Hey wanted to pick your brain about printmaking really quick. I tried doing some prints with some more textured paper and I don't love the way they mostly turned out. Most of my prints ended up looking really stippled even when I overloaded the print with ink. I was just wondering if you'd tried using different kinds of paper when print making and what you thought. I just really don't love how the print is turning out on this paper. stippling with what looks like a decently loaded block: stippling with what i'd say looks like an overinked block SOMEHOW: It's possible some of my ink is crap - cheap beginner kit -- but I tried some fancier stuff I'd bought special and still see stippling so I'm not sure. Would love any thoughts you have, i'm trolling through linocutboy blog right now trying to figure it out.
Sorry. I have no idea what I'm doing. I just buy the paper Strathmore or Canson says is for printmaking. I've thought about using some of my smooth drawing paper but I'm not brave enough. The stuff I use is pretty textured. I'm having similar problems and I think it's because I fucked up my brayer but I really don't know I think your prints look good but I understand how other people's opinions don't matter if you don't accomplish your personal goal
I can commiserate. I think I fucked up a brayer too. OK, so here's the print done on plain old printer paper. I don't think the cards I use look awful but yeah, they don't look the way I want them to look. The end goal for the project is a gift for a family member which means you may be right. At least you're on to something about high expectations. 
I thought the pics you posted before looked great but I do see the difference between those prints and the detail here so there's definitely a difference happening with that paper that is detracting from your design. I don't know enough (read anything) about printmaking to give any advice but it looks like smoother paper is better? That stated, I freaking love this design!
Thanks! I do feel the other cards are usable and I'll send them to people myself, for sure. The plan is to make 4 bird stamps of local birds to make a stationery set for my mom. This is a red-wing blackbird (I'll color the wing on the final!) and then I think a bluebird, woodpecker, and a heron. I've had this plan for a while but been intimidated. This guy went well and I feel good about the rest of the project. I also have a couple of months thankfully. The trick is, not to let initial success lead me into overconfidence with the bluebirds. :) I guess it's kind of my new longer term craft project so, I will remember to post as I finish them.