Letterpress Junk Journals
June 20 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$223.00A 2-Day In-Studio Workshop!
Saturdays, June 20 and 27, 12-4 pm
View our current in-studio Health and Safety and Cancellation Policies >>
About this Workshop:
Create your one-of-a-kind junk journal using a mix of letterpress printing and found materials! A “junk journal” is a handmade book crafted from various papers—often recycled or repurposed items like patterned paper, sheet music, envelopes, brochures, maps, paper bags, and more.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll start by letterpress printing custom covers for our journals. Then, we’ll explore ways to assemble and decorate our books using all kinds of ephemera and embellishments that reflect your vision and style. Bring your creativity—and anything you’d like to include—to make a journal that’s truly your own.
Come ready to explore, experiment, and create something unique!
Level: Beginner – no previous experience needed!
Registration closes June 12, 2026. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students may/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.
Sample images by Sarah Matthews
CLASS MATERIALS LIST:
Registration includes a $14 materials fee to cover all of the necessary materials provided in class, including paper, inks, glues, thread, and access to a variety of bookbinding tools. Students may want to bring personal materials of their own, including:
- (optional) Personal apron or clothes you don’t mind getting inky (we have extras)
- (optional) Sketchbook or notepad for ideas and notes
- (optional) Any personal bookbinding tools you prefer over the classroom set: awl, craft knife (X-Acto or Olfa), bone folder, scissors, ruler, needles
- (optional) Personal stamps, stickers, or embellishments
- (optional) Any decorative papers or prints you’d like to include (please cut to 10” x 7.25” ahead of class)
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Sarah Matthews is a 2016 MA Art & the Book graduate from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design, and holds an MBA with a Marketing Concentration and BS in Sociology from Bowie State University. Matthews’ work has been exhibited nationally and is part of the permanent collections of Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, GWU’s Gelman Library, University of Puget Sound, and Samford University. Matthews is a full-time artist, teacher, & YouTuber (SARAHBEME). You can view her work at iamsarahmatthews.com.