival Ink Pads. They come in a variety of color options and are easy to put a lid on and store away. Drying time is quick and you can find a variety of colors at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Plus, you don't need any extra tools to get the ink out and onto your paper.
Buy a Kit
Instead of buying all the parts and pieces separately above, you can choose to buy a kit. This Speedball kit has everything you need to get started printing one color images. If you choose to go this route, you won't need to purchase any of the above items because they are included in the kit. The only thing you'll need is to find some old picture frame glass to roll your ink out onto.
Buy it on Blick or Buy it on Amazon
Adding Ink Colors to Your Kit
When you are ready to add more colors to your kit Speedball's Water Soluble Block Printing Ink is a great place to start.
If you want to take it a step further you can try the inks we used in our workshop. The Akua Intaglio Inks will dry quickly on nice thick paper and within the hour on thinner paper. If you choose to buy these, you will need an ink knife to get the ink out with.
Paper
For paper, I recommend visiting your favorite art store and trying different options! For cards you can try Michaels or for a pad of printmaking paper look at Blick.
How to Hand Pull Your Prints
In the workshop we used a simple cold roll laminator set up with a plywood board and felts to create your prints, but when I first started all I used was the back of a wooden spoon. This method is exactly how it sounds: you start by inking your block, lay your paper on top, place a sheet of sketch paper or newsprint on top to protect your nice paper and rub over the top of it with the back of a wooden spoon applying a little bit of pressure to help the ink transfer.