What Is Block Printing? (And Why I Fell in Love with It)

There’s something a little bit magical about carving a drawing into a block and seeing it come to life in ink. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the carving, or the surprise of the first print — either way, block printing is one of those things that pulls you in and makes you slow down.

At Tako Press, almost everything starts from a hand-carved block. But what exactly is block printing? And why choose this old, slow process in the age of fast, AI-generated everything?

Let’s dive in.

So… What Is Block Printing?

Block printing is a traditional printing method where you carve your design into a flat surface — usually a soft linoleum, rubber or wood block — roll ink on it, and press it onto paper or fabric.

Each block is like a handmade stamp. Once you carve it, you can use it over and over again, but no two prints come out exactly the same. The little imperfections, the textures of the ink, the slightly off-center edges — they’re what make it feel alive.

Block printing has been around for centuries. It was used in Vietnam, ancient China, India, and Japan for books, textiles, and art. It’s become a rare sight but now making a comeback.

And that’s why I love it so much.

Why It’s Different (And Beautiful)

In a world of mass-produced everything, block printing is a unique venture — a small, inky protest against perfection.

It’s slow. It’s messy. It takes time to draw, transfer, carve, ink, and print — all by hand. Sometimes I carve a piece for hours only to realize I made a mistake. Sometimes the ink just won’t roll the way I want. But when the print finally comes out right, it feels like magic.

When you hold a Tako Press piece of art, you’re holding:

• A hand-carved design (no clip art, no AI)
• Hours of handwork
• A tiny piece of my messy desk and my quiet afternoon

That’s the charm of it. It’s not just an image — it’s an experience.

Where It Shows Up at Tako Press

At Tako Press, I use block printing to make:

• Art prints on handmade papers
• Printed tees, pouches, bandanas,…
• Postcards
• Limited-edition textile pieces for everyday adventures

I usually print in small batches. Sometimes only 10 or 20. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Each one might look a bit different — and I like it that way.

View all products made from block printing here.

Why I Keep Choosing It

Hand-printing isn’t the fastest way to make things. It’s definitely not the cleanest. But it feels honest.

Every carved line carries a bit of intention. Every smudge has a story. And in a world that’s rushing past, I want Tako Press to be a little slower — a space for nostalgia, nature, and simple joy.

If you’ve never seen block printing in real life, I invite you to follow along on Instagram or YouTube. I share my process, my mistakes, and the quiet joy that comes with making things by hand.

Or better yet — try it for yourself. Carve a potato. Print a leaf. You might fall in love with it too.

Until then, thanks for being here, and thank you for choosing handmade.