Carve a Block, Leave a Mark: DIY Printed Cards for Fall

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of linoleum block printing to create fall-inspired cards that are so striking, your friends and family will actually save them. We’ll guide you step-by-step through carving, inking, and printing your own designs—no art degree required. By the end, you’ll have a stack of bold, handmade cards that look way more “gallery gift shop” than “DIY fail.”

Whether you want to impress loved ones, flex your creative muscles, or just enjoy a cozy evening of making, this is your chance to slow down and put your mark on something real.

Your future self (and the people who get your cards) will thank you.

Learn how to prepare a linoleum block design, carve it out, and create a run of prints!

Students will learn the basics of relief printing. We’ll begin by drawing or transferring a design onto a block of linoleum, then move on to carving, inking, and printing an edition. We’ll conclude with an end-of-class print exchange, and participants will take home an assortment of works of art (as well as extras of their own, handmade prints, of course).

What to expect:

• Step-by-step instruction on the “dos and don’ts” of carving and printing.
• Beginner-friendly - no prior art experience required
• All materials provided, just bring yourself
• A cozy cup of tea while you create magic

What to bring:

Nothing required but enthusiasm!

(Though - feel free to bring ideas, designs, or even drawings - we’ll go over how to transfer these onto a linoleum block. Simpler is better for these, as all lines and details will need to be carved into your block! Or, if freestyle drawing is more your speed, you can draw directly on your block and turn your sketches into relief prints. The linoleum blocks will be 4"x5”, so think slightly smaller than that for ideal sizes.)

About the Instructor:

Matt Ruehle is a local artist with a passion for printing. He loves the process of putting together a design in negative and chiseling it out, plus the fact that this art form leaves plenty of extra copies for sharing and gifting.

Outside of art, he lives in the SF Sunset, along with his partner, two cats, two rabbits, one dog, and thirty-five board games. He enjoys walking through Golden Gate Park and birding throughout the greater Bay Area, and gets most of his art ideas from these nature forays.

About Sunset Commons:

Carmen and Steven started Sunset Commons to provide a space to connect and build community through arts and craft activities led by talented local artists. Inspired by a love for creativity and a desire to foster connection in the Sunset District, we envisioned a “third space” where neighbors can gather, unwind, and form meaningful relationships. Our mission is to empower self-expression, boost confidence, and offer an inclusive haven for everyone, from introverts seeking a calm environment to those enjoying health-focused traditional teas. Sunset Commons is not just a business - it’s our way of enriching the community we love and to the city we both grew up in.

Also check out other Arts events in San Francisco, Workshops in San Francisco, Fine Arts events in San Francisco.