Embarking on the art of Wood Block Prints is an engaging and accessible creative journey. To get started and produce your own beautiful wood block prints, you’ll need to gather a few key materials. This guide outlines the essential supplies for beginners eager to explore this fascinating printmaking technique.
Must-Have Materials for Wood Block Printing
Creating wood block prints requires specific tools and materials to carve your design and transfer it onto paper. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Wood Blocks: The Foundation of Your Print
The wood itself is crucial, serving as the canvas for your carved design. For beginners, softer woods like maple are a good starting point due to their affordability and workability. More experienced printmakers might prefer hardwoods such as boxwood or lemonwood, known for their tighter grain and durability, allowing for finer detail in carving. The size of your wood block will depend on your project, but smaller blocks (around 2×3 inches) are manageable and economical for initial experiments with wood block prints.
Support for Wood Block Carving: Stability is Key
When carving your wood block, it’s essential to have a stable yet forgiving surface underneath. This allows you to move the block easily with one hand while controlling the carving tool with the other. A simple setup involves placing the wood block on a moderately soft surface like a book covered with a towel. This makeshift carving support helps in maneuvering the wood and achieving precise cuts for your wood block prints.
Design and Drawing Tools: Bringing Your Vision to Life
Before carving, you need to transfer your design onto the wood block. While transfer paper can be used, directly sketching onto the wood with a pencil is a straightforward method. This initial drawing is your guide for carving and will ultimately define the image in your wood block prints.
Carving Tools: Gravers and Chisels for Wood Block Prints
The heart of wood block printing lies in carving the design. Specialized tools known as gravers or chisels are used to remove wood from the block, leaving the raised areas to hold ink. For beginners, a medium-sized spitsticker graver is highly versatile. It’s effective for creating both delicate lines and clearing larger areas. Starting with one good quality graver is advisable; you can always expand your collection as you gain experience and explore different carving techniques for your wood block prints.
Printing Ink: Oil-Based or Water-Based for Wood Block Prints?
Ink is what brings your carved wood block to life on paper. You have two main choices: oil-based and water-based inks. Oil-based inks are known for their rich color and excellent transfer to paper, resulting in deep and vibrant wood block prints. However, they dry slowly and require solvents like white spirits for cleanup. Water-based inks offer easier cleanup with water and are quicker drying, making them convenient. While they might sometimes produce slightly less intense prints compared to oil-based inks, modern water-based inks are continually improving in quality and are a great option for beginners in wood block prints.
Ink Spreading Surface and Roller: Preparing for Printing
To evenly apply ink to your wood block, you’ll need a smooth, non-porous surface like a piece of glass to spread the ink. A roller, also known as a brayer, is then used to distribute the ink thinly and uniformly on the glass before rolling it onto the surface of your carved wood block. This ensures consistent ink application for clear and defined wood block prints.
Printing Paper: Choosing the Right Surface for Wood Block Prints
The type of paper you choose significantly impacts the final look of your wood block prints. While heavyweight matte printing paper is a reliable option that absorbs ink well, experimenting with different papers is encouraged. Smooth papers generally work better than heavily textured ones, which might not pick up the ink evenly. Consider trying different weights and finishes to see what works best for your designs and desired aesthetic in wood block prints.
Burnishing Tool: Transferring Ink to Paper
Finally, to transfer the ink from the wood block to the paper, you’ll need a tool to apply even pressure. A simple spoon works effectively as a burnishing tool. By rubbing the back of the paper with a spoon, you press it against the inked wood block, transferring the design. Alternatively, specialized burnishing tools called barens are available for more professional and consistent results in creating wood block prints.
With these essential supplies, you’re well-equipped to begin your journey into the world of wood block prints. Experiment with materials, refine your carving and printing techniques, and enjoy the rewarding process of creating unique and handcrafted art.
