DIY Linocut Cards & Gift Wrap

If you're someone who loves making homemade cards, but feels overwhelmed during the holidays (there are so many to make!) you'll want to check out linocutting. It's a great way to maximize your efforts and make a lot of cards or gift wrap in one sitting. If you're not sure what linocutting is — essentially, it's stamp-making using a piece of linoleum and a special carving tool that you can buy at most craft stores or online. 

Here is what you'll need:

• a linocutting tool 
• linoleum (often comes with the kit when you buy one)
• paint or ink
• paper or bags
• a sponge paint brush 

Step One

Using your carving tool, carve a stamp into your piece of linoleum. Remember that if you're carving words, you need to make the letters backwards because of the mirror effect of stamping. Don't worry about lines being perfect. Part of the look is for these to feel hand-crafted and imperfect. 

Step Two

Use your sponge brush (or roller) to apply paint or ink to your stamp. You'll want to apply the paint evenly and thinly so that it doesn't get built up in the creases of your stamp. 

Step Three

Press your stamp onto the front of your card or gift bag. Put pressure evenly on the back of the stamp to make sure all parts have contact with the paper. Carefully lift the stamp. 

Step Four

Repeat this process as many times as desired. You can also add text with a felt-tip marker for a custom touch!

More DIY Holiday Crafts: 

• Baking Soda Clay Handprint Ornament
• Coffee Filter Snowflakes
• Clothespin Menorah
• Cinnamon Stick Tree Ornament 
• Mason Jar Snow Globe