Sketch out your design to be carved into the linoleum in pencil on paper. Use tissue paper, cover the back with pencil marks, then lay it over the block and trace your picture. This will reverse the image on the block so it prints correctly. This is important if you're printing letters or numerals. Draw your composition directly on the block if you don't want to print a mirror image of it.
Brace the block securely, or lay it flat to prevent it from moving while your're carving. Use U-shaped linocut carving knives and V-shaped gouges to carve out your design. Heating the linoleum makes it softer and easier to cut. Gouge along the lines of your drawing for a linear effect print. Carve away everything you don't want printed from around the image, leaving the lines of your drawing for the print. Leave some texture in the background to add visual interest.
Compose your picture as a relief print, using lots of contrast between the black and white areas. Linoleum has no grain so you can cut your strokes in any direction you want. Harmonize your cutting strokes with your composition to create a pleasing overall effect. Arrange your carving strokes in crosshatch patterns to achieve depth and a three-dimensional look to your forms.
Squeeze enough printing ink to cover the block onto your plate. Roll it out with the roller until it's tacky, then roll it onto the linoleum block. Roll the ink out evenly across the block. Press it firmly onto the paper you want to print. Carefully turn the block over and rub the paper with a spoon to ensure an even transfer of ink. Use a circular motion over the entire paper. Don't move the paper once it's on the block or the ink will smear.
Peel the paper off the block slowly and evenly. Dry the finished print completely before framing it. Reink the block and print as many copies of your image as you want. Scrub off the remaining ink and print your linoleum block in different colors.