Which linocut workshop is right for me?
Are you booking one of my workshops in Portsmouth, but unsure which one is best for you? Whether you’re a beginner or a dab hand, let me help you make the right choice!
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to my linocut workshops. Maybe I’m guilty of putting too much on offer? But there are so many ways to create a linocut, and I’m pleased to offer more than just a basic experience for you! Any linocut workshop you book will be worthwhile, but this blog post will help break down the details of each workshop I offer, and hopefully help you make the right choice!
Linocut Workshops: A Quick Comparison
Here is a quick overview of all the workshops I offer. Although all of my workshops are beginner-friendly, they each have a slightly different creative focus and some are more challenging than others. Not sure which workshop is best for you? Keep reading on for more detailed information on each of them. I’ve broken down each option, so you can compare and find out which one suits your skills and creative goals.
| Workshop | Format | Duration | Cost | Challenge Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taster Session | Template design, printing in black & white | 1.5 Hours | £25pp | 1/5 |
| Introduction to Linocut | Design your own, printing in black & white | 3 Hours | £50pp | 2/5 |
| Print Party | Private group booking, design your own | 3 Hours | From £200 | 2/5 |
| Jigsaw Linocut | One block, cut up to make colour | 4 Hours | £65pp | 3/5 |
| Multiblock Linocut | Layering colour with multiple blocks | 4 Hours | £65pp | 4/5 |
| Reduction Linocut | Layering colour with one block | 4 Hours | £65pp | 5/5 |
| Print Club | Social club, bring your own project | 3 Hours | £10pp | N/A |
| Gift Voucher | E-Voucher sent via email | No Expiry | From £10 | N/A |
Linocut Workshops: The Details
Taster Session: linocut without the commitment
Best for: Total beginners, casual learners and those curious about linocut
Format: Template design, printing in black & white
Cost: £25 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
Challenge Rating: 1/5
Want to give linocut a go, but unsure if you’ll enjoy it? My Taster Session is a perfect no-pressure starting point. The session is long enough so see if linocut could be your new favourite hobby, but also short enough in case that doesn’t turn out to be true!
You’ll be provided with a pre-designed block, so all you need to do is carve and print. You’ll leave the session with a linocut print you made yourself - plus a feel for whether you want to explore more or not.
If you suffer with any mobility in your hands, It’s also a good way to try and see how you get on with tools, and if you’ll be able to sit through a longer session.
Introduction to Linocut: a fully comprehensive workshop
Best for: Beginners who want to learn the whole process
Format: Design your own, printing in black & white
Cost: £50 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Challenge Rating: 2/5
Probably my most popular workshop. This is the first choice for those who want a thorough linocut experience from start to finish. I’ve had attendees tell me they learnt more about linocut in this session than they ever learnt at school!
This workshop will help you get to grips with working in the negative (carving material away rather than ‘drawing’ with the tools). We’ll cover how to transfer your design, safely carve your block, ink up and print. You’ll leave the session with your carved block and your handmade prints.
If you’re someone who learns by doing, this is a great foundational session that gives you the skills and confidence to continue linocut at home - or return for one of the colour-focused workshops.
Print Party: linocut is better with friends
Best for: Family or friend groups, celebrations, stag and hen parties, team-building exercise, corporate bookings
Format: Private group booking, design your own
Cost: Starting from £200 for a group of 4
Duration: 3 hours
Challenge Rating: 2/5
Looking for a memorable creative activity to share with friends, family or colleagues? A Print Party is a private version of my Introduction to Linocut session, just for your group!
You’ll all be making your own linocut prints in a relaxed and fun environment - with plenty of laughs, snacks, and possibly prosecco (if you’re celebrating!).
This session can be booked at a time and date to suit you, and I can host up to eight people. This session is ideal for small groups who want to try something new together or celebrate an occasion with a creative experience.
Jigsaw Linocut: colour without the complexity
Best for: Beginners who want to start straight away with colour
Format: One block, cut up to make colour
Cost: £65 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Challenge Rating: 3/5
If black and white is not your thing, my Jigsaw Linocut workshop introduces colour in a really simple way - and it’s not much different from my Introduction to Linocut workshop.
We start with transferring the design onto the block, and cutting the block into shapes. You'll then carve into the shapes to create your design. Each shape is inked up with a different colour. The shapes are rearranged back together and printed to create a multicoloured print.
It’s quick, playful and low-stress, with colourful results. It doesn’t involve a lot of planning like the other colour-based workshops, and a template is provided to help you finish a linocut within the time frame of the session.
Multiblock Linocut: unlocking colour with many blocks
Best for: Those who want an experimental approach to colour
Format: Layering colour with multiple blocks
Cost: £65 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Challenge Rating: 4/5
If you love puzzles or a creative challenge - Multiblock Linocut could be the technique for you. It allows for more colour experimentation than the Jigsaw method, but provides a fun technical challenge.
