Block Print Magic

Printmaking has always fascinated me, but I've not yet tried it myself. In Block Print Magic, Howard has covered all the tools necessary and outlined all the steps clearly to enable the reader to successfully get started and improve their skills in this craft. I love that she has included several DIY instructions for making some of the tools needed since a new hobby can be cost-prohibitive. Projects are clearly explained using both written instruction and numerous photos for easy follow-along. The included artist spotlights were a perfect addition, featuring some of the artists for whom printmaking is a passion. This book would be a great resource for anyone interested in printmaking!

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Rockport Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Block Print Magic is an exceptionally well-organized, systematic introduction to block printing. This book is short but highly effective. Having attempted block printing exactly once, in middle school art class, I suspected that I might flip through this book and then decide it was not worth all the setup and potential mess to try it again. It turns out that the presentation is so clear, and the author explains everything so well, that the overall effect is pretty motivating. There are many clear photos to illustrate each step of the process. The increasing complexity of the examples in later chapters and also the examples of work by professional printmakers make it obvious how much sophisticated work can be done with essentially the same tools and methods presented here. The author is an excellent teacher who provides clear examples not just of the right way to do things but also, crucially, of the wrong way., so that we can really understand what she means at each step. I look forward to giving these methods a try.

If your talent is in printmaking, or interested in the art of printmaking, this book will provide you with everything you need and more! This book will guide you through the tools needed to the materials you want to use. The photos and instructions make it easy to follow and allows you to begin to create your own printed art.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Netgalley

Books on printmaking have been few and far between, many have wonderful illustrations and history, and some have limited information or photographs to demonstrate techniques or material/tools. This book has it all, as a printmaker, I find this book covers a lot of basic information for beginners, progresses onto more technical tips and workings, and finally wets the appetite with glorious printmakers talking about their work and printmaking.
This is a fabulous book, printmaking is a wonderful relaxing medium and it can be translated in so any ways, I really recommend this book to anyone who is interested in trying it out or who wants more information, or who is looking for inspiration. Modern and easy to follow - a great book, I wish I could score it higher .

Block Print Magic is a tutorial guide for designing and carving blocks for raised block printing and using them to execute finished projects. Written by Emily Louise Howard (aka the diggingest girl) and released 12th Feb 2019, it's 144 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

This is an upbeat and encouraging manual which presupposes no prior skills or familiarity with block carving or the printing process. The introduction covers tool and supplies. The section on tool maintenance and safety is very well done (buying the best tools you can afford and keeping them in good working shape are investments which will repay you many times over). There are good side by side comparisons of the results you can obtain with specific inks and papers. All the terms and tools are pictured and defined in the text.

The next chapters move along to developing specific techniques and a skillset for the artist. The chapters cover designing, transfer, and carving blocks. There is a good subchapter on the nuts and bolts of actually inking and printing an image. There are project tutorials for each step in the process. These are presented in roughly ascending order of difficulty and build on the lessons from the previous chapters. Woven throughout the text is an appealing glimpse into the author's creative process and philosophy.

The ebook version includes an interactive table of contents. Both versions include a glossary, bibliography for further inspirational reading, and a resource list for sourcing supplies and tools. There is a lot of valuable info here for use in other crafts and processes. I will be using the info presented in my bookbinding for journals and papercrafting.

Really well done. There aren't a lot of recent books on printmaking and this is a keeper.

Five stars.

Another useful, step-by-step guide on how to pick up a new hobby and create beautiful things. I must state my appreciation for such detailed books because my interest is very entry level and commitment free: a spare eraser, a penknife, and an ink pad. Block Print Magic shows the full depth and potential of the art with beautifully shot photographs and clear explanation. Each tool is shown and described. Projects start easy and layers on the complexity. A great addition to your library if you ever want to start block printing.

I found this book to be an excellent resource book for people learning to print. Having studied print making techniques I felt it was informative and the kind of book I would buy if I wanted to refresh my knowledge. I recommend this for anyone wanting to learn print making principles.