I’ve been using printmaking to make Valentine’s since I was a kid – maybe started this tradition when I was in 3rd grade? My parents were always into printmaking and they thankfully taught me linocut early on.
This year I had to go with the masked theme. Some of these will be available in the shop section of this site soon!
I started with the soft-kut linoleum blocks. This is a fabulous material that my first grader even handled with ease. I love using a thick line of marker to ensure I don’t cut too much away.
I used watercolor paintings as the background of my prints. Rubbing alcohol and salt were fun additions to the paintings.
Both my kids were hooked – even working at breakfast instead of eating.
My son created a mask and heart design, but separately. The kids figured out they could cut designs on both sides of their printing block. My daughter did a cat and hearts.
My daughter forgot to make her carved words mirrored backwards, and didn’t catch it until her proof. She rolled with it and adapted her design – a great example of a beautiful oops!
Bluebird Hill Art 
What fun!
Thank you! It was a delightful project.