What is Lino Printing?
If you have ever wanted to roll up your sleeves and make something bold, tactile and beautifully imperfect, lino printing could be the creative ritual you have been looking for. Think of it like brewing a really good cup of coffee. With just a few simple tools and some time, you can create something full of character that is entirely your own.
So, what is lino printing
Lino printing, often called linocut, is a type of relief printmaking. You carve a design into a sheet of linoleum using sharp tools. Ink is then rolled onto the surface and paper or fabric is pressed on top. The carved out sections do not hold ink so they stay blank, while the raised sections transfer the design.
The process is straightforward and does not require heavy machinery. You only need a small piece of lino, some carving tools, a roller and ink to begin. The beauty of lino printing lies in its accessibility and the bold, graphic prints it produces.
A short history of lino printing
Linoleum was first invented in the 1800s as a practical flooring material. Artists later discovered that it was soft, easy to carve, and far cheaper than traditional woodblocks. By the early 20th century, lino printing had become a recognised art form.
Famous artists including Picasso and Matisse used linocuts to explore bold designs and colour layering. Over time the technique spread, becoming a favourite among both professional artists and hobby makers. Today lino printing is valued as much for its simplicity as for its expressive potential.
Why people love lino printing
Lino printing slows you down in the best way. Each cut you make is a decision. Each roll of ink has its own rhythm. When you lift that first print it always feels like a small moment of magic.
It is a craft that welcomes beginners and experienced makers alike. Mistakes do not spoil the work, they add texture and personality. In our workshops at Maker Studio Eastbourne we see people walk in curious and walk out with inky fingers, fresh prints and big smiles.
More than the finished print
Lino printing is not just about the image you create. It is about the process, the community and the chance to make something real with your hands. Traditional techniques meet modern design and many makers choose eco friendly inks and papers, keeping the practice kind to the planet as well as rewarding for the maker.
Try it yourself
If you are local to Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate or Willingdon, come and explore lino printing with us at Maker Studio Eastbourne. Our workshops are beginner friendly, with all the tools and materials provided. You will learn the basics, experiment with designs and leave with your own prints to take home.
Let us carve, roll and print together. You might just discover a craft that becomes part of your everyday life.
Join our next course, don't worry if it's sold-out we run these regularly.