Carving Tools
A good set of carving tools will change the game and last decades. We’ll be carving both rubber easy carve blocks, and later, tougher Linoleum blocks, so having tools that can handle both would be best. Cheap tools will make carving linoleum irritating and dangerous, so buy a decent set if you can afford it.
Palm Grip Carving Set by EC Lyons - $52.00 a nice, sharp set that will last years, and fits comfortably in the palm so you spend less energy carving. Available at Blick in Roswell.
Power Grip Set - $49.99 good, sturdy set that sharpens well. Handy carrying case. Available at Rockler in Kennesaw.
Flexcut Beginners Carving Set - $76.95 very sharp and easily sharpened. Very popular set. Also available as a cheaper, single exchangeable handle set $59.95. Available through Rockler.
Speedball Linoleum Cutters - $12.44 Student Budget set of replaceable cutting blades, with different profiles for a variety of marks. Least recommended, but plenty for easy carve blocks. Difficult to sharpen, not long-lasting but it will get the job done in a pinch. Available at Blick in Roswell.
Papers
Any fairly smooth paper will print well (our classroom will have a variety of papers to use), but if you want to buy your own, thinner papers will print easier by hand, with less pressure. Choose acid-free papers, think Drawing pads, for a long-lasting option. Specialty printmaking papers are most likely cotton rag and high quality, high price, but worthwhile for special prints.
Optional Speedball Printmaster Paper Pad, 9" x 12": $14.37 (85gsm)
Optional Stonehenge Sheets, 22” x 30”, (250 gsm): $4.19 per sheet, can be cut down to size for multiple sheets from one. Heavier paper, 100% cotton, prints well on an etching press.
Tools
There are a couple cutting mats available, and some basic watercolor sets and crayons for sketching with color. If you would like your own supplies, here are some options.
X-acto knife - very popular utility knife. Buy some #11 blades as they only stay sharp a short while. Both can be found at any craft store.
Optional: Any small colored pencil set, or at least three different color markers.
Optional: Cutting Mat, 12” x 18”
Supply Lists
Get a look at part of the block printing process! Check out the blog post for more info.
Intro to Block Printing
Below I’ve provided links to each item that can be purchased locally, in store (while supplies last, check before going).
All of these supplies can also be bought online at places like Dick Blick, or Amazon. You can buy alternatives, these are just my recommendations. Check out this blog post for some words on the process.
Monoprinting with the Basics, Fall II
(printing with an etching press)
Papers
We have a number of different types of paper available in the classroom to start printing with, but you may want to invest in a pad of paper for more consistent printing. Smooth papers work best. You can also purchase sheets individually to experiment with different surface textures, as well as using some The links below are well-suited to monoprinting on plexi.
Japanese Mulberry Sketchbook Paper, 30lb (45gsm), 12-1/8" x 18-1/8": $15.80 A smooth side and a rough side to each sheet, versatile. Thin but strong. 48 sheets per pad.
Speedball Printmaster Paper Pad, 9" x 12": $14.37 (85gsm)
Tools
X-acto knife - very popular utility knife. Buy some #11 blades as they only stay sharp a short while. Both can be found at any craft store.
Optional: Cutting Mat, 12” x 18”
Painting direct to plexiglass for a monotype - one version of what we can do in monoprinting (technically a monotype, or unique print).
Monoprinting with the Gel Press, TBD
Gel Press (Gel Plate)
You’ll need to supply your own gel plate for printing. It will last you a long time and can be used with a variety of techniques.
Gelli Arts Gel Press, 8 x 10 inches $27.55 - you can choose any size, but this is easy to find in stores and a decent size to start with. You can find this at Dick Blick, and some craft stores like Michaels.
*If you see a Speedball brand Gel Plate, avoid this brand! It was my first gel plate, and doesn’t take acrylic paint very well. Works fine with Akua inks that we will also be using, though.
Papers
We have a number of different types of paper available in the classroom to start printing with, but you may want to invest in a pad of paper for more consistent printing. Most papers will work well, so focus on buying acid-free such as a sketchbook. You can also purchase sheets individually to experiment with different surface textures. The links below are well-suited to printmaking processes.
Japanese Mulberry Sketchbook Paper, 30lb (45gsm), 12-1/8" x 18-1/8": $15.80 A smooth side and a rough side to each sheet, versatile. Thin but strong. 48 sheets per pad.
Speedball Printmaster Paper Pad, 9" x 12": $14.37 (85gsm)
Stonehenge Sheets, 22” x 30”, (250 gsm): $4.19 per sheet, can be cut down to size for multiple sheets from one. Heavier paper, 100% cotton, prints well on an etching press (like we’ll be using).
Tools
X-acto knife - $4.72 Very popular utility knife. Buy some #11 blades as they only stay sharp a short while. Both can be found at any craft store.
Optional: Cutting Mat, 12” x 18” $11.01
Painting direct to plexiglass (not gel press) for a monotype - one version of what we can do in monoprinting (technically a monotype, or unique print). With a gel press, you won’t need an etching press to print!
