Printmaking is a very broad artistic term for creating images by carving into or building onto different surfaces, called 'blocks' or 'plates', e.g. Lino, wood, metal, cardboard or acetate. Depending on the surface you work on, depends on the type of image you'll end up with. Processes include dry-point etching, collagraph, silk screen, lino or woodblock prints.

A print is created by 'inking-up' the surface of the block or plate with printmaking ink and transferring the image onto surfaces like paper or fabric, often with the use of a printmaking press.

Many Printmaking techniques are still the traditional techniques used by artists over the past 500 years.

Printmaking is a method where the artist can create multiples of the same artwork by inking-up the surface as many times as they wish to create a limited edition. Because the artist can ink-up the block in different ways, with different colours etc, the outcomes can look slightly different and have a handmade quality about them.

Printmaking if perfect for making personal gifts, Christmas cards, gift tags or wrapping paper.

 

Carve out some time for yourself and create your own limited editions