How to make a lino stamped Christmas card

Learn how to make simple stamped Christmas cards at home. 

I've always made my own cards, whether they've been painted, linocut or made from collage. A homemade Christmas card brings so much joy to friends and family.

This is a design I made a couple of years ago. I've carved the design into lino and rather than using ink and roller, I have used ink pads.

Stamps are a great way to make handmade cards as you can make lots of them!

You will need

• Lino tools

• Soft cut or easy carve lino

• Ink pad

• Blank cards

• Knife or scissors, cutting matt, pens and pencils.

• Optional: tracing paper, blocks to mount stamps onto and double sided tape.

• Creative imagination!

Step 1

Draw or transfer your design onto the lino with a pencil.

Remember, your design needs to be reversed on the lino.

Top Tip: I use tracing paper to flip the design. By rubbing the reverse of the paper the carbon will transfer onto your lino.

If it helps, go over your design with a permanent marker.

Step 2

Begin to carve out the design.

IMPORTANT: The blades on the linoleum tools are sharp. Ensure you always cut away from your supporting hand.

Step 3

Cut out your design with a knife or scissors.

If you prefer, you can remove the area around your design with lino tools and roughly cut out the shape afterwards.

Step 4

You’re now ready to stamp your design using an ink pad.

Top Tip: I find it easier to stick the lino stamps onto blocks with double-sided tape.

Christmas wrapping paper

You could also use the stamp to make handmade wrapping paper

What tools do you need to make a linocut print?

See my linocut tools and equipment blog for everything you need to start making your very own hand-carved and hand-printed linocut prints.

Need inspiration?

Find me on Pinterest @MichelleHughesDesign . You'll find sections such as 'Simple one colour linocut prints', 'Reduction linocut prints' and 'How to make a linocut print. Hands up, I'm addicted and a bit of a Pinterest hoarder!

Feeling inspired? Share your ideas

If I’ve inspired you to get creative this Christmas, please tag me on Instagram @MichelleHughesDesign or use the hashtags #MichelleHughesDesign

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Happy linocutting!

Michelle

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About the author 

Michelle Hughes is a North Yorkshire landscape artist whose work celebrates the Yorkshire Coast, the Dales, and the North York Moors. She gathers inspiration while exploring the countryside on foot or by bike, camera at the ready.

Working from her garden studio, Michelle carves stylised silhouettes from her photographs into lino blocks and hand-prints each piece on an etching press using oil-based inks. All prints are handmade in limited editions.