Introduction to Tabletop Letterpress
June 7 @ 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
$167.00An In-Studio Workshop!
Saturday, June 7, 10:30am-4:30pm
View our current in-studio Health and Safety and Cancellation Policies >>
About this Workshop:
Learn the basics of letterpress printing with antique lead type on a Chandler & Price Pilot tabletop platen press. Students will learn how to set lead type, operate the tabletop press, troubleshoot, clean, and maintain the press—the perfect foundation for anyone interested in having their own small press at home. Each participant will handset a few lines of text of their own choosing and print a small edition (10-15 prints).
Level: Beginner – no previous experience necessary
Registration closes May 30, 2025. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students may need to gather/purchase additional materials for class (see the materials list below). This list will also be provided with the registration confirmation email.
Photos by Jen Sheckels
CLASS MATERIALS LIST:
Registration includes a $10 materials fee to cover consumable materials provided in class. In addition, you may want to bring the following optional items for class:
- (optional) Personal apron (we’ll have extras) or wear clothes that can get inky
- (optional) Pen and paper for taking notes
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes (you’ll be on your feet most of the day)
- A few ideas for a short phrase/saying you’d like to typeset and print during class
Note: For your safety we also recommend short sleeves only and that long hair be tied back.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Kristina N. Matherne is an artist, master gardener, and educator living in Washington, D.C. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking from Stephen F. Austin State University. Following graduation, she worked with Master Printer Charles D. Jones printing and binding fine art books. She has worked as an educator in South Korea and southeast D.C. Kristina is passionate about advocating for education equity, incorporating art into urban communities, and working with others towards the peace and prosperity of her neighborhood. Her work is currently inspired by urban gardening in D.C.’s northeast community of Deanwood. Follow Kristina’s work on Instagram @evenstarpress.
“I enjoyed learning about everything from setting type to cleaning the machine.”
—Previous workshop participant
“I went from totally uninitiated to producing beautiful art in less than three hours.”
—Previous workshop participant