EasyRelief$5 (whole mat)Safety: Moderate Risk
Yoga-Mat Soft-Cut Block
A scrap of yoga mat carves like butter and prints like real lino.
Print Type
Relief
Sourcing
Thrift
Carve a soft scrap of yoga mat like a stamp, roll ink on the high parts, and press paper down.
- ▸EVA foam cuts effortlessly — no warming or struggling with stiff lino.
- ▸Glue it to cardboard so it stays flat while you carve and print.
- ▸Inks and prints just like traditional linocut, with way less hand strain.
Steps
- 01
Cut the mat to your block size.
- 02
Glue to a piece of cardboard or wood for stability (PVA glue works).
- 03
Carve with regular linocut tools — the soft EVA cuts effortlessly with no warmth needed.
- 04
Ink and print as for traditional linocut.
Materials4
- — A scrap of EVA foam yoga mat (any thrift store has them for $3)
- — Sharp craft knife or linoleum cutters
- — Block printing ink
- — Brayer
Safety
Involves dust, mild chemistry, sharp tools, or solvents. Use PPE and ventilate.
Hazards identified
- Sharp tools — cut hazard
Quick checklist
- ☐Always cut away from your body and bracing hand
- ☐Keep blades sharp; dull tools slip
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Perfect for beginners and arthritic hands — no fighting hard linoleum. Yields 50+ clean prints before showing wear.