What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspired Artist #2
Block Print for Beginners: Learn to make lino blocks and create unique relief prints
Learn to create unique, contemporary works of art with traditional carving tools and printmaking techniques. Step-by-step projects and creative lino prints make it fun and easy.
Aspiring artists, illustrators, art students, and art hobbyists will discover how to use basic carving tools and techniques to design and create custom lino prints for distinctive works of art. Practical instruction combined with approachable step-by-step projects and inspirational imagery guide readers on an engaging, easy-to-follow exploration of block printing.
Following an introduction to essential materials, such as printmaking inks, linoleum blocks, carving tools, and papers, Block Print for Beginners demonstrates how to get from uncarved block to finished print, including transferring a drawing, carving the block, working with inks, and achieving the best print results. Once comfortable with the basics, aspiring printmakers can move on to explore a series of step-by-step tutorials for creating a variety of lino prints with blocks they can use over and over again.
From basic block prints to more advanced techniques, such as printing in repeated patterns and creating stationery, wrapping paper, wallpaper, and more, Block Print for Beginners provides a fresh, contemporary, and enjoyable approach to learning this time-treasured art form.
The Inspired Artist series invites art hobbyists and casual art enthusiasts to have fun learning basic art concepts, relaxing into the creative process to make art in a playful, contemporary style. Also from the series, find even more artistic inspiration Draw Every Little Thing, Paint Every Little Thing, and Watercolor Painting at Home.
Aspiring artists, illustrators, art students, and art hobbyists will discover how to use basic carving tools and techniques to design and create custom lino prints for distinctive works of art. Practical instruction combined with approachable step-by-step projects and inspirational imagery guide readers on an engaging, easy-to-follow exploration of block printing.
Following an introduction to essential materials, such as printmaking inks, linoleum blocks, carving tools, and papers, Block Print for Beginners demonstrates how to get from uncarved block to finished print, including transferring a drawing, carving the block, working with inks, and achieving the best print results. Once comfortable with the basics, aspiring printmakers can move on to explore a series of step-by-step tutorials for creating a variety of lino prints with blocks they can use over and over again.
From basic block prints to more advanced techniques, such as printing in repeated patterns and creating stationery, wrapping paper, wallpaper, and more, Block Print for Beginners provides a fresh, contemporary, and enjoyable approach to learning this time-treasured art form.
The Inspired Artist series invites art hobbyists and casual art enthusiasts to have fun learning basic art concepts, relaxing into the creative process to make art in a playful, contemporary style. Also from the series, find even more artistic inspiration Draw Every Little Thing, Paint Every Little Thing, and Watercolor Painting at Home.
- GenresNonfictionArtCrafts
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
30 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 6, 2021
Block Print for Beginners is a clearly written and well-illustrated guide for those who are new to the printing arts or, like myself, are looking to renew their engagement with the medium.
Elise Young begins with an exploration of the various tools and materials which are used in lino printing, then covers (with illustrations) the basic techniques used to create and print from a block design. The remainder of the book consists of a series of consecutively more complex projects, leading the reader through many of the techniques used by print artists. Each project is explained in an accessible step-by-step manner with accompanying photographs.
The designs used through the book are relatively simple, and hence achievable by a beginner, but also really attractive, effective and inspiring for those who feel short of inspiration as they embark on a new artistic endeavour. An emerging block-printing artist could achieve an awful lot, working purely from the content of this single title and their own imagination. I believe Block Print for Beginners would also prove a valuable reference title for art schools and working artists to consult when refreshing their understanding of particular techniques.
Reading Block Print for Beginners has inspired me to dig out my tools and inks and revive my own endeavours in printing, which I've sadly neglected over recent years. I'd thoroughly recommend it to any reader interested in trying printing, and also to art teachers and working artists who are seeking to introduce printing techniques into their pieces.
My thanks to the author, Elise Young, publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fresh and inspiring title.
