June 2018
Custom bookplates (three week class)
In this class you will learn the basics of typesetting and linoblock printing in order to create your own set of bookplates (ex libris labels) for your book collection. You will have the option of creating a fully hand carved design, creating a design exclusively from our wood and metal type and letterpress ornaments collection, or combining the two to create your own one-of-a-kind bookplate design. This class combines two printmaking methods, and to allow for block carving and typesetting…
Find out more »Screenprinted t-shirts (two week class)
In this class you will learn the basics of how to create a silkscreen for printing your own design on t-shirts. The first week will focus on creating your design, and you will learn how to make a silk screen positive and expose it onto a screen using photo sensitive emulsion. In the second week you will print your shirts with your own one-colour design. This class runs for two weeks on Monday evenings, June 18 and 25, from 7…
Find out more »French link bookbinding
French link is a binding similar to Coptic binding in which folded sections of paper are sewn together between rigid covers to create a decorative link-and-weave stitch across the exposed spine. This is an ideal method for binding albums and sketchbooks, as the book can be laid open entirely flat.
In this introductory class you will create a book using cover boards that have been prepared in advance. You will choose from a selection of cover boards culled from vintage books, and combine them with high quality bookbinding paper to make your unique journal or sketchbook. All materials, including paper, are provided, and you will leave the class with a finished book.
Find out more »Block printing on fabric
In this class, students will create richly coloured prints on fabric using linoleum, woodblocks, rollers, and letterpress blocks. We will cover some of the challenges of printing on fabric versus paper, and use pre-cut blocks and other print matrices to experiment with printing on fabrics both by hand and in a printing press. You will go home with at least one beautifully printed .5 metre piece of fabric to enjoy as is or to use in future projects.
All materials are included. Students will be able to choose from a selection of fabrics that we have on hand in the studio (some plain colours, and some from printed yardage).
Find out more »July 2018
Letterpress posters (two week class)
In this fun class you will learn the basics of setting type, designing and printing your own 9×12″ letterpress poster. Use our collection of wood and metal types and ornaments to create your own unique design. If you have your own letterpress plates or carved linoblocks, those can be incorporated as well. You will print six posters using heavyweight white poster paper or your choice of several other fun colours we have in stock, and you will have the option to use more than one colour in your prints.
All materials are provided, and no printmaking experience is necessary. This class runs for two weeks on Monday evenings, July 2 and 9, from 7 to 9:30pm.
Find out more »Hardcover stab bookbinding (two week class)
Stab binding is one of the simplest and earliest forms of bookbinding, using single sheets in which holes are stabbed or drilled and sewn on the outside using a variety of traditional stitch patterns.
In this follow-up to the softcover stab binding class, you will learn how to make a Westernized version of this traditional Japanese binding with a hard hinged cover. You can take this class without having taken the softcover class first.
This class runs for two weeks on Tuesday evenings,July 3 and 10, from 7-9pm. In the first session you will prepare the cover for your book, and in the second session you will prepare the pages and complete your binding.
Find out more »Longstitch bookbinding with leather wrap cover
In this class you will create a lovely handbound pocket sized book in the German longstitch and linkstitch style, by sewing folded sections of paper through holes punched through a wraparound leather cover to create a pattern of exposed sewing along the spine. We will cover some basic decorative variations in spine designs, incorporating long stitches and link stitches with the option to add some weaving to the spine as a decorative flourish.
All materials are provided. No previous bookbinding experience is necessary. We will have a selection of different leather pieces you can choose from for your cover. Please note that we use a combination of vintage leathers and new moose and deer hides purchased from hunters. If animal products aren't your thing, we offer classes in this and other book structures that use paper, paperboard, and wood instead. Just check out our other class listings for loads of vegan friendly bookbinding options!
Find out more »August 2018
Screenprint posters (two week class)
In this class you will learn the basics of how to create a two-colour silkscreen print on paper. We will cover: making positives or transparencies, exposing images on a screen, how to register (line up) your printing, and pulling prints.
All materials are provided, including paper, and you will make an edition of at least six prints.
This class runs for two weeks on Wednesday evenings, August 15 and 22, from 7-9:30pm.
Find out more »Paper marbling
In this fun class you will learn how to create beautiful marble patterns on paper. In paper marbling, paint is suspended onto the surface of specially prepared thickened water and combed or swirled into intricate patterns, then transferred onto sheets of paper. These lusciously patterned sheets were traditionally used in bookbinding, but you can also use your finished papers in scrapbooks, collages, greeting cards, or even just framed for the wall!
All materials are provided, and you will create between five and eight sheets (12×19″) of marbled paper, plus some smaller practice sheets.
Find out more »Marbling on fabric
In this fun class you will learn how to create beautiful marble patterns on paper. In paper marbling, paint is suspended onto the surface of specially prepared thickened water and combed or swirled into intricate patterns, then transferred onto sheets of paper. These lusciously patterned sheets were traditionally used in bookbinding, but you can also use your finished papers in scrapbooks, collages, greeting cards, or even just framed for the wall! All materials are provided, and you will create between…
Find out more »