Linoprinting, The making of.. lino printing, lino prints, seahorse

The making of my Seahorse lino print.

Helen White April 8, 2021

In this post I share with you how I created this Seahorse lino print.

When I tried lino cutting for the Artful video, I used small Essdee softcut blocks as test pieces and carved a little seahorse. I accidentally forgot to add the fin to it though. So, I decided to create a bigger seahorse – this time with a fin.

Small seahorse block and big seahorse block

For this Essdee softcut block, I only used my Essdee and Abig carving tools. After drawing the seahorse I traced it onto transfer page, placed the back of the paper with the pencil lead on the block and went over the lines to transfer it. The most difficult bit when cutting the block was actually cutting the round shapes. They are not quite as round as I wanted them.

Seahorse transfer paper used to transfer the drawing on the block.

Originally, I was thinking to print in black and red and tested this with the water-based ink, that came with the Artful box. This was however difficult to do as it’s just one block. In the future I might try my hand at reduction block or multiple block printing. But for the time being I am sticking to one colour.

Seahorse test prints on cheap printer paper with water-based ink in black and in black and red.

When I tried to print the edition of this seahorse, I originally used Fabriano Unica paper (which is better suited for a press rather than for hand-printing) and water-based ink. This proved to be rather difficult and frustrating as the prints didn’t come out very well. It took a lot of practice! All those “wasted” sheets of paper are now being used for other art projects, as I don’t like wasting things. For my final edition I used the Caligo Safewash ink, which is oil based and doesn’t dry on the surface I roll out the ink on – a problem you get with water-based ink, which dries quickly. As a registration method for this print, I used my DIY guides.

I ended up with 12 prints I was happy with. I could have made more, but by that time I got a bit fed up and decided to stop there.

Seahorse test print - too much ink used. — Seahorse test print – too much ink used.

I hope you like the seahorse. You can find the prints here.

Thank you for reading.

Helen x

Ivy cooper leaf bracelet

January 9, 2026

My dad bought me this bracelet for Christmas and I absolutely love it, it has amazing detailing.

Malia Mackenzie

I could have kept them for myself!

March 25, 2022

“I have bought some lovely jewellery and bookmarks from Helen typically to give as special and unusual presents. Everything is beautifully made, reasonably processed and always well packed. I have also been a lucky winner of a red bracelet and earrings set which has bought me some lovely compliments as does the lovely blue and white nautilus necklace which is so unique and eye catching. I was really interested when Helen began making the sculptures, watching her posts as each model developed. As a cat worshipper, this specific group really caught my eye! I bought two cats; one sitting black and white, the second white and black which was laying down – bought them as presents for people with cats of similar colouring; they are so lovely, the detail is wonderful and their recipients are so pleased with them! They nearly didn’t get their presents, as I could have kept them for myself! Thank you Helen, your work is wonderful!”

Cathy St. John

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Every item is unique.

“I discovered Helenka White Design through The Cat (magazine of the charity Cats Protection) and I have now bought five of Helen’s beautiful pieces: two sitting cat pendants for myself) and three gifts – including one for a non-cat person who was delighted with her shiny pendant. Helen’s service is prompt and personal, and all the items were lovingly and attractively packaged. Best of all: every item is unique, yet the prices are so affordable!”

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anon

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Love the little cat pendant.

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Arrived beautifully packaged.

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Jim Laver

Delighted with the finished pieces.

“I asked Helen to design me a necklace using beads I’d seen and liked on her website. I had quite a clear vision for what I wanted and she agreed she could make what I wanted and offered to make me some matching earrings.

She communicated with me frequently throughout the design process offering alternatives and using photos to illustrate the options. She gave me quotes for the work ahead of time. She worked diligently and in a very timely fashion keeping me updated as she went. I was delighted with the finished pieces which she packaged beautifully and sent by secure post. I was very happy throughout the entire process and Helen finished the necklace and earrings to a very high standard. I would have no hesitation recommending Helen for her work, design and collaborative approach and the excellent quality of her jewellery. I’ll be keeping an eye out on her website for other items I might fancy.”

Siobhan O'Neill

I received several compliments from family and friends.

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Just a few days later my handmade jewellery set arrived safely secured in a pretty little drawstring black velvet bag. The colours were striking and the set was so well made with Helen’s signature marked on the back. I wore it first with my red top and black jeans and received several compliments from family and friends! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Helen and Bobby once again for the lovely giveaway and to wish Helenka White Design much success in the future. I will definitely recommend her products to all my family and friends and will be looking forward to seeing her new creations!”

Tracy Nixon