Maison Encrée
Amélie is the founder of Maison Encrée, a linocut printmaking studio based near Lille in the north of France. Inspired by architecture, craftsmanship and the stories behind the places we call home, she creates bespoke linocut prints of homes, meaningful buildings and iconic places. With a passion for traditional printmaking and exceptional materials, Amélie reflects on her printmaking journey, her love of architecture and the personal stories behind her work.
Can You Introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Amélie, and I am the founder of Maison Encrée, a small linocut printmaking studio based near Lille, in the north of France.
I create bespoke linocut prints of homes, meaningful buildings and iconic places. Every piece is entirely hand drawn, hand carved and hand printed by me. I love taking the time to complete every stage myself, making each print truly one of a kind.
Maison Encrée was born from a simple belief: the places that matter deserve to be preserved in more than just a photograph. Every home has its own story. It might be a family home, a couple’s first house or a property that has been passed down through generations. My role is to turn those memories into something tangible and lasting.
I am passionate not only about the creative process but also about the craftsmanship behind every print. I believe that exceptional work begins with exceptional materials, which is why I am always searching for the best papers, inks and tools. I have even travelled to Paris to source specialist printmaking materials that are difficult to find elsewhere in France, because every choice I make has an impact on the final result.
My goal is to create timeless pieces that people will treasure for years and perhaps even pass on to future generations.
To me, a linocut print is much more than an illustration: it is a way of preserving memories, celebrating architecture and keeping personal stories alive!
Describe your style of printmaking
My work is inspired by traditional linocut printmaking with a particular focus on architecture.
I love simplifying buildings that are often very complex into bold, high-contrast compositions while preserving the details that give them their identity. A decorative moulding, a bay window, wrought-iron railings or a climbing plant can be enough to make a house instantly recognisable.
I am always looking for the right balance between simplicity and accuracy. Rather than reproducing every tiny detail, I focus on capturing what makes a place unique and instantly familiar to the people who know it.
I am also very particular about the materials I use. I believe that beautiful prints begin with beautiful tools, lino, papers and inks. Every element of the process is carefully chosen to achieve the highest quality possible and to create handcrafted prints that will stand the test of time.
How and when did you get started in printing?
I have always loved drawing and making things with my hands, but I only discovered linocut printmaking a few years ago.
What captivated me straight away was the permanence of the process. There is no “undo” button. Every cut requires patience, precision and confidence. That is exactly what I love about it.
Maison Encrée began with a very personal project. I wanted to create a linocut print of my own home to display in my house. When I showed it to family and friends, several of them asked if I could create one of their homes too.
That is when I realised these prints meant much more than beautiful illustrations, they captured memories and emotional connections to a place.
From that moment on, I knew I wanted to turn this passion into something bigger. Since then, I have never stopped learning, experimenting and refining my craft. Every new project is an opportunity to improve, and that continuous learning is one of the things I enjoy most about printmaking.
Where do you work?
I work from my home studio in Lille, in the north of France.
It is where every stage of my process takes place, from the initial drawing to carving, printing and carefully packaging each order. I love being surrounded by my carving tools, inks, papers and all the little things that make the studio feel like my own creative space.
It is a calm and peaceful place where I can fully focus on each commission. Because every print is made entirely by hand, I work on them one at a time, giving each project the care and attention it deserves.
Most days, I am not alone for long. My English Cocker Spaniel, Gaston, is usually asleep beside my workbench, keeping me company while I carve.
What inspires your work?
Architecture has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I love observing façades, materials, proportions and all the small details that many people walk past without noticing.
But my greatest source of inspiration is the stories behind every commission. Every house has a meaning. It might be a family home filled with childhood memories, a wedding gift, a first home or a place that has been passed down through generations.
I feel incredibly privileged to transform those places into something people can keep forever. Knowing that my work will become part of someone’s home and their family’s story is what inspires me the most.
I am also inspired by traditional printmaking techniques and by artisans who dedicate their lives to mastering their craft. That is one of the reasons why I am always looking to learn, whether it is by experimenting with new materials or travelling to discover different printmaking traditions.
Your prints often feature beautiful streets, buildings, and cityscapes. What first drew you to architecture as the focus of your work?
I have always been drawn to architecture. I love studying façades, proportions, materials and all the little details that give a building its personality. The more I look at a house, the more I notice the small features that make it unique.
When I discovered linocut printmaking, I immediately felt that it was the perfect medium for celebrating architecture. Its bold contrasts simplify a building without taking away its character.
With just black ink and white paper, you can capture the essence of a place in a way that feels both timeless and expressive.
I also love the idea that architecture is deeply personal. It is where memories are made. Being able to preserve those places through traditional printmaking is what continues to motivate and inspire me every day.
What is the most challenging aspect of creating a house portrait?
Without hesitation, finding the right level of simplification.
In linocut printmaking, every cut matters. You have to decide which details are essential and which ones can be left out, while making sure the house remains instantly recognisable. It is a constant balance between accuracy and simplicity.
Some details may seem insignificant, but they are often what gives a house its personality. A particular window, an old stone wall, a climbing rose or a distinctive front door can make all the difference.
