VEGETABLE BLOCK PRINTING

Block printing is the process of printing onto fabric or paper using a hand-cut block, usually made of wood. Carve the block, apply ink and the printing fun begins.

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08/08/2021

TECHNIQUES

TLDR

Block printing technique is super fun and easy once you know the basics.

You can print fabric, paper or whatever, just pick the right type of ink.

Wood blocks are longer lasting so that can be printed again and again. But if you’re not creating a huge edition of prints, vegetable or fruit block is the way to go.

printing using veggie block

What’s block printing?

Block printing is the process of printing onto fabric or paper using a hand-cut block, usually made of wood.

printing using an hand-cut block

After carving the block, applying ink, then printing begins. Hence, the name block printing.

block printing begins

A two thousand years technique probably originated in China, where it remained the most common printing method for books and images until the 1800s.

blocks made with wood

Long time ago, block printing fabric was common, most often onto silk cloths.

blocks made with potatoes

It wasn’t until relatively recently that it was eventually adapted to paper.

blocks printing tooling

Relief Printing is called. A raised surface covered with paint or ink is used to make relief prints.

blocks printing looks fun huh?!

Wood block vs other block materials

Generally, linoleum block is use but we like to be enviroment conscious so we discourage and oppose that.

blocks printing looks fun huh?!

To carve into wood blocks, you need a proper set of tools.

blocks printing looks good huh?!

Wood carving tools can be expensive since they have two be stronger, sharper, etc.

Wood blocks are longer lasting compared to veggies so that can be printed again and again.

get your hand dirty!

But if you’re not creating a huge edition of prints, vegetable or fruit block is the way to go – especially when it comes to smaller crafting projects.

blocks printing looks stylish huh?!

You can get some useful tool set to prepare blocks here

The carved wood

And get the proper fabric color to make sure your work wont disapper at first wash. Or a whole 40 Colors Fabric Paint Set.

The final result

Vegetable printing

Create unique fabric prints with veggies. Veggies printing is a simple art that even small children can try out.

The final result

Block printing is a good educational activity to teach patterns and exploring the world around you. And it’s a great activity for kids of all ages.

The final result

You need only some vegetables, a piece of cloth and fabric paints to make the print.

leaves

Vegetables can be cut lengthwise or breadth wise to make beautiful patterns of flowers, leaves, etc. according to your ideas. Capsicums, onions, potatoes, mushrooms…

Potato is a favourite vegetable of many. Just like the clay and wooden blocks, you can carve things on a potato.

Mushrooms used as block