Creating a snowdrop flowers linocut: A Step-by-Step Guide

The gray clouds hang low outside, with the sun only peeking through occasionally. On days like these, I find myself daydreaming of spring.
That’s when inspiration struck — to create a linocut featuring snowdrops. These small, delicate flowers stand resilient against the cold, inspiring with their gentle strength.

I’d love to share a glimpse of this magical process with you: from the first sketches to carving into linoleum. I hope my journey in creating this piece inspires you to find beauty and joy in your own creativity!✨

Materials & Tools

Before you begin, it's important to gather all the necessary materials. They affect not only the quality of your work but also the comfort during the process.

• Linoleum
  I use dark gray, medium-hard linoleum, which holds crisp lines and details beautifully. This is regular "Tarkett" parquet linoleum, which I buy at regular linoleum stores and markets.
• Carving tools (gouges)
  A set with U- and V-shaped tips allows you to carve different lines: thin and sharp or soft and rounded. I usually use one thin V-shaped tool and one large U-shaped one. You don't need to buy a full set; these are enough. You can get medium and small sizes.
• Inks 
  I use oil-based paints (dark green and white for this snowdrop art). They take a while to dry but give a nice, rich print. You can use acrylic paint, but you need to keep in mind that it dries very quickly, and you might not be able to print in time. That’s why I use oil paint.
• Roller (brayer)
  For evenly applying ink to the linoleum. If you want to save money, you can get a regular wallpaper roller from any hardware store. It’s important that it’s smooth.
• Paper
  For printing, I use heavy paper with a weight of 180-220 gsm. In this art piece, I used "Elle Erre B1" paper.
• Spoon or baren 
  For hand printing. You can also use an etching press.
  

Steps to Create the Print

1. Sketching and Preparing the Linoleum
   The process starts with the idea. I draw several versions of the sketch on my iPad, experimenting with composition and details. Snowdrops have thin, curved stems, which are important to capture in the lines. I drew 5 sketches. Often, I draw just one or two, set them aside, and then revisit them a few days later to refine. Sometimes, I don’t like anything and start from scratch. The sketch is the most important part — it’s the foundation of the print.
   
   
   
   

    

   Creating the Final Sketch 
   When I find a good version, I print it at full size on an A4 printer.
   
   
   

   
   Transferring the Sketch
   I place tracing paper on the linoleum, put the sketch on top, and carefully trace the design with a pencil.
   

   Securing the Contours 
   After transferring, I go over the lines with a marker. This helps to see the details clearly during the carving process.
   
   
   
   
   
   

    

2. Carving the Details
   This is the most delicate stage. It’s important to be precise here, as linocut doesn’t forgive mistakes – once it’s cut, there’s no going back.
   
   

   
   Carving the outlines 
   I start with the thin V-shaped gouge, carving all the main lines. Snowdrops have soft, smooth lines, so I need to control the pressure on the tool.

   Removing the background
    I switch to the U-shaped gouge and carve the background around the flowers. It’s important to leave enough texture so that the work looks lively.
   
   
   

   
   Final touches 
   I add small details like shadows on the petals, curves in the leaves.

   ✦ Tip: If I make a mistake, I can cover it with liquid wax or carefully trim it with a thin blade, but it’s better to work carefully from the start.
   
   
   

3. Test Print (Print Proof)
   The first print is a test to see what needs to be adjusted.
   
   

   
   Evenly applying the ink
   I take the brayer and roll a thin layer of ink onto the palette. It’s important that the ink isn’t too thick, or it will get into the carved areas.

   First print 
   I place a piece of proofing paper on top of the linoleum and press it with a spoon. I start from one edge and work my way to the top. Then I repeat this 2-3 times. Sometimes, as I press the paper with one hand, I lift the other edge to check the print. It’s often that I miss a spot, and some areas don’t print.
   
   
   

   
   Analyzing the result 
   If the ink spread or some lines came out unclear, I adjust with the gouge those spots that need to be darkened or made sharper.
   
   
   

4. Final Print
   When the linocut is ready, the most exciting moment begins – creating the real print. I always hold the paper firmly against the surface with one hand to prevent any shifting or unevenness. I don’t use intermediate test prints on different paper types, because I already choose the color and type of paper in advance. I have a lot of experience and an understanding of how oil paint works on different types of paper.

   Applying the ink
   I squeeze a bit of ink onto the palette, roll it into a thin layer, and evenly apply it to the linoleum.

   Choosing the paper 
   I use high-quality paper that absorbs the ink well.

   Hand printing 
   I place the paper on top and start pressing it evenly with the spoon so that the ink transfers onto the paper.

   Final result
   I carefully peel the paper off and leave the prints to dry.

   ✦ Tip: If you’re printing a series, you can make a few variations: change the color or add watercolor accents after it dries.
   
   
   
   

Spirituality and Inspiration: What Snowdrops Mean in Art

Snowdrops are the first flowers to break through the cold and snow, bringing hope and a new beginning. They teach us patience, endurance, and remind us that even after a harsh winter, spring always comes. Often, when creating linocuts, I struggle with patience because it takes a lot of time, resources, and attention. But I always remember the final result — the beauty, relief, and uniqueness that I always admire. This is exactly what snowdrops are about.

Linocut isn’t just a technique; it’s a way to capture a moment, to convey an emotion through texture and lines. Every cut, every print is a special moment of dialogue with the material, a moment when you create something unique.
Creating this print, I felt the awakening of spring, an uplifted mood, and at the same time, I meditated. Working in silence, alone with the linoleum block, carving it, I had many thoughts. At that moment, those thoughts were about the future, about spring, and how much I have to do.

What do you think of this print? Would you try creating something similar?
If this print speaks to you, I invite you to check it out in my shop. And who knows, maybe it will become part of your home or a gift for a loved one?




I would be happy to see you there or chat with you on Instagram!
Thank you for reading, and I hope I inspired you to create!