Linoleum Block Carving & Printing - a Craft Club's project.

Several weeks were involved in learning this printmaking technique in which a sheet of linoleum mounted on a wooden block is used for a relief surface. A design is cut into the linoleum surface with a sharp V and/or U-shaped chisel, with the raised (uncarved) areas representing a reversal (mirror image) of the parts to show printed. The linoleum sheet is inked with a roller and then impressed onto paper.

My "Angel" pattern was traced onto the block; then outlined with a marker

Carving away the linoleum not part of my pattern

A variety of colors of inks and papers were used for printing

Our prints waiting to dry.

Memories of Lena lives on in Santa

An elderly woman named Lena passed away this year. This photo of "Santa" was created by using Lena's personal items. Fur from a coat; a table cloth; a holiday scarf; a broach; a salad bowl etc.

The story and Santa as shared by a member of my Craft Club is this:

Her "Santa memory" arrived recently in the mail and was a surprise. An artist friend of the family was hired to create one for each member of the family. We didn't take it apart, but could see the base is a small wooden salad bowl turned upside down. The body is actually a stuffed paper bag glued to this bowl then decorated with personal items. The head and face may be made of clay or paper mache and painted.

I'm so impressed with the idea and wish I had thought of this when my mother and mother-in-law passed. Not too late after I pass though...just saying.