Block printing has been around for centuries. The first blocks were cut and used to print prayer books in Nepal. Hand carved wood blocks have been the traditional means of printing in Nepal, and India for centuries. Even today prayer books in the Himalayan Monasteries are printed from such blocks. In India paper and fabrics are still printed with these hand carved blocks, except this practice is becoming rare due to expense, and the cheaper alternative of screen printing.
To care for: wipe off paint and dyes immediately after you are done printing, let dry and once a month or so wipe down with olive oil to keep the wood oiled.
Keep out of damp areas, and make sure the blocks are dry when put away.
To print: Use a sponge, or sponge applicator and dab it into the paint or dye, and gently cover the surface of the block (make sure you have good coverage but not so much that it blobs up). Then on a padded surface (for example a pile of newspapers, or several layers of cloth or felt), place a piece of paper, or a tee shirt(with cardboard inside the tee) and firmly press the woodblock. Gently rock the block in place, in all directions to achieve a clear print. It is wise to practice on scrap paper a few times to get the hang of printing , and paint coverage before you attempt your final prints.
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