The most rewarding moment is when a client sees the finished print and says, “That’s exactly my house.” That is when I know I have captured not just the architecture, but the feeling of the place. For me, that is the true challenge and the most satisfying part of my work.
What is your favourite part of the creative process?
I genuinely enjoy every stage of the process, but if I had to choose just one, it would be pulling the very first print.
After hours of drawing and carving, that is the moment when everything is finally revealed. As the paper is lifted, all the lines, textures and contrasts come together for the first time.
Even though I know the design by heart, there is always a little excitement and a touch of surprise.
It is a magical moment that never gets old. Seeing the finished image appear after so many hours of work reminds me why I fell in love with linocut printmaking in the first place.
That first impression is the moment when the entire project truly comes to life.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no such thing as a typical day, and that is exactly what I love about running Maison Encrée.
Some days are dedicated to drawing and preparing future commissions, while others are spent carving for hours or hand-printing finished blocks. I also spend time packaging orders, replying to clients, creating content for social media and managing all the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a small business.
As Maison Encrée isn not yet my full-time job, my days are split between my work in Paris and my evenings and weekends in the studio. It can be busy, but I truly enjoy the balance. Printmaking gives me the opportunity to slow down, work with my hands and create something meaningful.
No two days are ever the same, but they all revolve around the same goal: creating beautiful, handcrafted prints that people will treasure for years to come.
Do you have a favourite print that you’ve created?
That is a difficult question because every print is connected to a different story.
I have a special affection for older houses because they offer an incredible richness of architectural details and textures. They are fascinating to draw and carve, and every project presents a new challenge.
But the prints that stay with me the most are the ones that carry a strong emotional meaning for their owners. Whether it is a family home, a wedding gift, a first home or a house that has been passed down through generations, knowing that my work will become part of those memories is incredibly rewarding.
In the end, I think my favourite print is always the next one. Every new commission pushes me to improve my skills, discover new techniques and create something even better than the last.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Without a doubt, creating Maison Encrée has been my greatest achievement.
Seeing a personal passion grow into a real business in just a few months is something I never imagined. Every new commission, every kind message from a client and every print displayed in someone’s home reminds me why I started this journey.
Another very special milestone has been being invited by Essdee to take part in the Meet the Printmaker series. I have used Essdee tools since I first discovered linocut printmaking because I believe that great craftsmanship starts with great materials. To be recognised today by a brand that has been part of my journey from the very beginning is both a huge honour and an incredible source of motivation.
I am always looking for ways to improve my craft. I invest a lot of time in finding the best materials, learning new techniques, and refining my process. This September, I will be spending a month in Japan learning traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printmaking from Japanese artists. Being able to learn directly from masters of a centuries-old tradition feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I hope it will inspire and enrich my future work.
For me, success is not just about growing a business. It is about continuing to learn, creating meaningful work, and making every new print a little better than the last.
What are you working on at the moment?
Bespoke house portraits remain at the heart of Maison Encrée, and I am currently working on many new commissions. Every home is different, which means every project brings its own challenges and its own story to tell.
Alongside these commissions, I am developing a collection called “Les Emblématiques”, dedicated to France’s architectural heritage. Through this series, I want to celebrate remarkable streets, historic buildings and iconic landmarks by transforming them into handcrafted linocut prints that are accessible to everyone.
For me, learning never really stops. Every commission, every new technique and every new experience helps me continue growing as a printmaker and creating even better work for my clients.
Your dog often appears on your Instagram. Has he become part of your studio routine?
Absolutely!
My English Cocker Spaniel, Gaston, is my unofficial studio assistant. He spends most of his days by my side while I am drawing, carving or printing, usually curled up under my workbench or reminding me that it is time for a break!
He has become the mascot of Maison Encrée and some of my customers even ask how he is doing. I love sharing little moments with him on Instagram because he is genuinely part of my everyday life and, in his own way, part of the adventure too.
The studio simply would not feel the same without him. He brings a lot of warmth, laughter and companionship to my days, and I think everyone needs a good studio assistant… even one with four paws.
Do you have any advice for someone who would like to start linocut printmaking?
My biggest piece of advice would be to simply start and not be afraid of making mistakes.
Linocut printmaking can feel intimidating at first because every cut is permanent, but that is also what makes it so rewarding. Every print teaches you something new and every mistake helps you improve.
I would also encourage beginners to invest in good-quality tools from the start. Sharp, reliable tools make the process much more enjoyable and allow you to focus on developing your technique rather than struggling with your equipment.
Finally, be patient with yourself. Printmaking is a craft that takes time to master. Keep experimenting, stay curious and never stop learning. The more you practise, the more you will develop your own style, and that is what makes every print unique.
Image Credits – Maison Encrée
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Send us a message
Contact Details
info@essdee.co.uk
(+44) 01562 60787
Essdee – Educational Art and Craft Supplies Ltd
Frederick Road, Hoo Farm Industrial Estate
Kidderminster, DY11 7RA
global.monkey.brave
Copyright Educational Art and Craft Supplies Ltd 2023 | Website Design by Nettl of Kidderminster