You’ll first design a ‘key block’ and offset this design onto another block. Both blocks are carved and then printed on top of each other in different colours. It can create a strong graphical outcome with interesting layered effects.
The secret ingredient for this workshop is perfect registration. A valuable technique to learn for all linocut printmakers! A template is provided to help you finish a linocut within the timeframe of the session.
Reduction Linocut: unlocking colour with just one block
Best for: Those who love colour, planning and working methodically
Format: Layering colour with one block
Cost: £65 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Challenge Rating: 5/5
Known as the traditional or old school method, Reduction Linocut involves carving and printing in stages with just one block. It involves a bit of planning and foresight with your designs, but also some flexibility to change up your plan if needed!
You’ll start with printing the lightest layer, then cut the block, print the next layer, cut the block, print the next layer - and so on. It means that once you finish, the block is completely destroyed and can’t be reused. Yes, it’s a little heartbreaking! But it also makes your prints extra special.
This session is still beginner-friendly as we will use a template to help you learn the process and finish a linocut within the timeframe of the session. It’s a little fast-paced but provides great results with a big sense of achievement!
Print Club: for finding your creativity and community
Best for: Those with any linocut experience who crave community
Format: Social club, bring your own project
Cost: £10 per person
Duration: 3 hours
If you’ve got linocut experience (even if it’s just a long distant memory!) and you just want some space to create, why not join Print Club?
Bring your project and enjoy some relaxed studio time in good company. My technical guidance is available if you need it, I’ll make tea all evening and I’ll even take care of the clean up! You can use my tools and presses, some ink is usually available along with lots of scrap papers for proofing.
Carving alongside others is extremely beneficial to your creativity. You can get inspired, share ideas and techniques, or just come for the chats!
Gift Voucher
Best for: Those looking to book a workshop as a gift
Duration: No expiry date!
Format: E-voucher sent via email
Cost: From £10 to £200
Are you looking to buy a workshop for a loved one, but not sure which one would suit them best? Let them pick with a gift voucher!
The gift voucher is digital, and can be sent to either your email address or theirs. There’s no expiry date, and gift vouchers can be used on workshops, my original linocuts and gifts.
Remember to direct your gift receiver to this blog post!
Advance sessions are in the making…
I’m currently working on offering full-day workshops, or a multi-week course. These longer sessions will be aimed at those looking to improve, and create linocuts with their own imagery rather than using a template. If you are interested in sessions like this, sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they are available!
So, what linocut workshop fits you?
Want to try linocut with minimal commitment? Try the Taster Session!
Excited to design and carve your own piece? Choose Introduction to Linocut!
Celebrating something special, or looking for team building? Host a Print Party!
Want to experiment in colour? Pick from Jigsaw, Multiblock, or Reduction!
Looking for your creative community? Join Print Club!
Buying as a gift? Buy a Gift Voucher and let them decide!
Frankie’s Final Thoughts
Before I sign off on this blog post, I want to share my final encouragement, to help you book a workshop with confidence:
Skill level isn’t a barrier - all workshops I offer are beginner-friendly. Some may be more fast-paced than others, and others more challenging. Check my challenge rating for each as a guide. But please know for each workshop I offer, I’ve had complete beginners (who have never picked up a tool before), complete each session with great results! If your have never done linocut before, but are up for a challenge - you can do it!
Even experienced printmakers will learn something - although my workshops are mostly catered to beginners, I’ve had improvers learn new skills and tricks! Learning with a new teacher will often unlock ideas and a new way of looking at your creativity. I can also adapt the session to you, and give you a bit more of a challenge to sink your teeth into.
The workshop isn’t the end of your linocut journey, it’s the start - every attendee leaves with their blocks, prints and a handout to carry on printmaking at home. But there’s also Print Club, a safe social space for you to carry on printing. With most workshops, you also get a free Print Club session! I also always happy to chat in the studio or over email and Instagram.
Templates are not boring - In some sessions, we work with a template to help you get through the workshop in the time permitted. It takes the pressure off you to come up with a suitable design, and you benefit from learning alongside everyone else. I design my templates with a lot of creative freedom in mind. Even when we all use the same template, each individual will produce something unique and different.
Your comfort and safety are my priority - Creating art means being vulnerable, and I start each session reminding my students to be kind to yourself. I provide a supportive environment, with no wrong choices or no such thing as a silly question. I also endeavour to create a peaceful, atmospheric setting, whether that’s in my studio or The Round Tower. Safety information is provided throughout the session, and I’m also fully insured for your peace of mind.
You’ll be receiving top expert advice - I believe my workshops provide excellent value for money with top expertise. I’ve worked with lino for over ten years, perfecting my craft - which now provides my sole income. Quite frankly, I live and breathe lino!
Ready to carve your first linocut?
Whether you're curious about linocut, keen on colour, want to celebrate with friends or looking for a creative community - I hope I’ve got something on offer for you!
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