How To Carve a Stamp

As many carvers as there are in the world, there are about as many styles of carving. I'll share my style with you!

After you've selected your image, have transferred the image to the block, and have sharpened your tools (see links at the bottom!), you are ready to begin carving.

First of all, how you hold your lino carving tool is personal preference, but I hold mine as though I was holding a pencil. I feel I have the most control that way. I carve into the block at about a 25 degree angle -- hey, that's the same angle at which you sharpened the blades! Here is a reminder.

Carve away from yourself, and carve with slow and even strokes. When I begin a carving, I generally cut all the way around the outside of the image, just to give myself a sense of where I am. Then I carve the most difficult part of the image. By carving the hardest part first, if I mess up, I won't have wasted too much time and frustration.

Remember, shallow is good. You can always do a quick test print, even if you're not completely done carving, to see how you are doing. Use a light-colored, water-based ink. You will easily see what needs to be removed. Some carvers prefer to leave "eraser trails." This gives a definite hand-carved look to the image. I tend to do "clean carving," but this is purely a matter of personal preference. You might want to switch back and forth.

If this is your first time carving (or even if you're experienced), you can try the simple beginning project. After that, check out the more advanced lesson.

• Getting Started With Something Simple

• Something More Advanced