Elise Young begins with an exploration of the various tools and materials which are used in lino printing, then covers (with illustrations) the basic techniques used to create and print from a block design. The remainder of the book consists of a series of consecutively more complex projects, leading the reader through many of the techniques used by print artists. Each project is explained in an accessible step-by-step manner with accompanying photographs.
The designs used through the book are relatively simple, and hence achievable by a beginner, but also really attractive, effective and inspiring for those who feel short of inspiration as they embark on a new artistic endeavour. An emerging block-printing artist could achieve an awful lot, working purely from the content of this single title and their own imagination. I believe Block Print for Beginners would also prove a valuable reference title for art schools and working artists to consult when refreshing their understanding of particular techniques.
Reading Block Print for Beginners has inspired me to dig out my tools and inks and revive my own endeavours in printing, which I've sadly neglected over recent years. I'd thoroughly recommend it to any reader interested in trying printing, and also to art teachers and working artists who are seeking to introduce printing techniques into their pieces.
My thanks to the author, Elise Young, publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fresh and inspiring title.
March 16, 2021
Lots of detailed instructions, step-by-step photos, gorgeous projects and everything you need to know to be successful at block printing. Some of the projects like wallpaper and dish towels are really nice, and there's a big variety of styles and projects. There are tons of gorgeous projects for inspiration with very detailed instructions. A great guide.
I read a temporary ARC of this book via Net Galley.
I read a temporary ARC of this book via Net Galley.
September 19, 2021
Interesting introduction to a fascinating craft. I had done it in high-school, and it was fun to get more in-depth information on the book.
The book has an easy structure with first the basics. Good explanation on which tools you need to start. I like how she explains the difference between brands and tools and how you can decide which one is best for you to start with.
Also, the author gives guidance on how to formulate your creative process, which might be very valuable to some readers.
Nice book and a must-have for everyone who loves to try different crafts.
The book has an easy structure with first the basics. Good explanation on which tools you need to start. I like how she explains the difference between brands and tools and how you can decide which one is best for you to start with.
Also, the author gives guidance on how to formulate your creative process, which might be very valuable to some readers.
Nice book and a must-have for everyone who loves to try different crafts.
March 9, 2021
If you want to learn about making beautiful and gorgeous block prints, this is the book for you. The author shows a step by step with pictures on how to make block prints. It even shows you how to use more than one color and how to make your own block in any variety that you would like. The illustrations are very helpful and make you feel like you are at a friends house, working on a project together. I really liked how if went step by step and showed you what it would look like while making it and through till the end.
February 25, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Block Print for Beginners is a tutorial and instruction guide for block printing written and presented by Elise Young. Due out 16th March 2021 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.
It's nice to see arts/crafts tutorial instruction books aimed at other things than drawing and painting. This one is well written and accessible and perfectly suited for beginners with no previous experience. The introductory sections cover a bit of background and a very thorough tutorial on tools and supplies including selection, maintenance, technique, and safety. The book is beautifully photographed throughout in color.
The following chapters contain tutorials which build up progressively from simple to more advanced techniques and projects. The last chapter contains some project tutorials: bookplate, card, wrapping paper, tea towel, and wallpaper. All of the designs are beautiful and inspiring (and can obviously be changed around to suit the artist). Each tutorial includes tools and supplies in a bullet list along with both written and photographic tutorial instructions. Templates are linked from the instructions, not included in the physical book. Important alternatives and creative ideas are provided in highlighted text boxes in the tutorials.
The author and publishers have also included some useful appendices including a glossary and bibliography/resource links lists which are refreshingly international in scope. This is a well made book which would make a superlative choice for group artists' studio, makers' groups, school or public library acquisition, activity groups, and the artist's home studio.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Block Print for Beginners is a tutorial and instruction guide for block printing written and presented by Elise Young. Due out 16th March 2021 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.
It's nice to see arts/crafts tutorial instruction books aimed at other things than drawing and painting. This one is well written and accessible and perfectly suited for beginners with no previous experience. The introductory sections cover a bit of background and a very thorough tutorial on tools and supplies including selection, maintenance, technique, and safety. The book is beautifully photographed throughout in color.
