Building Bold Prints with LEGO Letterpress
Exploring play, print, and the joy of discovery – one brick at a time.
Have you ever found creative magic in something as familiar as a LEGO brick?
For a few years, I’ve been experimenting with an unlikely pairing—LEGO bricks and traditional printmaking—and it’s turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly joyful parts of my art practice. I’m thrilled to be sharing this playful approach in an upcoming full-day workshop at Unique State Art Space on Saturday, 26 July.
This post is both an invitation and a behind-the-scenes look at the process that’s brought so many small surprises into my studio.
The Joy of Unexpected Materials
I was first drawn to LEGO for its playful structure and the satisfying repetition it offers. But once I started pressing inked LEGO into paper, I discovered something even more exciting: the delightful tension between structure and spontaneity.
“I love the pixelated designs and the unexpectedly cute forms that emerge. It’s so exciting to experiment with shapes, especially when a specific piece sparks a new idea. I once tracked down a LEGO DOTS set on Facebook Marketplace just to get more of those little ‘macaroni’ curves for a print of my dog, Duncan!”
Using bricks as print blocks taps into something very freeing. The pressure to “get it right” melts away, replaced by a sense of experimentation and discovery. The process reminds me of the therapeutic power of artmaking: being present, curious, and open to surprise.
About the Workshop: What to Expect
In the LEGO Letterpress Workshop, we’ll spend the day moving from play to print. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced maker, the format is designed to be accessible, inspiring, and full of hands-on learning.
Morning Session:
We’ll start with playful warm-ups using pre-built LEGO printing plates. You’ll explore layering, colour, and texture as you experiment with ink and composition.
Midday Demo:
I’ll guide you through the entire process—from sketching a design on graph paper to building, inking, and printing your own LEGO blocks. There’ll be time to explore different inking techniques using both oil- and water-based block printing inks, plus stamp pads like VersaColor for quick pops of colour.
Afternoon Studio Time:
You’ll develop your own project, using your choice of LEGO tiles and text to create a small series of bold, graphic prints. Expect a mix of fun, focus, and flow.
The Tools That Spark Play
Some of my favourite prints have come from using pieces from the LEGO DOTS series—a discontinued theme that offered 1×1 tiles in adorable shapes, such as stars, moons, musical notes, and paw prints. These tiles were originally designed for wearable wristbands and decorative objects, but they’ve become my secret printmaking stash.
Although LEGO DOTS sets are no longer available in stores, I’ve found great pre-loved pieces through sites like:
Pairing these with quality inks (I love using oil-based for crisp results) transforms them into print tools with personality.
Why This Workshop Feels Different
Traditional printmaking can be deeply rewarding, but it can also feel intimidating to newcomers. That’s where LEGO shines. The tactile familiarity of the bricks, combined with the open-ended creative process, makes this workshop:
Beginner-friendly and low-pressure
Ideal for experimenting and learning through play
Great for anyone looking to reconnect with their creative spark
Whether you’re a printmaker, artist or beginner, this is a space to explore without judgment—and with a good dose of fun.
Workshop Details
🗓️ Date: Saturday 26 July
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Unique State Art Space, Wagga Wagga
💵 Cost: $200 (members) / $220 (non-members)
🎨 What You’ll Take Home: A small series of original LEGO prints made by you!
Spots are limited, so we can keep things spacious and supportive.
Final Thoughts
One of my favourite parts of printmaking is that moment when you lift the paper and see what’s been created—bold or messy, perfect or imperfect, it’s always uniquely yours. I hope this workshop offers that same moment of surprise and delight to everyone who joins.
✨ Whether you're craving a new creative outlet, want to meet fellow makers, or simply love the idea of inky LEGO bricks—this one’s for you.
