Woodcuts / Lino

Looking at old woodcuts for inspiration, and to help define my aesthetic:

Hans Holbein 'Dance of Death'

It's not just the subject matter of these prints that I really love, but the textures, composition and depth. I really like the use of the frame to define the format and contain all the detail. Could I use a frame on my cuts?

^^^ Really clean, detailed line work. I want to make sure that I'm using the slimmest lino tool to get really clean, fine lines. I'll take them into the print room too to see if Mike can help me sharpen them. 

Solid black printed on off white - I'm considering alternate colours too - whether I'm going to test different coloured inks and also paper stock.

Taken from the 1871 printing of the Roxburghe Ballads

The lines cut in different directions and the consistent strong outlines help to define all of the elements of this woodcut. Here I'm looking at things like the fabric of the clothing, and how it is highlighted in areas, cutting away the contoured line work. How can I apply similar techniques to my work?

This cut is far more crudely drawn, but as with the other two it features a frame. Here I'm looking at the directional lines on the walls and floors, describing the different planes and helping to define different elements. I want my cuts to be far more refined, but I'll use this technique as it's frequently used in woodcut and linocut. I'm hoping it will help me to emulate this old medieval style.