How to make a linocut print stamped Christmas card
Updated: 5 days ago
Learn how to make simple stamped Christmas cards at home.
I've always made my own cards, whether 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 carved the design into lino and, instead of using ink and a roller, I 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
A knife or scissors, a cutting mat, and 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. Rub the reverse side of the paper to transfer the carbon onto your lino.
If it helps, go over your design with a permanent marker.
Step 2
Begin to carve out the design.
IMPORTANT: Linoleum tools have sharp blades. 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, then roughly cut out the shape.
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.
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
Happy lino cutting!
Michelle
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.
Would you like to learn how to make a linocut print?
Whether you’re completely new to linocut or ready to develop your skills, I offer online linocut courses and hands-on workshops in York to help you learn at your own pace.
Linocut Online Courses
Learn from home with step-by-step video lessons, guided projects and online support.
Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing: Learn the basics and make your first one-colour linocut print.
How to Make a Multi-Block Linocut Print: Build your skills and learn how to create colourful multi-block prints.
Linocut Workshops in York
Join me in my York garden studio for a relaxed, hands-on linocut workshop. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of four people, so there’s plenty of individual tuition and time to ask questions.
Level 1: Introduction to Linocut Printing
Level 2: “Jigsaw” Linocut Printing
Level 3: Multi-Block Linocut Printing
My book: Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut
Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut by Michelle Hughes is a practical, step-by-step guide to creating your own linocut prints. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced printmaker, the book covers everything from simple one-colour prints to jigsaw, reduction and multi-block techniques, with plenty of guidance to help you develop your own ideas and confidence.
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About Michelle
I’m Michelle Hughes, a North Yorkshire landscape artist and printmaker based in York. My original linocut prints are inspired by the Yorkshire Coast, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the wider British countryside.
I gather ideas and take photographs while walking and cycling, then bring them back to my garden studio in York. I simplify my photographs into bold, stylised designs, carve them into lino blocks and hand-print each limited edition on my etching press using oil-based inks.
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