The following chapters contain tutorials which build up progressively from simple to more advanced techniques and projects. The last chapter contains some project tutorials: bookplate, card, wrapping paper, tea towel, and wallpaper. All of the designs are beautiful and inspiring (and can obviously be changed around to suit the artist). Each tutorial includes tools and supplies in a bullet list along with both written and photographic tutorial instructions. Templates are linked from the instructions, not included in the physical book. Important alternatives and creative ideas are provided in highlighted text boxes in the tutorials.
The author and publishers have also included some useful appendices including a glossary and bibliography/resource links lists which are refreshingly international in scope. This is a well made book which would make a superlative choice for group artists' studio, makers' groups, school or public library acquisition, activity groups, and the artist's home studio.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
May 22, 2021
I received an advanced review copy through NetGalley.
This introduction to lino printmaking techniques is an accessible and instructional guide that covers a variety of techniques and applications. It manages to make the medium feel accessible to anyone wishing to start out using simple, cheerful, colourful prints to demonstrate techniques.
With detailed, illustrated guidance on the tools required and some alternatives for those just starting out, it provides a step-by-step printmaking process that progressively advances to more advanced techniques. The latter part of the book covers alternative applications, such as wallpaper and fabrics, demonstrating the breadth of applicability of this simple medium.
The examples build from simple black ink through to multicoloured, eventually incorporating alternative inks such as bold stamp palettes and fabric ink. As a beginner, a reader may just have one or two colours available, and the author demonstrates that beautiful images can be created with limited palettes before moving on to more complex projects.
As a lino hobbyist, this was a great refresher on the technique, and introduced some new applications I hadn't yet considered. I'm keen to revisit the later chapters on collage materials and stamping to bring these into my practice.
A slight criticism would centre on the book's light-touch emphasis on health and safety in printmaking. Tips such as cutting away from yourself and using a hand protector block if you feel it's necessary don't seem to appear in the sections focussing on safety. This is good information for those just starting out with cutting techniques and would be helpful.
There are surely many introductory lino printing books, but I would recommend this as a useful primer to any beginner or hobbyist who is feeling a bit limited or unsure about certain elements of the technique, terminology, tools, or potential applications beyond fine art printmaking.
This introduction to lino printmaking techniques is an accessible and instructional guide that covers a variety of techniques and applications. It manages to make the medium feel accessible to anyone wishing to start out using simple, cheerful, colourful prints to demonstrate techniques.
With detailed, illustrated guidance on the tools required and some alternatives for those just starting out, it provides a step-by-step printmaking process that progressively advances to more advanced techniques. The latter part of the book covers alternative applications, such as wallpaper and fabrics, demonstrating the breadth of applicability of this simple medium.
The examples build from simple black ink through to multicoloured, eventually incorporating alternative inks such as bold stamp palettes and fabric ink. As a beginner, a reader may just have one or two colours available, and the author demonstrates that beautiful images can be created with limited palettes before moving on to more complex projects.
As a lino hobbyist, this was a great refresher on the technique, and introduced some new applications I hadn't yet considered. I'm keen to revisit the later chapters on collage materials and stamping to bring these into my practice.
A slight criticism would centre on the book's light-touch emphasis on health and safety in printmaking. Tips such as cutting away from yourself and using a hand protector block if you feel it's necessary don't seem to appear in the sections focussing on safety. This is good information for those just starting out with cutting techniques and would be helpful.
There are surely many introductory lino printing books, but I would recommend this as a useful primer to any beginner or hobbyist who is feeling a bit limited or unsure about certain elements of the technique, terminology, tools, or potential applications beyond fine art printmaking.
March 19, 2021
Learn to create unique, contemporary works of art with traditional carving tools and printmaking techniques. Step-by-step projects and creative lino prints make it fun and easy.
