Discover the Best Block Printing Classes Online
If you’ve ever used a rubber stamp while crafting, you’ve used a block, or carved surface, to print. In addition to rubber, many block printers enjoy carving their own stamps out of materials like linoleum and wood, which allow for larger and more elaborate prints. Historically, many beloved works of art, including Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa and Hasui Kawase’s Twenty Views of Tōkyō, have been created using block printing techniques.
Since its origination as a form of movable type in 3rd century China, block printing has developed into a broad field that includes numerous regions, applications, methods, and materials. Thanks to India, for instance, block printing is now popularly used to print intricate designs on fabric. Additionally, with the introduction of European linocut printing, beginners can carve ornate stamps without the steep learning curve associated with carving wood.
Why You Should Learn Block Printing Online
Like meditation, using your hands and mind to create something beautiful has a calming effect on the soul. In only a few hours, you can bring to life one-of-a-kind fabrics, and personalized stamps, and even create unique gifts for loved ones. Especially for creative people, giving a handmade gift is a wonderful way to show someone that you put time and care into your relationship. In addition to gifting, many block printers also find success selling their designs on Etsy, Shopify, and ArtPal.
If you’re waiting to start block printing because of finances or limited artistic ability, there’s good news. Compared with many creative hobbies, block printing is on the cheaper end, with beginner tool kits starting at less than $30. In addition, blocks are reusable, meaning that once you’ve carved your design, you can recreate it multiple times over. As for artistic ability, you can easily create a beautiful block print from a very simple drawing, so block printing is generally considered a beginner-friendly art medium.
Virtual Block Printing Classes
If block printing classes aren’t available in your area, live online classes are the next best thing, especially if you’re looking for real-time interaction. Because live online classes work in real-time, you’ll have countless opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback, and learn from expert demonstrations. You’ll get full access to an experienced block printer who can help you when you’re stumped.
One of the biggest perks of choosing online learning is that you’ll typically have a much larger selection of block printing classes to choose from than you would if you only included in-person courses as learning options. Thanks to internet-connected devices, you can still access courses taught worldwide even when local classes run sparse. As a bonus, skipping the commute required for in-person classes also frees up more time in your schedule for block printing outside of class.
To prepare for class, you’ll want to gather the appropriate block printing tools and supplies recommended for your course. Most classes will provide you with a list of materials when you sign up for class, and some instructors may even add their own recommendations for what brands are best and where to purchase them. Get started on your creative journey by joining an online block printing class on CourseHorse.
You can also try your hand at other forms of printing, such as organic photography, which involves creating minimalistic photographic prints using plant emulsions. In Penumbra Foundation’s Anthotypes and Other Organic Processes course, you’ll learn about a variety of different organic printing methods as you create beautiful prints of your own. For four weeks, you’ll get to know a supportive clan of other students and share in group critiques guided by Dr. Anne Eder of Cambridge University.
If you’ve ever wanted to improve your hand lettering, whether for creating neater block prints or to add more artistry to your writing, consider taking a Hand Lettering Basics course. Available virtually through 92nd Street Y, this course will teach you techniques for creating artful hand-lettering and calligraphy appropriate for cartoons, illustrations, posters, t-shirts, and more. In addition to personal assignments designed to improve your technique, you’ll also find yourself stretched creatively as you cooperate with other students on creating collaborative zines.
Looking for a way to add more calm to your artistic life? If you already know calligraphy basics, grab your favorite pens and get comfortable with calligraphy and guided meditation. Along with improving your skill level, Evanston Art Center’s Contemplative Calligraphy course will boost your mood. As you participate in class discussions and question-and-answer sessions led by instructor, Kare Daughtry, you’ll also learn calligraphy layout secrets that can ultimately give your designs that wow factor.
Private Online Group Block Printing Classes
If you’re hoping to add a creative flare to an event for your business or organization, block printing classes are a beginner-friendly option. For some hands-on team-building, visit CourseHorse and browse online block printing classes for private groups.
Along with block printing, CourseHorse also has courses exploring related topics, including other print mediums, as well as embossing. To learn how your group of up to 100 people can use the sun to create gorgeous blue and white prints of plants, join a Virtual Sun Printing Workshop, which comes with all materials included. As another option, CourseHorse’s Virtual Wood Burning Workshop will teach groups of 500 how to create beautiful designs in wood using class-provided heat tools.
If the block printing class you envisioned isn’t available at the moment, don’t sweat it. Simply reach out to CourseHorse through their online contact form and they can create a new block printing course for your group.
With easy scheduling through CourseHorse, group block printing is more convenient than ever. Not only are there no booking fees, but you can count on receiving confirmation within 24 hours. Additionally, thanks to CourseHorse’s flexible booking system, you never have to worry about additional guests RSVPing at the last minute. Even after booking, you can update your party size without rescheduling or canceling.
Online vs. In-Person Block Printing Classes
In our technology-assisted modern world, there are several ways to learn block printing, and each comes with a unique set of perks. If you’re not quite sure which class style is right for you, comparing key differences is a great way to identify the perfect fit.
Both in-person and live online courses will provide you with plenty of opportunities to receive instructor feedback, ask questions, and make friends with other students. However, several differences might sway you one way or the other.
Taught in dedicated classrooms, in-person courses allow for mess-making without the nuisance of needing to clear your project from the table before dinner. You’ll have the chance to separate your art course from your home and family life, avoid interruptions, and get that face-to-face interaction that many of us crave. Additionally, most in-person courses will provide you with all the materials and tools needed for block printing, saving you time spent searching.
For those who struggle to carve out time away from home, live online courses may be the perfect way to slot creative time into a busy schedule. Simply supply your own materials and you can skip that stressful commute, save time, and learn block printing from the comfort of your home. When you elect to learn block printing online, you also give yourself more classes to choose from thanks to the multitude of options available worldwide. For people who don’t have access to local block printing classes, online learning is a great workaround.
Can I Learn Block Printing for Free Online?
If you’re not quite ready to dive into a class yet, the internet is a great place to start. For beginners, there’s a wealth of free block printing guidance available online, including written tutorials, video demonstrations, and supply purchasing recommendations. However, there’s no substitute for an expert instructor who can give you personalized feedback on your techniques and help you understand why your prints aren’t turning out exactly how you envisioned. With additional support from a class, you’ll both progress faster and gain a larger breadth of working knowledge.
Made in NYC
