Colorful abstract art prints with circular and geometric patterns on a wooden table.

#CarveDecember and #PrintInktober

#CarveDecember and #PrintInktober are daily printmaking challenges started by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and open to everyone.

Two carved linoleum blocks with "CARVE DECEMBER" text, carving scraps, and a carving tool.

What is #CarveDecember?

I have been hosting this annual carve-a-stamp-a-day challenge in December since 2014!

As always, everyone is welcome to join. New stamp carvers will develop their skills quickly and experienced stamp carvers will sharpen those skills. Everyone will connect with new friends.  Here are the basics:

  1. Carve a stamp.

  2. Print it.

  3. Post the print to instagram.

  4. Use the hashtag #CarveDecember.

Please note: wholesalers of stones have started to use the hashtag inappropriately thus cluttering the feed with unwanted content.  To clear away the nonsense, block the accounts using it inappropriately. This video shows how:

Inktober print artwork with intricate patterns and designs

What is #PrintInktober?

I have been hosting this annual print-every-day challenge in October since 2018!

This daily challenge is FREE and open to everyone anywhere in the world.  Here are the basics:

  • Create and post one print each day in October.

  • Use the hashtag #printinktober when you post.

  • Any stamp/block can be used – foam, silicone, rubber, hand carved, lino, whatever you want!

  • Any ink can be used – screenprinting ink, marker ink, stamping ink, printing ink, etc.

  • Have fun and don’t worry if you miss a day (or more). The point of the challenge is to get those stamps out of storage and into use!!

  • I have definitely incorporated screenprinting and monoprinting into past PrintInktober adventures, so feel free to play with any kind of printmaking!

  • You can use the prompts I post just before the challenge begins if you wish, but it's not required.


Assorted art stamps with botanical and geometric patterns on a light blue background.

Tips for Success

Gather Your Supplies

When working on a daily project, I find it easiest if I have all the supplies I need right at hand so I can sit down and get to work.

for #CarveDecember

Even if you don't have a dedicated art space, you can quite easily fit a stamp carving kit into a shoebox or a tote bag.  I take my stamp carving supplies all over the world with me -- just remember to pack your blades in your checked luggage.  Even if you're traveling during December, you *can* carve a stamp every single day!  All you need is your kit and a table.

​Here's what you'll find in my stamp carving kit (affiliate links to brands I use):

for #PrintInktober

One of the beautiful things about printmaking is that it's such a flexible art form.  Whether you're working with hand carved stamps or commercial stamps you've purchased over the years, putting together a kit for yourself can be really helpful.  The "kit" allows you to spend your creative time making things rather than searching for the tools and supplies you need.

​Here's what you'll find in my printing kit ​(affiliate links to brands I use):

Plan for Success

I like to make a plan.  But I also like to remember that it's okay to deviate from the plan.  The plan should be helpful, and not feel like it's strangling or constricting you.  Some things to plan:

for #CarveDecember

  • Pick a time of day to carve.  For example, I do best if I get it out of the way first thing in the morning.  Other people have told me that they like to do it as an after dinner activity or a lunch break activity.

  • Make a list of stamps you'd like to create. For example, I need to create a sentiment stamp or two for this year's holiday cards.  What's on your list of "stamps I'd like to own?"  Write them down so you have some ideas for what to carve.  Nothing is worse than sitting down to create and not having any ideas.  This is also where the prompts can help you.  Use the list to generate ideas when you don't have any.

  • Gather inspiration. Start a Pinterest Board dedicated to #CarveDecember.  (You can see mine here.)  Or go analog and start collecting images from magazines, taking photos, or even starting with some sketches.  There's nothing wrong with copying as long as you site the source of your inspiration.

  • Plan ahead for the hard days.  December is a busy month.  But some days are busier than others.  When I know that I have a crazy day coming towards me, I grab my list of quick and easy stamps.  Generally speaking, these are stamps that are small -- about an inch -- and simple -- stripes, dots, etc.  They still look great, but I can get them done from carve to print in less than 15 minutes.  (See my blog post: How Long Does it Take to Carve a Stamp.)

Patterned paper with heart shapes featuring red and blue leaf designs, alongside a small cut-out heart shape with a similar pattern, placed on a light wooden surface.

for #PrintInktober

  • Set a goal for yourself.  What would you like to accomplish by participating in #PrintInktober?  Learn a new skill?  Use a new stamp every day?  Find new ways to use the same stamp every day?  It will be easier to create when you have a goal in mind.

  • Keep it small.  The amount of time you need to commit to the project is directly related to how large your prints are.  Smaller prints -- tags or small pieces of paper -- will make for a quicker process.

  • Know what you'll do with your finished prints.  Are they samples to be glued into your sketchbook?  Are they finished art to be sold?  Will they be used to make greeting cards?  Thinking about the end game can help you to determine the size of your prints and even the style. 

Colorful abstract painting of a carrot with leafy greens against a textured background.

Remember:

  • You do NOT have to create and post every single day to participate.  Even if you just get in 1 or 2 days of the challenge, you are most welcome!

  • I really hope you'll join us for all of the fun of these daily printmaking challenges and make them your own!