How to carve a sugar skull stamp

Here is how to carve a sugar skull stamp. Printmaking is one of my favorite crafts and especially this method!

Creating a linocut is an easy technique that gets a lot of mileage – and it is easier than you think. Once you create a design you can use it on poster art, wrapping paper, and in this case, greeting cards.

Linocuts and block printing tutorial

Okay, let’s learn how to carve a sugar skull stamp!

sugar skull linocut - How to carve a sugar skull stamp

Supplies:

linoleum blocks (can be cork or soft eraser)
carving tool
ink
brayer

blank greeting cards
patterned paper
glue stick

How to carve a sugar skull stamp

Directions for how to carve a sugar skull stamp:

1. Sketch your design on the linoleum. Keep in mind that you what you don’t carve will be what shows up in the print.
2. Begin to carve. The carving tool comes with different sized blades, use them to fit in tight areas.
3. Squeeze a bit of paint on a paper plate and roll the brayer in it, and then over the linocut. Press the lino cut onto a scrap piece of paper. Look for spots that need to carved deeper.
4. Repeat inking process and press onto patterned paper, cut to size and use the glue stick to apply to the front of the greeting card.
Tips and variations: Once you get more practice, try carving around the lines, not on the lines for an outline type of look.

How to carve a sugar skull stamp

How to carve a sugar skull stamp: These cards are a great way to honor your family members on Day of the Dead. Follow the linocut tutorial to make other designs.