Single Block
Single block printing uses a single block of lino. This is lino printing at its most basic: where you cut you get paper, where you don't cut you get ink. This print is black ink printed on white paper, but both could be in any colour. It is also much easier to print like this because there is no problem with registration. Sometimes they are additionally hand coloured with paint or crayon.
It is possible to do this kind of printing with cutting tools, lino, paper, ink, a sheet of glass and a roller and the back of a metal spoon to rub down the print. The traditional tool for rubbing down the print is called a 'baren', it is not totally smooth and has a little 'give' when the paper is laid over the inked block and the baren is rubbed over the back of the paper. The baren is a Japanese tool and is available from all good printmaking suppliers, it is very inexpensive and a good way to start printing without a press.
