Block Print Instructions

Read the following directions carefully - You only get one block so don’t mess up

Drawing

A. Decide what you’ll be drawing – Select a black and white picture from the Examples Folder or find one off of the Internet. If you get one off of the Internet, make sure to ask the teacher if it will be a good drawing for this project.

B. Using a pencil, draw the picture you have chosen on a 9”x9” piece of paper. When you have sketched the drawing the way you like, boldly redraw the image, leaving a lot of lead on the paper.

C. Study the rules below, and recite them to the teacher so he can give you an E-X cut block to transfer your drawing to. When you get your block, write your name and period on the side of the block in ink.

D. Transfer your drawing to the E-Z cut block by placing your drawing face down on the E-Z cut block and rubbing the back of it with a spoon. You might want to hold your drawing in place with some tape so your drawing doesn't slip while you rub it.

E. After you have rubbed the image onto your block, you may want to draw in some more definite lines. You can do this by drawing directly on to your block with your pencil. If you do this, make sure you use a dull pencil because a sharp pencil will scratch your block and affect the way it prints. If you make mistakes, the teacher can give you a rag and odorless paint thinner to remove the area/s that need to be changed. Don’t mess up your block, because you only get one.

Carving

A. When carving your image, follow the safety rules listed below, or you may lose the right to work on this project and will have to do an alternate project.

1. Always use a bench hook when carving

2. Carve away from your hands/yourself

3. Be responsible with the tools (no horseplay)

4. Return the tools to the cups on the teacher’ desk when done (don’t take them home).

In order to carve a good image, you should also...

5. Carve away the white part of the block and leave the penciled part.

6. Use the small carving tool to carve around the penciled areas.

7. Use the big tool to carve large areas of white.

When all the areas of white are carved out, you are ready to print.

Printing

A. If you missed the class demonstration watch the video on how to print, ask the teacher, aide, or friend for a personal printing demonstration when you are ready to print. Please don’t waste the ink when printing.

B. Clean-up

After carving, brush your shavings into the garbage can. After printing, make sure you leave the printing station clean. Use cleansing spray &/or a wet sponge to clean any ink on the table. Blowdry each print before stacking them in your trays. If you don’t, and they are wet, they could stick to other prints or projects. Be courteous to others and clean up your work areas.

Your grade: For your project you will be expected to do a drawing, a carving, and two prints. The total project is worth 350 points. The drawing is worth 100 points, the carving is worth 200 points and the two prints are worth 25 points each. Your drawing and carving will be graded on their quality and complexity. Your prints will be graded on how clean and neat they are, and their overall print quality. If you finish your project before the due date, you can do a drawing and carving on the other side for extra-credit.