Block Printing with Speedball Speedy Stamps

The Speedball Speedy-Stamps are made from a high density rubber which can be easily carved to make unique stamps for a multitude of surfaces. The Speedy Blocks are a flexible and durable alternative to lino and do not crack, crumble or break. Their ability to bend abound shapes, such as glasses or plant pots, gives them a more diverse use than traditional lino printing.  The blocks are available in 3 sizes 7.5cm x 10cm, 10cm x 15cm and 15cm x 30cm.

Prints can be transferred onto fabric and scarves, paper, cards, plant pots, book covers, felt and more, depending on the paint or ink used.

Clip art images from your PC or freehand pencil drawings can be used as a template and transferred onto the block. Freshly printed images should transfer easily provided the ink is still wet. To transfer the image, place it face down onto the block and scratch the back of it with a spoon handle.

Prints from a Speedball Speedy Stamp are created from a series of cuts from the block, see the project page Printed Card. This is the traditional technique used for block printing.

To cut the block, use the Linozips Safety Cutter (see our range of Block Printing materials)

This image of the Fleur-de-Lis can be created from two cuts.

Image 1

Transfer the image onto the Speedy Stamp. Begin by carving a trough around the outline of the image with the Linozips Safety Cutter. The carved away areas will not print; the raised remaining portion is what will become the image.

Remove the remainder of the raised area, in this case, the area indicated in yellow (image 1).

You will be left with a stamp that has a raised design, indicated in black (image 2). This is the stage at which you create your first print.

1. Position the block on your paper and mark the paper lightly with pencil so that it can be returned to the correct position for each subsequent print.
2. Apply thick paint such as Deka Block Printing ink, Jacquard Neopaque, Speedball ink or Selectasine to the block using the brayer and ink tray to ensure even coverage. The design is in two colours and therefore the first colour must be lighter so that it can be overprinted.
3. Hold the block above the paper and position as accurately as possible before making contact.
4. Apply pressure for a few minutes by placing a heavy object onto the back of the block.
5. Carefully remove the block. The blocks are fairly pliable and can be peeled away with ease.
6. Make further prints as desired. Remember that the print is created in two stages so it is important to print everything you want during this stage. Alternatively, it is possible to make a duplicate stamp with the second stage cut away so that the stamps can be used again.

Image 3 shows the second stage of the print. Cut out the next stage of your design into the original block by removing more of the rubber and repeat the steps above, using a darker colour, until the final print has been achieved.

If you want to add further detail to your design, you can make subsequent cuts to the stamp and use metallic or opaque paints to accentuate areas of the design.

Please note that results will vary depending on the inks or paints used. We recommend that you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

See our  range of Block Printing materials >

Image 2

Image 3