I have a little sister whose incredibly artistic and right now her favourite form of art is linocut, and she inspired me to learn so much more about this technique so when I saw this book appear for review I took my chance to learn more and I am so glad I did, we have been now using these new techniques together.
Young has a really great way of showing and highlighting throughout this book what you need to do in a really simple and refined way that makes everything so much easier to do. We thought we’d make a mess with things such as the puzzle piece printing block but we followed the guide and nailed it, and really refined how we did the simpler things.
The book is also beautiful with examples of cuts in the book being stuff I wish I could do right now and clean and crisp displays of everything you need to know about this artform - it was such an easy guide and highly recommend it if you’re a beginner or someone who knows the basics and wants to build on their skills.
A superb book for a beginner, I highly recommend it.
5*
March 13, 2021
Block Print for Beginners by Elise Young is an exceptional resource for anyone wanting to learn the art of block printing. I was smitten with the author’s approachable style and easy-to-follow instructions from the first pages of this book. Breaking the book into four sections, allows the reader to be introduced to the materials and fundamentals then progress to basic and more advanced techniques with options for artistic exploration rounding out the offering.
The photographs were crisp and clear, even illustrating the correct and incorrect positions of the hand when using certain tools. Each photograph was captioned with a straightforward explanation.
Having absolutely no experience with block printing, this book gave me the confidence and the resources to begin my exploration of block printing. I will definitely look for future books by this author and highly recommend that anyone interested in learning the art of block printing purchase this book immediately. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)
The photographs were crisp and clear, even illustrating the correct and incorrect positions of the hand when using certain tools. Each photograph was captioned with a straightforward explanation.
Having absolutely no experience with block printing, this book gave me the confidence and the resources to begin my exploration of block printing. I will definitely look for future books by this author and highly recommend that anyone interested in learning the art of block printing purchase this book immediately. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)
April 18, 2021
I got this book as a gift from a friend. I have done a bit of block printing before, so it was nice to revisit the process after such a long time! I found the information and photographs easy to follow and comprehensive, and I liked the easy-going and encouraging nature of the writing. I imagine that a true beginner would find this very approachable and enjoyable.
May 2, 2021
I have recently started to explore the medium of lino printing and this book couldn’t have come at a better time. A great source of information with clear step by step instructions and pictures showing the process of creating your own work.
A really handy book that guides you through the process. I really like the way it is set out and the pictures are truly helpful.
A really handy book that guides you through the process. I really like the way it is set out and the pictures are truly helpful.
February 4, 2021
* Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
A wonderful resource for anyone curious about starting block printing.
I was interested in this as I have tried block printing in the past but not gotten very far with it as I struggled with inspiration and technique. With all the beautiful examples of block printing in this book, however, it’s definitely helping on the inspiration front and makes me want to get carving, a good sign for an arts and crafts book!
There was a great image at the start of the basic block prints section that showed a block carved with many different patterns and I did wish the book had focused in on that more as I thought it would have been useful to go through all those different carved patterns and how you might incorporate them in your design to help you turn a drawing into an interesting block print. While the book is aimed at beginner block printers, it focuses on the techniques of block printing and, I feel, assumes that you are already fairly confident in your design skills so may not be suitable for those who are an absolute beginner when it comes to art.
Besides those small points though, I really enjoyed this book and I think it’s an excellent resource for artists and crafters wanting to pick up a new skill. The book does a great job at introducing you to different block printing techniques via well photographed, step-by-step tutorials and has a nice selection of projects to inspire you and show how you might put your lino prints to use. The contemporary/whimsical designs in the book are eye catching and will certainly inspire many artists and crafters to give block printing a try.
A wonderful resource for anyone curious about starting block printing.
I was interested in this as I have tried block printing in the past but not gotten very far with it as I struggled with inspiration and technique. With all the beautiful examples of block printing in this book, however, it’s definitely helping on the inspiration front and makes me want to get carving, a good sign for an arts and crafts book!
