October 2017
Two colour screenprints
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, October 11 and 18, from 7-9:30pm.
Find out more »Making paste papers
Paste paper is a centuries-old technique used to create colourful, beautifully patterned papers for use as endpapers, doublures, and sometimes cover papers of hand bound books. A starch paste mixed with ink or pigment is brushed or scraped onto dampened paper and then painted or combed into intricate patterns. You can use the papers you make in this class not only in your bookbinding projects, but also for covering boxes, creating backgrounds for scrapbook pages, or making one-of-a-kind greeting cards.
All materials are provided, and you will create at least 8 sheets of beautiful paper.
Find out more »Letterpress greeting cards
In this hands-on introductory class you will learn the basics of setting type and designing your own unique cards using wood and metal type and letterpress ornaments.
All materials are provided (including envelopes for your cards!), and you will create a set of ten cards of your own design in your choice of paper colour.
The class runs for two weeks on Monday evenings, October 16 and 23, from 6:30-9:30pm.
Find out more »Bookbinding: Longstitch 1 (with slipcover)
In this simplest form of Longstitch binding, folded sections of pages are sewn together by linking the sections through a slotted cover sheet to create a pleasing staggered exposed sewing along the spine. Stitching wrapped around the head and foot of the paper spine gives the beaded look of a thread headband at the edge of the spine. We will finish off our books with a decorative folded paper slipcover.
All materials are provided. No previous bookbinding experience is necessary.
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 »Bookbinding: Longstitch 2
LP
In this variant form of Longstitch binding, a combination of longstitch and link stitch, folded sections of pages are sewn together by linking the sections through holes punched through a wraparound cover sheet to create a pattern of exposed sewing along the spine. For this sample book we will use a heavy paper cover sheet, but this binding style is perfect for covers made of heavy, flexible materials such as leather, vinyl, vellum, or some fabrics. 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, and you do not need to have taken Longstitch 1 to take this class.
Find out more »November 2017
Block printed t-shirts
In this class, students will create richly coloured prints on t-shirts 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 both by hand and in a printing press. You will go home with a beautifully printed shirt! All materials are included. We have several colours of shirts in stock in unisex and curvy sizes (adult only), and…
Find out more »Lino block printing
In this class you’ll learn the basics of carving and printing a relief print from a linoleum block. You will design and carve your own block and learn how to print it by hand as well as on a press, and will leave the class with an edition of six completed prints. You will have the option to print your block in one colour, in a multiple colour gradient, or to try selectively inking your block to make a two…
Find out more »Book arts: 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…
Find out more »Bookbinding: Coptic
Coptic binding is an ancient bookbinding method in which folded sections of paper are sewn together between rigid covers to create a decorative chain 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…
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