June 2015
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 .5 metre x .5 metre square of fabric to enjoy as is or to use in future projects.
Find out more »Lino block print (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 in one or two colours.
This class runs Saturday mornings, June 13 and 20, from 11am to 1pm.
Find out more »MEND series #1: darning
Our MEND series focuses on basic hand sewing skills for repairing and improving your clothing and textiles. We will cover a different technique each week to help you give new life to your beloved, damaged items, ranging from simple repairs to decorative flourishes.
In this first instalment of MEND, you will learn how to do that most mysterious and magical of repairs: darning a hole. Darning involves weaving a new layer of fabric into an empty space, and can either be worked to blend seamlessly or made to deliberately contrast for decorative effect.
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.
Find out more »MEND series #2: patching
Our MEND series focuses on basic hand sewing skills for repairing and improving your clothing and textiles. We will cover a different technique each week to help you give new life to your beloved, damaged items, ranging from simple repairs to decorative flourishes.
In this second instalment of MEND, you will learn a sturdy and elegant method for hand patching high friction areas in heavy fabrics, such as the knees and butts of jeans.
No sewing experience is necessary.
Find out more »Sew a zippered pouch
In this class you will create an elegant, fully lined zippered fabric pouch appropriate for toting around your drawing tools, toiletries, your collection of cool pebbles, or whatever objects in your life need a pouch to hold them! You will learn how to install a zipper and lining, as well as basic sewing skills to construct a one-of-a-kind, professionally finished little bag.
Find out more »July 2015
Reductive woodcut (3 week class)
Reductive woodcut is a full colour printing method in which each successive layer of colour is carved and printed from a single sheet of wood. In this three-session class you will design and create an edition of six woodblock prints using up to four separate colours. This is a fast paced class and we will get right into carving our blocks on the first day, so you should come prepared with an idea or a drawing for an 8x10 inch block.
This class runs Thursday evenings for three weeks: June 11, 18, and 25, from 6-9pm.
Find out more »Bookbinding: drum (stiff) leaf
Drum leaf binding is a rigid no-sew bookbinding method in which folded sheets of heavy drawing or printmaking paper are glued back-to-back to form a satisfyingly solid little book. Think children’s board books, without the board. This binding is ideal for artist book projects, as each sheet of paper is a complete, seamless two-page spread with no stitching breaking up the page gutter.
Find out more »MEND series #3: sew a button
Our MEND series focuses on basic hand sewing skills for repairing and improving your clothing and textiles. We will cover a different technique each week to help you give new life to your beloved, damaged items, ranging from simple repairs to decorative flourishes.
In this third instalment of MEND, you will learn one of life's most useful skills: sewing on a button. We will cover how to create a thread shank for any flat button, customized to suit the thickness of the fabric you're sewing it onto. You'll also learn some tips and tricks for preventing your buttons from falling off again!
No sewing experience is necessary.
Find out more »August 2015
Two-colour screenprints (2-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.
This class runs for two weeks on Monday evenings, August 17 and 24, from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
Find out more »