Easy Lino Block Prints for Kids Using Styrofoam!

Easy Block Printing or Lino printing for kids!
Who am I kidding?  I loved this too!

I did Linocut printing in art class way back in the day...and wanted to
find an easy and inexpensive way to give my own kids that experience.

Styrofoam saved the day.

Step 1: Supplies!

Supplies you will need:

• Styrofoam (we used plates)
• Stylus, pens, or other pointy tools...(you can also use a mechanical pencil without lead)
• Paper  (scrap paper for a work surface, cardstock for prints)
• Pigment ink pad
• Brayer

And I used a couple kids...an 8 year old and a 10 year old.

Step 2: Carving the Block!

We began by cutting the ridge off the plates, so they
had a flat working surface of styrofoam.
Then they chose a stylus and began drawing on the plate. 
The stylus pushes the foam in creating a relief drawing.

The print will only stick to the surface of the styrofoam that is not carved...it basically does a reverse of how you draw it.
If you are going to add words, make sure to write them in reverse as well!

It's seriously fun!  You'll want to make a few!

Step 3: Inking Time!

Once your "carving" is done, it's time for ink!

We tried using paint and other combos of stuff...but nothing worked except
Pigment ink!  Bust out those pigment, goopy, sticky ink pads!
We used Stampin' up white

Roll your brayer in the ink until it is covered...
Then roll it onto your Styrofoam block...Don't push too hard, but make sure it is covered!

Step 4: Stamping!

Pick up your print carefully by the edges so you don't smear the ink...
Turn it over and press it onto your cardstock.
Because we were using white ink, we used dark paper.  High contrast is always best!
I had a clean roller that we used to press the backside to make sure the ink stamped off onto the paper.
You could use the back of a spoon too!

We pressed pretty hard and it didn't damage the styrofoam at all and were able to get several prints off the same block.

Step 5: What Have You Done?

Lift up carefully and behold your first print!

Now you'll have to do more!
Like a Tardis!
And a print of dragons!

You can print that one off as many times as you like!
We hurried and got out the gold pigment ink too!

Step 6: Experiment!

I tried one with a plastic suncatcher ornament thing because it is already has raised edges.

Step 7: Christmas Cards!

My daughter had the right idea and made up some Candy Cane Christmas cards!

My kids loved that they could MASS PRODUCE their art...
Oh no, they ARE like me!!!!

4 prints and they all look great!

She cut hers out and mounted them on cards.

And they gave them to people for Christmas...like the Librarians!

Step 8:

And we framed the dragon print!  Who doesn't love 4 dragons?  2 flying dragons, a drake and a water dragon!

If you need a fun Christmas Break activity with the kids...this is a great one!

Thanks for viewing!

Check out my blog for daily awesome.
doodlecraft