About

Class only posted for 2 hours until we got emails from the instructors that they were not going to do this class. There were no registrants.

Ready to become a Letterpress Printer like Gutenberg in this two-day session?  Letterpress printing is a type of relief printing that uses type made from metal or carved from wood.  Each letter will be hand set by you to create your masterpiece(s). This method of printing predates our grandparents time by hundreds of years, but can be used today to create custom cards, posters, broadsides, business cards, and special projects only limited by your creativity. The kiss of antique type onto fine paper makes a lasting impression. Don’t let this extraordinary craft fade away. Become an Artisan Printer at BARN!

In this introductory class, you will learn the language and basics of letterpress printing, setting and distributing type, inking, cleaning and caring for the press, location of tools, and materials for letterpress.  Time will also be given to clean up and organization of materials which are essential for the well-functioning Letterpress Studio!  

You will acquire a rhythm as you learn to set your type in a composing stick using the layout of the classic California Case. You will design and set type to print your favorite short quote, saying, phrase or words on quality paper used by the industry. The meditative process of constructing words out of pieces of lead or wood is very satisfying especially when you can hold a beautifully crafted product in your hands at the end of the day!

While working you will be acquiring the knowledge and skills to work toward completing the Letterpress Checklist for fob access.  If additional time is needed for you to complete your checklist, Monitored Open Studios will be available weekly to help you do so.

Feel free to bring a bag lunch. BARN has a refrigerator to store your lunch in.

Instructor Bio:
Carl Youngmann began setting type, letter by letter, in 1960.  Ellie Mathews combines her experience as a designer with her willingness to explore the techniques of relief printing.  Together, they will share with you their passions for the craft and guide you toward realizing the vision you already have for letterpress projects or open your eyes to all the possibilities Letterpress can create for you.  Carl and Ellie own The North Press in Port Townsend (thenorthpress.website).  Please visit their blog for more examples of their work in addition to their broadside pictured above.

Created per Peggy/Reviewed 9-26-18/min 6/tt