Block Printing Classes NYC

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Discover the Best Block Printing Classes in NYC

Whether you’re familiar with block printing as a whole, you’ve likely used rubber stamps for crafting at some point. In addition to rubber stamps, block printing also utilizes other carved materials such as wood and linoleum to stamp images onto paper and textiles. While most rubber stamps create small printed images, linoleum and wood can be used to print full-scale works of art, sometimes even elaborate enough to require a printing press to produce. 

As early as the 3rd century C.E., woodblock printing was first used to create movable type in East Asia before it quickly became a form of art popular enough for mass production. Early woodblock prints still celebrated today include Hasui Kawase’s Twenty Views of Tōkyō and Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa. Since ancient times, block printing has progressed to include an even wider variety of block printing mediums and techniques. 

Much softer than wood, linoleum blocks are easier to carve than wood but allow for similarly detailed prints. Consequently, linocut printing is one of the most popular block printing methods in use today. In addition, many print designers enjoy the challenge afforded by reduction printing, a method turned trend by Pablo Picasso. Rather than creating a single-layer print, reduction printing involves printing multiple layers on top of one another while cutting more material out of the block with each layer. 

Why You Should Learn Block Printing in NYC

Many creatives, including block print artists, find that letting their right brains out to play is essential to coping with the stresses of everyday life. In fact, studies indicate that regardless of your skill level, engaging in arts and crafts combats stress. Block printing is also a great way to practice mindfulness and reconnect with the here and now. 

In addition, block printing can be a powerful way to connect with loved ones, as it offers unlimited avenues for personalized gifting. Especially when it comes to loved ones with artsy or eccentric interests—being able to offer a handmade gift that speaks to their unique tastes is a powerful way to show that you’ve put care into your relationship. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a new creative hobby but stopped short when you saw how pricey the supplies were, block printing could be a great shoo-in to the art world. When compared to hobbies like metal smithing or oil painting, block printing tools are budget-friendly, especially since blocks can be reused multiple times to recreate the same design. For those who are interested in turning their block printing hobby into a side hustle, online platforms like ArtPal, Shopify, and Etsy offer a convenient way to sell personalized stamps, custom fabric, and unique wrapping paper. You don’t even need to be an expert to get started, as block printing is incredibly beginner-friendly. 

In-Person Block Printing Classes & Schools in NYC

Learning to block print in a supportive and social classroom can be a rewarding experience that leads to fun-filled friendships. In a dedicated studio space equipped with all the essential block printing tools and supplies, you’ll learn creative techniques from an experienced instructor. As you carve and print with blocks, your instructor will be there to field questions and give you personalized feedback. As a result, your artistic abilities will grow much faster than they would in a self-paced learning environment. 

Thanks to fully-equipped classrooms, you typically won’t need to purchase your own supplies for in-person block printing courses. However, if you’re interested in procuring your own tools for home use, your instructor will have plenty of recommendations on where to purchase high-quality supplies, and may even name-drop their favorite brands. 

Thanks to the material’s forgiving nature, linoleum is a great place to start if you’re nervous about making your first stamp. Private Picassos Art Studio and Shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn will walk you through the entire process of creating a linoleum stamp from start to finish. Join their Block Printed Tote Bags @ That Bar course for step-by-step guidance on designing, drawing, and carving a block that you can proudly display on a tote bag. 

If you want to learn a wider variety of techniques, 92nd Street Y’s Printmaking for Paper and Fabric course in Upper East Side, Manhattan might be right up your alley. In addition to linoleum carving techniques, Karin Persan will teach you how to maneuver a roller press for larger prints. In addition, you’ll experiment with mixing color as well as creating intricate multi-layer prints. At the culmination of the course, you’ll have hand-crafted three beautiful print designs that you can recreate over and over on both paper and fabric. 

