About the course

In this course, I’ll show you how to create two- and three-colour linocut prints at home using the multi-block technique.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Plan a design for a multi-block linocut print.

  • Make a registration device (or jig) to align your blocks accurately.

  • Register each lino block so your colours line up perfectly in the final print.

  • Print your design by hand, using water-based or oil-based inks.  

  • Create a linocut print that can be printed as an edition.


The course includes:

  • Online, self-paced learning — study at your own pace, from home.

  • Step-by-step guides and instructional videos covering every stage of the process.

  • Two full demonstrations showing multi-block prints from start to finish.

  • Downloadable PDFs with tools and equipment advice.

  • Helpful hints and tips to improve your printing technique.

  • Creative community and support  —  monthly Live Q&A, a private Facebook group, and email support.


Course overview

I’ll guide you through two example designs:

  • One that’s easier to register (align the blocks for printing).
  • One that’s more complex — the same method I use for my own multi-colour prints.

 

The designs are carved into traditional grey artist’s lino, which makes accurate registration easier, though soft-cut or easy-carve lino can also be used.


The demonstrations show one design being printed using water-based inks and another using oil-based inks. This is purely so that you can see the difference between inks.


Who this course is for

This course is ideal for learners who already know how to carve and print a one-colour linocut and want to develop their skills further.

As a self-taught linocut artist, I understand the challenges you might face when learning new techniques. My goal is to share what I’ve learned and help you gain confidence using the multi-block method,  the same technique I now use for all my multi-colour linocut prints.

Watch Intro Video

Course Trailer

About your teacher

Linocut artist Michelle Hughes

Hello, I’m Michelle Hughes, a professional linocut artist and designer in York, North Yorkshire. I started lino printing on a shoestring, spending about £20 on beginner's lino tools and materials. Things snowballed from there! I trained in fashion design and worked as a textile, homeware and clothing designer, developing ranges for high-street retailers for 25 years. In 2016, I started my own business to create a range of linocut prints. I now sell my original linocut prints through my online shop, as well as at art galleries and events. I’m inspired by landscapes, nature and wildlife around the UK. I’ve been teaching linocut printing since 2017 through my in-person linocut workshops and online courses. As a self-taught linocut artist, I understand many problems and challenges you may encounter. I want to help you by sharing my skills and what I’ve learned.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome and lesson plan

    2. Welcome to this course

    3. Tools and Materials

    4. Tools and materials

    5. Studio tour Michelle Hughes 2021

    1. The multi-block technique

    1. Planning a multi-block linocut print

    2. Planning a multi-block print from a design drawing

    1. Registration techniques and making a registration device

    2. Making a registration device

    1. Preparing and carving lino blocks

    2. Preparing lino blocks

    3. How to check registration

    4. Design A block 1 and 2 - Carving lino blocks guide

    5. Design A block 1 - Carving lino blocks demo

    6. Design A - Transfer block 1 to block 2 with pencil

    7. Design A block 2 - Carving lino blocks demo

    8. Design E block 1 2 3 - Carving lino blocks guide

    9. Design E - Transfer block 1 to blocks 2 and 3 with ink

    10. Design E - Transfer block 2 to block 3 with ink

    1. Printing a multi-block print

    2. Making a mask

    3. Design A colour 1 and 2 - Printing guide

    4. Design A colour 1 - Printing demo

    5. Design A colour 2 - Printing demo

    6. Design E colour 1 2 3 - Printing guide

    7. Design E colour 1 - Printing demo

    8. Design E colour 2 - Printing demo

    9. Design E colour 3 - Printing demo

About this course

  • £65.00
  • 37 lessons
  • 1.5 hours of video content

Pricing

Course reviews

5 star rating

Making sense of multi-block lino printing!

Nichola Keeble

Very clear instructions both videos and pdfs going to watch again and then jump in and have a go. Thank you Michelle

Very clear instructions both videos and pdfs going to watch again and then jump in and have a go. Thank you Michelle

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5 star rating

Excellent course

Don Harquail

Truly enjoyed this second course, learned many things, the format is easy to follow. This course gave me confidence trying and understanding multi-block prin...

