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Carve Your Mark: Custom Linocut Stamps

A three panel photo collage showing hand carved rubber stamps and printmaking supplies. The images display carved stamps with pink ink prints of an eye, a fish, and a head profile, alongside carving tools, a pencil, an ink pad, and a brayer roller.

Introductory - No experience required
Age Requirement : 18+ and minors 13+ with Guardian Supervision
Ticketed Workshop

Instructor: Kendall Buck


Register Now
Satisfy your curiosity and dive into the satisfying world of printmaking! Spend a creative session learning how to carve custom rubber stamps from scratch. Linocut carving is one of the most accessible and rewarding print crafts, letting you turn simple sketches, initials, and patterns into reusable handmade stamps. You will learn how to safely work with carving tools, transfer your artwork onto soft rubber blocks, and test your finished prints on paper. Whether you want to make personalized stationery, decorate gift wrap, or start a new printmaking hobby, you will walk away with your own finished stamp and the foundation to keep carving at home.

 

What to Expect

This is a relaxed, hands on workshop designed to guide you step by step through the carving and printing process. We will begin with tool safety and proper hand positioning so you feel completely comfortable handling carving gouges. You will sketch or transfer your design onto a flexible carving block, carve out your negative space, and ink your stamp to pull crisp, clean impressions on paper. Your instructor will be right there to share carving tips, help you troubleshoot tricky curves, and guide you through testing your prints.

Skills You’ll Acquire

  • Designing simple, high contrast artwork suitable for stamp carving
  • Transferring a drawing or reference design onto a rubber carving block
  • Safely and effectively handling linocut gouges and carving tools
  • Carving clean outlines and clearing negative space
  • Inking, test printing, and refining your stamped impressions

What’s Provided

  • Soft rubber carving blocks
  • Linocut carving tool sets with assorted blades
  • Inking pads and printmaking inks
  • Paper and practice cards for test stamping
  • Pencils and transfer supplies

Who Should Join

This class is open to beginners, crafters, illustrators, and anyone curious about printmaking or handmade crafts. No prior art or carving experience is needed to jump in and create something unique.

Prerequisites and Safety Information

No prior experience required. Participants 13 to 18 years old are welcome with parent or guardian supervision.

What to Bring

Bring any ideas, simple sketches, or reference images you might want to turn into a stamp. All carving tools, rubber blocks, and printing supplies are provided.

When
Tuesday December 1st, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location
MakeHaven - 1st Floor Classroom
770 Chapel Street
Classroom on First Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
United States
Workshop Ticket Fee
Standard Ticket $51.00
MakeHaven Members $43.00
Register Now
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Instructor or Event Lead

Kendall Buck

She/Her
Kendall is a hobby artist and crafty creator with a background in neuroscience and experience teaching art in a variety of settings. She enjoys exploring different materials and creative techniques and is especially interested in using art as a hands-on way to explore creativity, connection, and self-expression.
Areas: Fiber, Clay & Soft Arts, Printmaking, Sustainability & Upcycling, Community & Social

Need Based Workshop Price Adjustment

MakeHaven offers a price reduction for individuals who are below a threshold income level.
You can apply at: Workshop Price Reduction Request.

Notices

Learn about our event policies, such as cancellations and inclement weather: Event Policies Page
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about workshops and events Event and Workshop FAQ.

 

Accessibility

Our facilities undergo periodic reviews to maximize ADA compliance. We offer accessible bathrooms, elevators, and wide walkways. In tool usage, we aim for universal access and work individually to adapt tools for safe usage as necessary. If you anticipate needing an adaptation to participate in this event or have further questions, please contact us at events@makehaven.org.