June 2017
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…
Find out more »Block printed 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 »Custom letterpress posters
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 eight other fun colours we have in stock, and you will have the option…
Find out more »Bookbinding: Hardcover stab binding
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.
All materials are provided, including paper, and you will leave the class with a finished book.
Find out more »Book arts: Making paste paper
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.…
Find out more »Screenprinted tea towels
In this class you will learn the basics of how to create a silkscreen for printing your own design on tea towels. The first part of the class will focus on different ways to create silkscreen positives and preparing your artwork for exposing onto a screen. We will then expose your artwork onto a screen, and after a short break you will print your own single colour design on your towels! To save time, we won't be covering coating the screen with photo sensitive emulsion, which needs to cure for 24 hours before exposing artwork, but if you catch the screenprinting bug, you can easily catch up on this part later in a private instruction session!
All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary.
Find out more »July 2017
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 colour print in one press run.
This class runs Monday evenings for two weeks, July 3 and 10, from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
No printmaking experience is required, and all materials, including paper, are provided.
Find out more »Trace monotypes
Trace monotype is a direct transfer method of printmaking that creates a one-of-a-kind printed image entirely by hand. It uses minimal space and tools and can be done at your kitchen table, yet produces a complex layering of rich, atmospheric marks. It can be combined with other methods of printmaking to add a unique hand drawn quality to your editions. Even if you don’t feel that drawing is your strong point, you can create beautiful trace monotypes. Just like its…
Find out more »Knit Night: July
Our casual monthly gathering for knitting and fibre arts. Show off projects, get help, or just drink tea and chat while knitting! All are welcome. Tea and snacks will be provided.
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.
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