Do you love handmade and custom fabrics? The Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop at Better Than Jam's Store and Studio in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn is all about adding repeating patterns to fabric through block printing. Using a two-by-four-inch square art design of your choice, you’ll create a custom stamp and print your design over a full yard of fabric. In addition, if you’re already familiar with basic block carving techniques, you’ll get the bonus option to create a two-color design. 

If you’re fully obsessed with textile printing and want additional learning content, consider joining Better Than Jam's Store and Studio’s Extended Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop, which includes two thorough class sessions. In addition to practicing your block carving with a soft carve material, you’ll create four-by-six-inch linoleum blocks large enough to print cohesive patterns on up to five yards of fabric. 

Interested in trying out an entirely different print medium? Visit the Penumbra Foundation in Murray Hill, Manhattan, and try Printing With Caffenol, a technique used to develop black and white photos. Alongside the photographer, Brittonie Fletcher, DIY your own developer using nothing but household products. As you explore Lofi exposure, digital negatives, and contact printing, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about eco-friendly photography strategies. 

Virtual Block Printing Classes & Schools

If you’re too busy to find time away from home, struggle with mobility, or just can’t find any local classes, virtual classes may be for you. When you choose live online learning, you’ll pick from classes taught all over the world without ever leaving home. Just gather your block printing tools and tune into a fun-filled class using an internet-connected device. With a reliable wifi connection, you’ll get full access to an experienced teacher who will answer questions and demonstrate skills in real-time. 

When you sign up for a virtual block printing class, the next step is to prepare your block printing gear ahead of time so that you’ll be ready to participate when class rolls around. To make things simpler for you, your instructor will likely provide a list of tools and materials that you’ll need to purchase in advance. In some cases, they may even recommend specific brands or kits, and may even provide links to stores that offer high-quality versions of certain items. Visit CourseHorse to discover new online block printing classes. 

Another way to expand your creative horizons is through other print mediums such as organic photography and anthotypes. With Penumbra Foundation’s online courses, you can start creating your own anthotype prints using pigments, emulsions, and juice extracts from plants and other organic materials. Their Anthotypes and Other Organic Processes course will give you top-notch training and feedback from Anne Eder, a professor of Photography at Cambridge University. At the end of four weeks, you’ll not only have a beautiful series of prints to hang in your home, but plenty of feedback to learn from as you continue experimenting. 

If you’re interested in exploring art as a mindfulness practice, you’ll love the virtual Contemplative Calligraphy course from Evanston Art Center. Bring your favorite calligraphy tools and join in on a guided meditation to unwind while improving your hand-lettering skills. In addition to meditative practice, you’ll also get the chance to ask questions and participate in class discussions about calligraphy design. 

Private Group Block Printing Classes in NYC

Does your event need a chill team-building activity to bring everyone down to earth? In addition to sparking creativity, block printing classes promote mindfulness and can be a great way to de-stress as a group. With CourseHorse, it’s easier than ever to schedule block printing classes for private groups in NYC. 

Your group can also get creative by participating in related activities such as other print mediums and embossing. With just a few household props, some chemicals, and the power of the sun, groups of up to 100 can create breathtaking prints in a Virtual Sun Printing Workshop. For groups as large as 500, CourseHorse’s Virtual Wood Burning Workshop will give you the full run-down on how to use a heated nib to add gorgeous patterns and lettering to wood. 

Trouble finding the perfect block printing class for your group? When you make a request, CourseHorse can facilitate new block printing classes being created. Learn about available options by reaching out to them through their online contact form. 

If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, scheduling block printing classes with CourseHorse is one of the more convenient choices out there. For starters, your booking comes with a 24-hour confirmation and absolutely zero booking fees. If you’re working with a large event and aren’t entirely sure how many guests will attend, CourseHorse will accept your best guess when you sign up. Then you can change your party size later when your plans are finalized. 

In addition, most CourseHorse classes are flexible when it comes to working with various technological platforms. Although Zoom is the standard, instructors are usually prepared to accommodate systems such as Google Meets, WebEx, and Microsoft Teams.