Trying something new

I have had a bee in my bonnet about lino cutting since Christmas...I saw Cathie do some and wanted to have a go.  I have wanted to try it but wondered... where do you get all the stuff from? the tools, the lino? and how do you actually do it??

Yesterday, I thought I would just start. Just try it. This is my very very very first time and I just worked it out by looking at the tools. OBVIOUSLY! Obviously no instructions were read or googled or anything...

 I started with a little drawing of  paper crane. I then set to work with the gouging. It was actually quite fun gouging away at something with sharp tools ( I am amazed no blood was shed) .....and when I actually worked out that the roller thingy, technical name: brayer, is suppose to be for putting the paint on, this actually confused the matter as I had been just dipping the stamp in the paint.

 

I had been using the brayer for rolling over the back of the stamp when it was on the page. The stamp came out much better when I did it like that. I do not know the rules for using the brayer but have found my way.

It's ok. For a first time go.

Now, I have plans for more little stamps.... 

I got my starter kit here.