Letterpress Club: Experimental Techniques—Inks, Pressure Prints, and Abstract Designs

This fun series will lead you on a creative journey with ink, paper, and design explorations on the Vandercook cylinder presses—maybe without ever including any letters at all! Letterpress Club is a playful, supportive atmosphere to experiment with techniques and build upon previous experiences and skills. In these 5 classes, you’ll learn more about letterpress inks, including how to mix colors before, during, and after printing, and different ways to apply ink to paper. You’ll use various materials to design relief prints that can be layered with other techniques. Instead of letters to design printed messages or images, you’ll hone your typesetting skills by using dingbats and ornaments. Each week’s project can stand alone or build upon the last one. We’ll work collaboratively and individually, and you’ll end up with at least one complete print edition as well as experimental bits and pieces to use in future prints, collage, bookmaking, and more.

• Week 1: Ink – Create colorful designs with ink wipes, different types of ink, and a variety of textures.
• Week 2: Printing with other materials – Design your own pressure prints with paper, fabric, foam, and natural materials. 
• Week 3: Ornaments and Dingbats – Create patterns and designs with ornamental type.
• Weeks 4 and 5: Combinations and Extensions – Continue working on techniques or develop a new project incorporating a range of techniques.

Level: Intermediate – Introduction to Letterpress (on the Vandercook or Tabletop) or similar experience (6 hours) is required.

Registration closes February 23, 2024. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students will 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 Theresa Esterlund and Elisabeth Boerwinkel