Challenge 1

My approach here was to start at the tips of the wrench, follow the curve and meet in the middle — using the #1V blade of course. After that I was able to dig out the void starting with tentative, shallow strokes. Success!

Challenge 2

These lines are my first real detail work. My first goal was just to get them straight. I carved in between them using the #1V. That left really thick lines, and I couldn’t work it into the corner at the top and bottom of where the wrench and bat cross. I took a couple of more passes trying to thin the lines out, which worked but made them less parallel. I received some advice from /u/PandaObsession to use an x-acto knife before the lino cutter to produce cleaner lines. I had already done the damage here, but I’m thinking it may have helped in this situation.

Challenge 3

The #1V can’t fail me again can it? Not really, it can only be failed. And I let it down. I did three sides of the hexagon, but the other side ended up as a straight line. I attempted to remedy the situation, but ended up with at best a pentagon.

Challenge 4

Finally, I got to a task where I knew I’d have to change tools. These dots would definitely require something smaller than the #1V. Since it’s the smallest V shaped cutter, I picked up the #6 blade, which looks more like a scalpel. I inserted the only the very tip of the blade vertically into the carving block, then turned it 360 degrees while holding the lino cutter stationery. A few turned out a little rough, but they are a relatively regular size and look decent in the final stamp. I’d love to hear a better way to do it, though. (That means leave a comment.)