Puzzle Woodcut Print

a simple idea for a beautiful print
1/2" thick (or less) wood (cherry, maple, birch or pine) a flat block card size or larger
pencil
sumi ink (black drawing ink) and brush
brown or gray water-based ink (can be slightly diluted black drawing ink) and a big brush or sponge brush
mineral oil or linseed oil
woodcarving tools
scroll saw or saber saw
relief printing ink, water based or oil based
putty knife
large piece of glass or large tile to use as inking slab
rubber roller(s), as many as there are colors
printmaking paper, drawing paper or hand-made paper, several pieces slightly bigger than the wood block
large wooden spoon (rice spoon) or printing press
glass cleaner
scrap newsprint paper
paper towels
safety glasses
dust mask
Note: All materials can be purchased at art supply and home improvement stores.

1. Draw chosen design on the block of wood with a pencil, keeping the color areas simple (figure A).

2. Trace over the drawing with sumi ink and a brush. This creates heavier lines so that you can eliminate the little details that are not practical for woodcut prints (figure B).

3. Once the sumi ink is dry, brush brown ink all over the block with the sponge brush. This darkens the drawing and the wood so that when cutting begins, the lighter wood reveals what the piece will look like (figure C).

4. When the brown ink is dry, spread oil over the block of wood with a paper towel. This softens the top layer of wood and prevents splintering.

6. Determine what colors to print and where to make the cuts to make the block into a puzzle. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask. Cut the block into as many pieces as there will be colors with a scroll saw or saber saw (figure E).

7. Spread a thin layer of printmaking ink onto a glass or tile slab with a putty knife and rubber roller. Use separate rollers for each color. Tip: For puzzle prints it is better to use oil based inks because they will not dry on the slab as quickly as water-based inks.

9. Put the puzzle block back together and carefully lay a piece of paper on top, printing side down. The thick sticky ink will "hold on" to the paper.

10. Run the block through the press or use a large wooden spoon to transfer the ink to the paper. When using the spoon, lay another piece of scrap paper on top of the good paper so it won't tear. Then apply firm and even pressure in a circular motion over the back of the entire piece of paper (figure G). Lift a corner of the paper to make sure the ink is transferring.

Cleanup Tips:

• To clean the block print, print, without re-inking, on scrap paper (newsprint) until no more ink comes off the block. Let the block dry.
  
• To clean the rollers, roll them onto newsprint to offset most of the ink on newsprint, then apply mineral oil with paper towels. Remove the oily residue with window cleaner.
  
• To clean the inking slab, scrape the ink off with a putty knife or razor blade. Then use mineral oil and window cleaner.
  
• Water-based inks can be cleaned with soap and water.

Website: 1000woodcuts.com/