July 2016
Bookbinding: Longstitch 1
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 »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 »Custom letterpress posters
In this fun class you will learn the basics of setting type, designing and printing your own 9x12" letterpress poster. Use our collection of wood and metal types, ornaments, and fun coloured papers to create your own unique design. You will print six posters (up to five additional posters can be printed for $4 each).
All materials are provided, and no printmaking experience is necessary.
Find out more »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 Wednesday evenings, July 13 and 20, from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
All materials are provided, including paper, and you will make an edition of six 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 class you will learn how to make a hard cover with a hinge, and create the decorative binding.
This class will run for two weeks on Monday evenings, July 18 and 25, from 7 to 9pm.
All materials are provided, including paper, and you will leave the class with a finished book.
Find out more »Persian calligraphy
Learn the beautiful art of Persian calligraphy with guest instructor Tina Rouhandeh! In this class you will learn how to use a hand cut reed pen and ink to create flowing, lyrical letterforms. You will practice traditional techniques that will improve your hand lettering and brush work skills. For this class, the reed pen and paper surface will be prepared in advance for you, but you'll also learn how to coat the paper and cut the reed pen so that you can practice later at home.
All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary.
Find out more »August 2016
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 »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!
Find out more »Bookbinding with reclaimed covers (2-week class)
Do you have an old book you can't bear to part with because of its cool cover? In this class you will learn how to reclaim that cover to create a brand new blank journal or sketchbook! You can bring in your own hard cover book (maximum cover size 5"x8") or choose from one of the ones we have available in the studio.
This class runs for two weeks on Monday evenings, August 23 and 30, from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
In the first week, you will learn how to safely remove the cover from your book and prepare it for a new binding. In the second week we will construct a new book using the Coptic (link) stitch. No experience is necessary, and you will leave the class with a beautiful new book.
Find out more »Paper relief monotypes
In this fun 3-hour class you will create a richly layered one-of-a-kind print in full colour using cut and torn paper assembled into a printing plate. Paper relief is an easy technique for producing monoprints mixing bold solids with complex atmospheric textures. If you enjoy making papercuts, this is a way that you can use that traditional method in printmaking!
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