This is a fun activity in Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle
Get hands-on with linocut printmaking at this friendly workshop in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at Incubate, led by local artist Nick Christie. Linocut is a relief printing technique where you carve away the areas you want left blank, ink the raised surface and press it onto paper or fabric, leaving your design behind like a stamp. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have a few blocks under your belt, this is a relaxed space to explore something new.
Nick will take you through the basics of carving, inking and printing your lino block, and tuition is offered at every session for anyone who'd like it. Once you feel comfortable, there's plenty of room to push things further, including reduction lino for multiple colours. You can carve at your own pace, get absorbed in the process and make use of Incubate's etching press, Pookie press, tools and materials whenever you like. You'll also learn how to print by hand with a baren, a wooden spoon or other simple tools, so you can keep going at home.
Everything you need to get started is provided, including a lino block in a range of sizes, 10 sheets of paper and enough ink for 10 prints. Water-based and oil-based inks are available in a wide range of colours, and extra ink can be purchased if you want to print more. If you'd prefer something softer to carve, Mastercarve is also on offer – an eraser-like material supplied in sheets that's easy to cut and perfect for stamps. You can also have balsa wood added to the back for a comfortable grip.
From fine art prints and greetings cards to t-shirts and fabric hangings, the only limit is what you can imagine stamping. Lino cutting can be as simple or as involved as you like, and it's easy to get lost in once you get going.
