Some image editing software can “invert” your design, switching the black to white and vice versa. This can help you visualize the final design better. The same software can also “flip” or “mirror” images for you. If you have trouble drawing letters or images backwards, this software can help tremendously.

The ink on the back of the transfer paper will leave a “carbon copy” of your design on the surface of the block. When your design is fully transferred, carefully remove the tracing paper from your linoleum block.

It’s helpful to hold the linoleum block in 1 hand and hold the blade in the other. Just make sure that the blade is always pointing away from you, and that you’re never cutting toward your hand or your body. Instead of buying individual blades, purchase a tool set with multiple blades to choose from.

If you are printing onto fabric, use oil-based ink. Oil-based inks will stain clothes and surfaces, so prep your work area carefully. Put down cardboard or newspapers to avoid staining any surfaces, and wear old clothing that you don’t mind getting ink on.

It might take you a few tries to get your ink coverage perfect, and that’s okay! Many professional print-makers do test prints 2 to 3 times until they figure out the right coverage for their print.

If you’re using a small block, like a stamp-sized block, simply press the inked block onto your paper or fabric.

If you’re using a stamp-sized block, just pick the block back up off your paper or fabric.

While you wait for your design to dry, feel free to do more prints! You can print your design as many times as you’d like by following the same instructions above.

Mineral spirits can cause skin and eye irritation. Wear gloves when handling mineral spirits, and keep it away from your face and eyes. [12] X Research source Mineral spirits are flammable. Store your bottle of mineral spirits in a cool, dark spot to avoid any issues.

Different kinds of foam you find around your house, such as styrofoam, can work to make simple outline stamps. However, the denser, specially made “foamcore” available at craft stores will hold noticeably more surface detail and last much longer.

Remember that your design will print backwards! If you’re printing letters or numbers, draw them on backwards in order for them to be the right way round when printing.

Always cut away from your body and fingers!