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Truly enjoyed this second course, learned many things, the format is easy to follow. This course gave me confidence trying and understanding multi-block printing. Thanks so much

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5 star rating

Great for the visual learner

Shirley Stone

I wanted to learn how to do more than one colour and because I like Michelle's style of work I wanted to learn the process on how to print in that kind of st...

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I wanted to learn how to do more than one colour and because I like Michelle's style of work I wanted to learn the process on how to print in that kind of style. I'm a visual learner and found the course easy to follow at my own pace at home and a good way to learn. If you do a day course you end up with lots of bits of paper, so the good thing about seeing it on screen means you can refer back to it. The course has lots of photos and written words to refer to what to do as well as videos. Before starting on my first design I spent three evenings reading through the content of the course and as I become more confident I can give the harder designs a go. Shirley K

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5 star rating

Brilliant

Pam Edwards

Really good....in fact...... all of it was very good.

Really good....in fact...... all of it was very good.

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5 star rating

Very professional

Jen Dring

The resources are so well put together and thought through. I really enjoyed the videos and having the text and photos to refer back to.

The resources are so well put together and thought through. I really enjoyed the videos and having the text and photos to refer back to.

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5 star rating

Multi Block linocut

Leslie Gagnon

It was a very informative class and I can't wait to jump in and try it. Thank you for your knowledge!

It was a very informative class and I can't wait to jump in and try it. Thank you for your knowledge!

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FAQ

  • Is this course suitable for complete beginners?

    This course is designed for those who already know how to carve and print a one-colour linocut and want to build on their skills. If you’re new to linocut printing, I recommend starting with my Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing course, which covers the basics in detail.

  • What specific tools and materials do I need to do the course?

    I have shown the process of two designs from start to finish using traditional artist lino and professional Pfeil linocut tools. Linocut tools, traditional artist’s lino, water-based or oil-based printing inks, ink roller or brayer, printing paper, wooden spoon or brayer. Optional but recommended: Ternes Burton pins, stripping tabs, and black water-based printing ink for transferring your design. Full details in my course notes or read an overview in my blog: https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/2018/07/02/lino-cutting-equipment

  • What other materials do I need to do the course?

    General art supplies: Pencils, coloured pencils, pens, rubber, set square, steel rule, craft knife, cutting mat, inexpensive photocopy paper or newsprint, tracing paper, greyboard or thick cardboard, double-sided tape, masking tape, strong duct tape. Other useful things: Glass to roll ink onto.

  • Can I use beginner’s tools and soft-cut or easy carve lino?

    Yes, you can use beginner’s tools as well as soft-cut or easy-carve lino. The same process for creating a multi-block print works perfectly with these materials.

  • Is there any online support if I have any questions?

    Monthly Live Q&A: Join me in my studio for a 30-minute live Zoom session each month. Just email me for the latest dates. Email me for upcoming dates. Facebook Group: My private Facebook group is open to everyone who’s taken one of my online courses or workshops. It's a great place to share progress and ask questions. Email Support: You’re always welcome to email me directly if you have any questions.

  • When does the course start, and how long do I have access to it?

    You’ll have access to the course for one year, allowing you to study at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. I understand that life can get busy. If you need more time, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to extend your access.

  • How long does the course take?

    I recommend setting aside two to three days to learn the process and put a simple design into practice. The exact time will depend on your design’s complexity, your working pace, and the drying time between each printed colour. With my online course, you can revisit each lesson as often as you like.

  • Do I need internet access for the course?

    Yes, you’ll need an internet connection to access the course. All videos are available to stream, and the accompanying PDFs can be viewed on screen.

  • Where can I see examples of previous students’ work?

    You can see examples of previous students’ work and read blog posts from my linocut printing workshops here: https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/blog/categories/linocut-workshops