Materials List: Woodcut Block Printing Virtual Workshop

The majority of these tools and supplies are either reusable or come in a quantity that will last long past this workshop allowing for reuse in future workshops and art projects. If you think you own tools or materials that are comparable to those on this list please feel free to email me and I will confirm suitability for this workshop.

Printmaking-Specific Supplies: I've included links to Blick Art Materials listings for each of these supplies. You are welcome to source them elsewhere (preferably a local art supply store if you are able).

  • Woodblock: Soft Maple Block (5"x7" recommended)
    • The act of carving any wood material can be taxing to sensitive joints (fingers, wrists, elbows). If you are concerned about your ability to carve wood or you would prefer a physically easier option, email me and I will provide an alternate materials list for linoleum carving.
    • You can also purchase good quality birch plywood (slightly easier to carve than the above maple) or MDF- Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF will not have a grain) from your local lumber yard, however you will need to cut your blocks to size.
  • Tracing Paper: Blick Studio Tracing Paper Pad (9"x12" recommended)
  • Transfer Paper (Optional): Sally's Graphite Transfer Paper
    • This will aid you in transferring a previously drawn image to your block. If you feel comfortable free-hand drawing on your block, you will not need this product. If purchased, the box of 12 sheets will last you a lifetime as they are somewhat reusable.
  • Carving Tools: Flexcut Beginner's Palm Set (recommended)
    • Economy Option: Yasutomo Niji Woodcarving Set
    • You will only need one or the other tool set. However, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of these tool options. Know that you get what you pay for when it comes to wood carving tools.
    • Special Note: linoleum carving tools will not work well with wood.
  • Slip-Strop (Optional): Flexcut Slip-Strop
    • You will not need this item for this workshop. If you plan to continue carving and printing in the future, you will want this to periodically sharpen your tools.
  • Bench Hook: Martin Universal Design Carving Block Holder
    • Alternatively, you can use a piece of rubber non-slip rug pad under your block to secure it while carving. Non-slip rug pads can be found in rolls at hardware stores.
  • Printing Ink: Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink (Black, 75mL or 150mL tube recommended)
  • Ink Palette: Grafix Impress Inking Palette
    • If you already have a Plexiglas, glass, or plastic palette with a flat surface that is at least 9"x12" feel free to use that.
  • Brayer: Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer (4" recommended)
  • Paper: Yasutomo Japanese Sketch Paper Pad (9"x12" recommended)
    • There are LOTS of papers that will work. If you have your own paper you'd like to try printing with, that is fine. Please note that it will be difficult to pull a quality print with heavily textured papers or thick papers. If you want to use other papers, it is a good idea to check in with me to make sure they will work for this process.

Additional Required Supplies: These items can be found at hardware and/or office supply stores, or perhaps around your home/studio.

  • Nitrile Gloves
  • Flat-Backed Wooden Spoon (after use in printing, this spoon will NOT be food safe!)
  • #2 Pencil & Quality Eraser
  • Colored Pencil (white or cream color)
  • Crayon (black or dark color)
  • Newsprint/Copy Paper (a few sheets)
  • Black Sharpies (various tips recommended)
  • Sketchpad/Notepad
  • Cotton Rags
  • Smock/Apron (or clothes you don't mind getting ink on)
  • Table Cover (if concerned about getting ink on table surface)

Please feel free to email me (emily@studioegk.com) with any questions about materials or supplies needed for this workshop.