Joyce Campbell: Syllabus and Materials List: Block Printing for the Home

Joyce Campbell

Contact information for Joyce Campbell

Syllabus and Materials List: Block Printing for the Home

Block Printing for Home

PCC Continuing Education

Instructor Joyce Campbell

Day Wednesday

Time 5:00 pm – 6:50 pm

Course Description

Explore simple block printing. Learn about acquiring the right tools and materials to begin carving at home along with learning to design the right image, transfer it to the block, carve, and stamp it. Students can fashion their own greeting cards, printed linens, patterned clothes, and much more.

Required Materials – ** Bring to every class starting week 2 **

Rubber blocks for carving**
- Approximately $15-$20 depending on sizes
- Recommended:
  - (2-3) 2″ & (2-3) 4″ x 6″
  - Or 1 large block to cut into pieces as needed
  - easy carve blocks are recommended but, traditional lino blocks are acceptable
Materials to print on**
- Cost varies
- Recommended
  - Paper (scrap and/or nice)
  - clothing items (new or used)
  - linens (new or used)
  - Stationary (greeting cards, poster paper, business cards, etc)
Stamp Pads**
- Approximately $4-$6 each
- minimum 1 color
Carving tools** (optional – a basic tool is available to use during class if needed)
- Approximately $8-$15
- Speedball Brand is recommended

Additional Materials:

Sketch pad and pencils
Permanent Markers
Tape
Scissors
Ruler
Brayers and Block printing ink (optional)

Safety

Students will be required to follow all established safety guidelines
Use Safe Cutting Techniques: Always cut away from the body and keep fingers away from the path of the blade.
Keep all workspace tidy and organized. Ensure that tools are placed in a safe and accessible manner and that the working area is clear of unnecessary items.

Inclusion

It is expected that students will act as mature members of a progressive and accepting community and understand that under no circumstances will exclusionary speech and behavior be tolerated.

Please feel free to approach the instructor with any concerns.

Course Schedule

Week 1 (no materials needed week 1)

Introductions
- Name
- Pronouns
- What brings you to the class?
Syllabus Review
The Whats, Whys, and Hows of Home Block Printing
- tools, materials, and things to think about
A simple start to at-home printing
- no materials are necessary week 1

Week 2

Designs: What Works and What Doesn’t
Preparing the Block
Transferring an Image to the block
Carving Techniques
Project 1
- Carving practice on a small block with a simple image
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper

Week 3

Words
Shading and Texture
Tips for printing stationery/greeting cards
Project 2
- Creating a whole image on a medium block
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper, greeting card blanks, nice paper, roll of blank paper to make gift wrap

Week 4

Using Ink and a Brayer
- Limited ink and 3 brayers will be provided to use during class. Feel free to bring your own!
Project 2 (continued)
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper, greeting card blanks, nice paper, roll of blank paper to make gift wrap

Week 5

Repeating, Interlocking, and Continuous Patterns
Project 3
- Creating decorative patterns on a small block
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper and fabric items like blank gift wrap, fabric or fabric items, tote bags, linens or clothing

Week 6

Project 3 (continued)
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper and fabric items like blank gift wrap, fabric or fabric items, tote bags, linens or clothing

Week 7

Multi-Color Printing: Layering Colors, Reduction Prints and/or Sectioned Color Prints
Project 4
- Creating a colorful image on a medium or large block
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper, greeting card blanks, nice paper, roll of blank paper to make gift wrap, fabric or fabric items, tote bags, linens or clothing

Week 8

Project 4 (continued)
- Suggested printable to bring: scrap paper, greeting card blanks, nice paper, roll of blank paper to make gift wrap, fabric or fabric items, tote bags, linens or clothing

Here are 15 tips for choosing a simple design for a beginner to block print:

1. Start with Geometric Shapes – Simple geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and squares are easy to carve and print.

2. Limit Design Elements – Keep the design to a few elements to avoid complexity and ensure it’s manageable. Avoid designs with a lot of small details.

3. Use Bold Lines – Bold, thick lines are easier to carve than intricate, thin ones and stand out well when printed.

4. Choose Symmetry – Symmetrical designs are easier to align and print consistently.

5. Go for Repetitive Patterns – Repetitive patterns like stripes, dots, or grids are simple to carve and can create visually appealing prints.

6. Simplify Natural Forms – Opt for simplified versions of natural forms, like a basic leaf shape or a simple flower, instead of detailed ones.

7. Stick to Monochrome – Start with single-color designs to focus on the carving and printing process without worrying about color coordination.

8. Consider Negative Space – Designs with ample negative space (areas that are not carved) can be easier to handle and produce striking results.

9. Think About Size – Choose a design size that is not too large or too small; medium-sized designs are easier to manage for beginners.

10. Use Straight Lines – Straight lines are easier to carve compared to curves or intricate patterns.

11. Simple Textures – Incorporate basic textures like cross-hatching or parallel lines to add interest without complexity.

12. Outline Designs – Designs that are primarily outlines are simpler to carve and can be very effective visually.

13. Abstract Designs – Abstract shapes or patterns don’t require perfect accuracy, making them ideal for beginners. 14. Practice Doodles – Use simple doodles or sketches you’ve made as the basis for your block printing design.

Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Joyce Campbell

Syllabus and Materials List: Block Printing for the Home

Block Printing for Home

PCC Continuing Education

Instructor Joyce Campbell

Day Wednesday

Time 5:00 pm – 6:50 pm

Here are 15 tips for choosing a simple design for a beginner to block print:

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Joyce Campbell