Handcarving stamps/blocks

Hi! Long time lurker here. I've been wanting to get into hand carving stamps or larger blocks for a good while based off of my original doodles. So far I've only completed 2.

My second was a distelfink (german/european folk art bird):
Distelfink Stamp - Carved Stamp

more pics under cut )

Lino Carving/Printing Questions

Hey y'alls. The other night I had the idea of purchasing some stationery, so I started cruising etsy. As I was looking at the designs I liked the most, I realized that I could do it myself. I am waiting for a package of lino blocks and a couple of speedball lino knife sets, it should be here tomorrow *squee*. I have never done any kind of printing before, my usual crafts are poly clay, needlework and some sewing.
I have done some googling (that always sounds dirty to me) on the subject and have determined that it's possible to do laserjet transfers just with water. Has anyone had success with this technique?
What are the best types of media to use for printing? Is it necessary for me to buy the ink too, or can I just use paint?
Any other general advice or tips and tricks are greatly appreciated.

Bored at work desk craft!

I was absolutely dying yesterday at work being on the phones constantly and answering questions about swim lessons, so while I was answering the same questions over and over, I busied my hands making a stamp!

Pink erasers! )