There was a great image at the start of the basic block prints section that showed a block carved with many different patterns and I did wish the book had focused in on that more as I thought it would have been useful to go through all those different carved patterns and how you might incorporate them in your design to help you turn a drawing into an interesting block print. While the book is aimed at beginner block printers, it focuses on the techniques of block printing and, I feel, assumes that you are already fairly confident in your design skills so may not be suitable for those who are an absolute beginner when it comes to art.
Besides those small points though, I really enjoyed this book and I think it’s an excellent resource for artists and crafters wanting to pick up a new skill. The book does a great job at introducing you to different block printing techniques via well photographed, step-by-step tutorials and has a nice selection of projects to inspire you and show how you might put your lino prints to use. The contemporary/whimsical designs in the book are eye catching and will certainly inspire many artists and crafters to give block printing a try.
January 5, 2026
A great beginner book. Some useful foundational info. I might adjust my rating after reading a few more.
February 14, 2021
I first leant about lino printing many years ago while still at school. Since then I have used it for making cards but only very simple designs. This book has been great for not only refreshing my memory but for also expanding my limited knowledge.
The book is laid out very well and in a logical way. I was able to work through the principles and basic and then gradually move on to slightly more detailed patterns and designs. I found the test and images to be beneficial and they complimented each other well.
This is a book that is aimed at a beginner or someone, like me who has a very basic knowledge of lino printing. It is a very good starting point as it gives a lot of useful and practical information as well as ideas for designs and small projects.
An excellent well laid out book and one I would definitely recommend.
The book is laid out very well and in a logical way. I was able to work through the principles and basic and then gradually move on to slightly more detailed patterns and designs. I found the test and images to be beneficial and they complimented each other well.
This is a book that is aimed at a beginner or someone, like me who has a very basic knowledge of lino printing. It is a very good starting point as it gives a lot of useful and practical information as well as ideas for designs and small projects.
An excellent well laid out book and one I would definitely recommend.
May 19, 2021
Beautiful lino block projects to make. Love the step-by-step photo instructions which make the projects easy to follow. Love the authors pics of her own lino blocks, they are spectacular and inspiring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
I read this for craft inspiration while considering trying this new craft. I did find it to provide helpful information and ideas for getting started, just not sure if I will try it or not.
February 4, 2021
Arc provided via Netgalley for review.~ I really enjoyed reading this! It is nicely arranged and there are some beautiful projects. I will have to try printing with registration again— it was never fun for me in printmaking class and I always avoided it when possible. This method looks doable...
This book would be a handy book for a beginner printmaker. I would also recommend if you’ve never done linoleum printing before that you hunt down a video tutorial so you can see and hear what the right amount of ink sounds like on a brayer. :-)
Also, the author didn’t really go into cleaning tools, so be sure to look up info about that as well, especially safety if using traditional oil based printmaking ink. I believe it is just as important to know how to clean up a project as it is to start one!
Oh: and always store your brayer so that the roller is not laying on the table.~ if the roller is in contact with the table for a long time it may warp the soft material!
Other than these nit pickings this is a fine art tutorial book.
This book would be a handy book for a beginner printmaker. I would also recommend if you’ve never done linoleum printing before that you hunt down a video tutorial so you can see and hear what the right amount of ink sounds like on a brayer. :-)
Also, the author didn’t really go into cleaning tools, so be sure to look up info about that as well, especially safety if using traditional oil based printmaking ink. I believe it is just as important to know how to clean up a project as it is to start one!
Oh: and always store your brayer so that the roller is not laying on the table.~ if the roller is in contact with the table for a long time it may warp the soft material!
Other than these nit pickings this is a fine art tutorial book.
May 16, 2021
Hands down a fantastic book on block print art for beginners. This would be a wonderful tool for art exploration for children and has plenty to enjoy for adults.
