Draw your subject matter on the sketch pad with one of the graphite pencils. Use the pencil to explore the dark and light areas of the object or scene that you plan to transfer to the linoleum or foam board printing block. Use the eraser to remove any unwanted marks or areas. Usually, many drawings may be necessary before you feel comfortable with the final drawing.
Recreate your original drawing on the surface of the linoleum block or foam board with a pencil. When the drawing is complete, you should be able to easily distinguish the white areas from the dark areas, while creating other places for a gray gradient.
Take your carving tools, which should contain a few gouges and knives, and begin by completely removing the surface to create white areas. Also keep in mind any large space left unmarked or scratched will appear as a dark, solid color, very similar in hue to your ink.
Use a knife or small gouge to create areas of the print dominated by many narrow dark lines. When printed, these will appear to the eye as gray areas. Take careful note that areas of carved parallel lines will appear different than those places where the lines are cross-hatched.
Mix up a batch of ink until the medium has a consistency of light syrup. Dip the ink roller in the ink and apply a test area to a plain piece of scrap paper. When you are able to successfully cover the paper with a solid layer of ink, then you are ready to cover the surface of the printing block with a layer of ink.
Lay out your paper on a flat working surface or table with the linoleum or foam core block right next to it. Spread the ink over the block with the ink roller. Make sure the ink covers the elevated portion of the surface without any ink build ups or bare areas. A solid, evenly spread coat of ink is necessary to make a successful print.
Place the sheet of paper gently over top of the inked surface of the block. Be careful not to shift the paper once it has come into contact with the ink.
Take the bottom side of a wooden spoon or front edge of a wooden door knob and press the paper hard into the ink with a circular motion. Be sure the paper remains motionless during this transfer stage.
Grab two corners of the paper firmly and with a slow and steady hand, gently pull the sheet of paper away from the block.
Hang the picture on an indoor clothesline with two clothespins and let it dry for several days.