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Basic Instructions for carving woodblocks

Lightly sand the surface of your block.

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You will need: xacto knife and 1-2 woodblock carving tools

Write your name, phone and email on back of block with sharpie.

 

Paint one side of  your block with thinned-out ink or acrylic paint.

The colored surface of your block allows better contrast to see where you have carved.

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Use a sharpie or soft marker to draw on your block. Pencils and pens can leave a slight indentation on your block, which might pick up when printed. 

Use an xacto blade to outline the

edges of your drawing.

BE SURE to always angle your blades and gouges away from you, and carve away from your hands, fingers, etc.

Carve the block with any wood carving tool. A shallow "U" gouge generally works well for these small pieces. A small "V" gouge can be used to add details or shading.

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Tools

I work mainly with Flexcut gouges. I bought a beginner set about 20 years ago, and they have held up nicely. You can buy a set or individual blades. I have worked with other less expensive brands as well. They do well, as long as you make sure they are sharp. Blicks, other retail outlets. 

https://www.dickblick.com/products/flexcut-beginners-palm-set/

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I recently purchased a beautiful Japanese U gouge from McClain's. McClain's is the go-to place for everything a relief printmaker could dream of. Seriously drool-worthy. Plus, they feature a ton of artists in their catalog, which is really cool. 

http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/woodblocktools/index.html

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Video:

Here's a short introductory video for a quick overview of relief printmaking, from those cool people at Minneapolis Institute of Art.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0skLwaFpn0

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After carving, I print out a first "proof" and look for areas I want to clean up or adjust. After a few adjustments, this block will be ready to add to the group of other portraits. 

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Now send your block back!

ONETHOUSANDFACES

411 North Hickory Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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