August 2015
Letterpress cards (2-week class)
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.
This class runs for two weeks on Thursday evenings, August 20 and 27, from 6 to 9pm.
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 our fabrics both by hand and in a printing press. You will go home with a beautifully printed half-metre piece of fabric to enjoy as is or to use in future projects.
Find out more »September 2015
Papermaking party!
We're having a papermaking party and you're invited! Join us on the sidewalk out in front of our studio to learn how to pull sheets of handmade paper. We'll have vats of quality acid-free paper pulp ready to go, and we'll teach you the best techniques for pulling a beautiful, even sheet of your own handmade paper.
Find out more »Lino block printing (2-week class)
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, or to try selectively inking your block to make a two colour print in one press run.
This class runs Wednesday evenings for two weeks, September 2 and 9, from 7 to 9pm.
No printmaking experience is required, and all materials, including paper, are provided.
Find out more »Monoprint class
This class will cover a variety of methods for creating a one of a kind print, including paper relief, using stencils with inked woodblocks, chine-collé, and printing from fabric and other objects. It's a fun hands-on exploration of the printed mark, and you don't need to have any printmaking experience! You will leave the class with at least one or two finished prints.
Find out more »Bookbinding: Hard cover stab binding (2-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 hard cover version of this traditional binding. You can take this class without having taken the softcover class first.
This class will run for two weeks on Monday evenings, September 14 and 21, from 7 to 9pm.
Find out more »Sew a messenger bag (2-week class)
Christine Chenier from Saint Flamingo is bringing her popular messenger bag workshop to Levigator Press!
In this class you will create a messenger-style bag that's great for all ages and genders. You will receive a pattern and be led through the process to create a trendy bag that you can use to replace your purse or use for books, laptop, diaper bag, etc. We will cover beginning sewing skills such as creating a lining, adding pockets, and making an adjustable strap. You will also be able to customize the bag to fit your needs by choosing the fabric, changing the size, and adding or changing the size of the pockets.
This class runs for two weeks, Tuesday nights September 22 and 29, from 7-10pm. You will leave the class with a finished bag.
Find out more »Calligraphy (3-week class)
Guest instructor Peter Olsen brings his comprehensive overview of basic calligraphy skills to Levigator Press in this fun class. Over the course of three weeks you will learn the basics of handling a calligraphy pen and practice a variety of letter styles including Upper and Lower Gothic, Book Hand, and Chancery Cursive. We will also touch briefly on methods of manuscript illumination.
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 a beautifully printed .5 metre x .5 metre square of fabric to enjoy as is or to use in future projects.
Find out more »October 2015
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 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 »