| styrofoam printing blocks
Don’t let the length of this page fool you! This is a really simple project, laid out step-by-easy-step. We’ve also provided lots of templates: one for creating the cute little kraft paper envelopes shown on our blog; and several for etching art into your printing block (if you need some inspiration). |
 materials you’ll need
styrofoam trays, skewers, chopsticks, or pencils |
thick, water-based paint (e.g. tempera, acrylic, etc.) |
a brayer (or a cardboard tube) plus an extra styrofoam tray for getting your paint onto your printing block |
paper grocery bags |
 our 2-page .pdf with envelope template and assembly instructions (which you can download by clicking the link below)Print the pdf at 100% size and cut out the template on page 1, as indicated. click here to download .pdf |
 step 1
Cut down your grocery bag to get the paper you’ll be printing on. You’ll be able to get at least two envelopes from one grocery bag. Start about ½” to the left of the long folded edge. This little flap will become one of the flaps on your envelope.Now would be a good time to refer to the envelope template that you printed out. It will help you understand how to cut the bag. |
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 Cut out the bottom of the bag, along the fold lines. |
 Here, Amy’s showing you the space that will eventually become your envelope (to the right of her fingers). Lay your envelope template down on the bag, matching up fold lines as indicated. Cut along the bottom and side of the template to remove a rectangular piece from the bag. (You’ll cut the angled lines of the envelope after you do your block printing, so be sure to hang on to the template.) |
 step 2
Cut the bottom out of your styrofoam tray to make your printing block. Make sure you cut well inside the curves of the tray, so the resulting piece is completely flat. (Amy’s using an x-acto knife, but you can also use scissors.) |
 step 3
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 Draw your design using the blunt end of the skewer. You can make lines by dragging the skewer, or dots by pushing straight down. You can also use a pencil first, either to lightly sketch out your design, or for carving finer lines. Experiment with chopsticks and other pointy instruments to see what different kinds of lines you can get. You want make your impression deep enough to keep the paint from clogging up your lines. |
 Optional: If you like, use our design templates (at the bottom of the page). Print the template of your choice at 100% and place it, face up, on your styrofoam block. Then use your skewer to press or poke the paper, which will make light marks on your styrofoam beneath. |
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 Remove the paper and incise the lines more deeply. |
 step 4
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 Pour a line of paint (just a little wider than your brayer) onto your paint tray and roll your brayer through it to cover the roller completely. You want to get the paint to cover the roller as evenly as possible, but don’t expect perfection. The example at the left is just fine. |
 step 5
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 Roll the paint-loaded brayer across your printing block to cover it entirely, from edge to edge, with paint. |
 step 6
If your lines get a little clogged up with paint, don’t sweat it. You can quickly clean out any excess with the skewer. |
 step 7
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 Lay your printing block face down on your pre-cut paper, positioned as shown. Press firmly on and around the entire block to transfer the paint to the paper. |
 step 8
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 Gently lift the block to reveal your wonderful work!Your printing blocks can be used many times over, so make as many as you want. Of course, you can also print onto cardstock to make a postcard or folded card. |
step 9
Finish cutting and assembling your envelope, following the instructions on your .pdfNote: you can also use decorative scissors to cut the flap, or cut the flap into a semi-circle. See below for examples. |
 step 10
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 Fill envelopes with tiny treats and deliver the goods to your most deserving Valentines! |
art templates
To download, position your cursor on top of the image you’d like to download. Right click and choose “Save Image As” from the pop-up menu. Tell your computer where to save the file. Once saved, go to that location, open the file and print at 100% size for use on your printing block.
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