![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1_ferns.jpg)
For this print, I wanted to create a more muted margin, to help the ferns really pop. So I first did a rectangular carving with a window in it, and printed beige.
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2_Ferns-751x1024.jpg)
Next I learned a new skill: hand-setting antique metal type! It’s got to be done backwards, of course, with teensy spacers, to make it look right (see detail below).
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/detail_type.jpg)
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/3_ferns.jpg)
To give the type an old-fashioned element, I printed a green square where the fancy initial cap “S” would go later.
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/4_ferns.jpg)
Instead of my usual linoleum, I decided to use wood for the reduction printing of the ferns picture. First, ink the wood with yellow and print.
Then I did a very detailed sharpie drawing of the ferns on clear acetate, to use as a carving guide.
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/detail_acetate.jpg)
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/5_ferns.jpg)
Using the same piece of wood, I carve away the shapes that should stay yellow and print light green. I also did a black printing of my fancy “S.”
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/6_ferns.jpg)
Next, I take the wood and carve away the
shapes that should stay light green, and print darker green.
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7_ferns.jpg)
Now I carve a new piece of wood, and print the tan forest floor.
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/detail_woodcut.jpg)
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/8_ferns.jpg)
Back to the ferns carving: starting to remove all but the parts that should print dark brown.
Last, take a new piece of linoleum and carve just the black borders, and print.
![](https://laurawilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/9_ferns.jpg)
This is gorgeous in its simplicity. Thank you for showing the process!