Christmas Cards - Linocut Cards

Children love making sets of personalised cards in different colours. This type will take a bit of extra effort although the results are worth it. Choose some suitable Christmas designs for a start off, you may like to add some other of your favourite designs.

Draw the designs of your choice with a soft pencil onto the smooth top part of a piece of craft lino about 12 by 18cm (5 x 7in). Remember that your prints are a mirror version of the design. Cut around the edges of the design carefully using a craft knife or scalpel, to a depth of about 0.5cm (1/4in). Always direct the cutting tool away from you to avoid accidents.

Put a little water-based acrylic paint on a sheet of glass and roll it with a rubber roller until it makes a 'smacking' noise. Then roll an even layer of ink over the lino surface. Place a piece of paper on top. Rub the back of this with the back of a spoon or another clean roller to make sure the paint is evenly distributed over the surface. Peel off the print and dry before mounting onto the front of your card. Once proficient, you may prefer to print directly onto your card and some great effects can be achieved by overwriting designs...