February 5, 2021
#InspiredArtistBlockPrintforBeginners #NetGalley
During the pandemic, I find myself with too much time on my hands and not enough motivation at times, but I'm trying to learn other craft skills and came across this book. As soon as I opened it, something clicked. Within the first few chapters I was looking up block printing starter kits. The book is so simply laid out, with just the right level of information to not scare off a beginner. I'm not a compulsive buyer, but something about block printing is just super exciting to me -- maybe because it involves carving tools. Or learning something new. Or just a great book. Whatever the reason, I'm excited for my order to come in and get started with help from Elise Young.
During the pandemic, I find myself with too much time on my hands and not enough motivation at times, but I'm trying to learn other craft skills and came across this book. As soon as I opened it, something clicked. Within the first few chapters I was looking up block printing starter kits. The book is so simply laid out, with just the right level of information to not scare off a beginner. I'm not a compulsive buyer, but something about block printing is just super exciting to me -- maybe because it involves carving tools. Or learning something new. Or just a great book. Whatever the reason, I'm excited for my order to come in and get started with help from Elise Young.
February 6, 2021
Brilliant book, I used to do block printing a long time ago and this has got me interested in it again. So many tips and ways to do it safely – which I had forgotten. I can’t wait to have a go again – this book has inspired me for idea’s too.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
May 1, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange of my honest opinion.
This was such a nice surprise! First of all, it was fun and inspiring, and second of all, it really embraces the beginners.
It features a few step by step projects, but during each project you learn something new and do new experiments. Which is always nice, especially when the projects get more and more intricate or difficult.
Very helpful and inspiring!
This was such a nice surprise! First of all, it was fun and inspiring, and second of all, it really embraces the beginners.
It features a few step by step projects, but during each project you learn something new and do new experiments. Which is always nice, especially when the projects get more and more intricate or difficult.
Very helpful and inspiring!
May 13, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.
This book on Block Printing just makes me want to buy all of the supplies and make as many blocks as I can. This has really helped inspire me and the photos that are used to guide are nice as it made it all easier for me to follow.
Rating: 5⭐
Would I Read It Again? Yes
Would I Recommend it? Yes
This book on Block Printing just makes me want to buy all of the supplies and make as many blocks as I can. This has really helped inspire me and the photos that are used to guide are nice as it made it all easier for me to follow.
Rating: 5⭐
Would I Read It Again? Yes
Would I Recommend it? Yes
April 1, 2022
I have done printmaking for many years now and found this book to be excellent. It covers a lot of aspects of printmaking for beginners, and I felt that it actually covers some areas that were advanced. There are lot of photos and good explanation. The designs are modern and I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who wants to start block printing.
April 28, 2025
Block Print for Beginners by Elise Young is a clear, approachable, visually pleasing guide perfect for anyone new to block printing. The instructions are easy to follow, the photographs are crisp and helpful, and the book builds skills from basic to more complex multi coloured and layered projects. It gave me the confidence to start creating right away, and I highly recommend it.
May 24, 2022
Excellent book for those wishing to learn block printing. Large, clear illustrations and clearly written instructions. Inspirational for beginner and advanced printer. Now just to find the time!!
July 24, 2022
Thank you to Edelweiss for this DRC. Inspirational, and engaging, with clear instructions.
June 17, 2023
It’s kind of nice to see a beginner making beginner’s art and there are some good, easy projects with templates available for those who want them. It’s very approachable. Skimmed it in about an hour.
August 31, 2023
This walked me through my first ever lino print! Great jumping off point!
September 30, 2025
Just what I was looking for—a super approachable and knowledgeable intro to printmaking.
October 15, 2022
Excellent Beginner Guide
As someone who has never tried block printing before, this was a perfect primer. The instructions are straightforward with enough detail to feel confident it getting started. The projects are varied and fun, with lots of helpful photos. I borrowed this one from the library just to check it out, but I am ordering my own copy to keep for reference.
As someone who has never tried block printing before, this was a perfect primer. The instructions are straightforward with enough detail to feel confident it getting started. The projects are varied and fun, with lots of helpful photos. I borrowed this one from the library just to check it out, but I am ordering my own copy to keep for reference.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews