Woodblocks: Design, Carve and Print in the Field

Dates: Aug 14-16, 2026
Instructor: Ramsey Harvey
Fee: $325.00 + meals and accommodations fees
Term: Summer 2026

Workshop Description

Experience the feel and techniques of carving on wood. Learn to design, layout, carve and print from the block in this three day workshop. Meet Friday evening and work Saturday through Sunday on woodblocks and making art. Utilizing inspiration from the SNFC and surrounding areas, be prepared to work hard and have fun.

No experience necessary, beginners and advanced levels welcome! Bring your own tools, paper, inks and woodblocks. Additional Woodblocks, paper, ink, and tools will be available to students in a shared workspace. Lean towards soft woods if you are a beginner and if you feel more advanced bring on the hardwoods. Please bring rice paper or higher quality paper for any final prints you plan to keep. Plan to print a few extra for a print swap during our showcase! See supply list and email Instructor with additional questions.

 

Woodblock of a waterbird and stems
Ramsey Harvey

Instructor Bio

Ramsey Harvey (she/her/hers) works at the intersections of art, ecology, and human health. She uses experiential education to support students and enjoys working with all ages and skill levels. Ramsey is a multidisciplinary artist currently working in wood block printing, willow basketry, loom weaving, natural dying, and zine production. Additionally, she is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri working as a trauma-informed Community Mental Health Clinician. Ramsey is an Alumni of both SFSU and SNFC. You can often find her making tea, reading poetry, and nature journaling.
 

Workshop Details

Workshop Schedule

Friday
-Orientation and Introductions
-Skills in Wood Blocking/Carving/Inking/Printing

Saturday
-TBD Field Trip or On Campus Inspiration
-Carve/Ink/Print

Sunday
-Final Print Production
-Showcase & Print Swap
-Debrief

Workshop Supplies List

Art supply stores carry a limited supply of tools but may have a wide variety of paper. For a most complete line of tools go to Dick Blick. Inexpensive tools and paper are all you need for this class.

Carving Tools

One set of tools made for wood or Linoleum (Lino) Block carving. Some sets have one handle and a variety of blades. Be sure it has a “U” and a “V” shape tool/blade. Prices vary from $10-$100 per set.

Brayer (Roller) A small roller(width) is good (wider rollers are for larger blocks)

The handle can be simple steel or complicated with a “ink” guard. I find the simple handle is easiest to clean and works fine.

Platen (ink plate) Any flat surface works for the inking plate-ink needs to be rolled onto the roller. Glass, plastic, or lino block that is bigger than the roller works well.

Ink Speedball makes inexpensive water-base printer’s ink (paint is not the same as ink!). It comes in colors: one or two colors is all you need such as black, brown or blue.

Paper traditional paper is “Rice” paper found at fine Art Supplies. (Michael’s will not likely have this paper, Dick Blick will have fine papers). When first printing, many test prints will be required before a final print is pulled. Bring a stack of copy paper for test prints, and a few “final” papers.

Miscellaneous Paper Towels, newspapers (to cover the table) and a palette knife (same as an oil painter uses)

Notebook/journal (blank/dot/graph paper recommended unless you are a lines person) and preferred drawing utensils

Lodging and Camping Supplies

Camping gear if you are staying on campus:

  • tent and sleeping pad (unless you are staying in our tent with a cot provided)
  • warm sleeping bag
  • pillow, toiletries, and towel
  • flashlight and lantern
  • alarm clock

Field gear for everyone:

  • day pack
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellant
  • water bottles
  • plastic containers for packed lunches
  • sense of humor

You might also want to bring:

  • camera
  • binoculars
  • hand lens
  • camp chair

Clothing:

The weather in the Sierra Nevada can vary greatly, even in a single day. Be prepared for chilly temperatures at night, even below freezing early in the summer. Rain is a possibility any time, whether forecast or not. Variable weather clothing that can be layered is best: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather and/or night activities. And, if you come later in the season, bring your swimsuit for afternoon dips in the lakes!