Four Easy Pieces

Embark on a creative journey with our Month-Long Class: Four Easy Pieces. This engaging four-week program offers a series of fun and interesting projects designed to explore different aspects of letterpress printing and creative writing. Each three-hour session focuses on a unique project, culminating in a collaborative group project in the final week.

Class Highlights:

• Weekly Projects: Each week, you’ll dive into a new project that challenges your creativity and enhances your letterpress skills. The projects include:
  • A Novel In Six Words: Craft a compelling story with just six words, and bring it to life with beautifully typeset letterpress printing.
  • Random Block: Experiment with random blocks of type to create abstract and visually intriguing prints.
  • Haiku: Compose and print a traditional Haiku, focusing on the delicate balance of syllables and the aesthetic of your type.
  • An Exquisite Corpse: Participate in a collaborative project where each participant contributes to a collective piece, resulting in a unique and unexpected final artwork.
• Comprehensive Instruction: Our experienced instructor will guide you through each project, offering tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results. You’ll learn various aspects of letterpress printing, from typesetting to inking and printing.
• Materials Provided: All necessary materials, including type, ink, and paper, are provided. Just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
• Collaborative Learning: The final week’s group project fosters collaboration and allows you to work alongside fellow participants, sharing ideas and techniques.

Who Should Attend:

This class is perfect for anyone interested in exploring letterpress printing and creative writing, whether you’re a beginner or have some prior experience. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and create unique printed pieces.

$180 per person; two person minimum

Training Highlights:

• Preparation: Learn how to properly set up the Golding Jobber 7 platen press for optimal performance. This includes preparing your workspace, selecting the right materials, and ensuring all components are correctly aligned.
• Safety: Safety is paramount when operating heavy machinery. Our training covers all essential safety protocols to protect you and your equipment during operation. You’ll learn best practices for handling the press, including safe startup and shutdown procedures.
• Operation: Gain hands-on experience in operating the Golding Jobber 7. Our instructor will guide you through each step, from inking and paper feeding to adjusting settings for consistent, high-quality prints. Discover the techniques that make this press ideal for single-color wholesale work.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your press. Learn how to clean and care for the Golding Jobber 7, ensuring it remains in top condition for future projects. Our instructor will provide tips on routine maintenance and troubleshooting common issues.

Who Should Attend:

This training is perfect for anyone looking to use the Golding Jobber 7 for wholesale production. Whether you’re starting a new business, expanding your current operations, or simply seeking to improve your printing skills, this class offers valuable insights and hands-on experience.

Once purchased, please contact Ted to schedule your class!

Class Highlights:

• Comprehensive Typesetting Techniques: Learn how to efficiently set large blocks of text, ensuring consistency and readability. We’ll cover the intricacies of working with various typefaces and sizes to create a cohesive and visually appealing broadside.
• Page Layout and Design: Delve into the principles of page layout and design, crucial for creating an engaging and balanced composition. You’ll explore how to effectively use space, align text, and incorporate decorative elements to enhance your broadside.
• Hands-On Experience: Throughout the class, you’ll have ample opportunity to practice your skills with the guidance of our experienced instructors. Gain confidence in setting long texts and experimenting with different layouts to find what best suits your design vision.
• Creative Expression: This class not only focuses on technical skills but also encourages creative expression. Whether you’re crafting a poetic broadside, a lyrical piece, or a narrative text, you’ll learn how to convey your message beautifully and effectively.

Who Should Attend:

This advanced class is ideal for individuals with prior typesetting experience who are looking to expand their knowledge and tackle more ambitious projects. Designers, artists, writers, and print enthusiasts will all find valuable insights and techniques to enhance their work.

Once purchased, please contact Ted to schedule your class!

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive Typesetting Techniques: Learn how to effectively combine different type styles to create visually appealing and cohesive designs. This segment will help you understand the nuances of mixing typefaces and the impact of type on your overall composition.
• Quick Thinking with Type: Develop your ability to think on your feet and make rapid decisions about type selection and layout. This skill is essential for efficient typesetting and achieving the desired aesthetic quickly.
• Efficient Printing Methods: Gain practical experience in running prints swiftly and accurately. You’ll learn tips and tricks for setting up your press, adjusting settings for different type styles, and ensuring high-quality prints within a limited timeframe.

This intermediate class is perfect for those who have some prior experience with letterpress and are looking to enhance their skills further. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or printing enthusiast, this workshop offers valuable insights and techniques to elevate your letterpress projects.

Once purchased, please contact Ted to schedule your class!

Workshop Highlights:

• Advanced Carving Techniques: Learn to carve both a key block and a color block, essential for creating multi-color prints. Our expert instructors will demonstrate how to plan and execute designs that require precise registration and layering of colors.
• Two-Color Printing Process: Understand the mechanics of printing with two colors, including how to achieve accurate alignment between the key block and color block. You’ll gain hands-on experience in running multiple printing passes to create dynamic, colorful prints.
• Materials and Tools Provided: We supply all the necessary materials for the workshop, including linoleum blocks, carving tools, paper, and ink. Attendees are welcome to bring their own carving tools if preferred, or use the tools available at the Press.
• Hands-On Practice and Guidance: Benefit from personalized instruction and support as you work through each stage of the process. Our instructors are there to help you troubleshoot any issues and refine your technique, ensuring you leave with prints you’re proud of.

Who Should Attend:

This advanced workshop is ideal for individuals who have completed our introductory Linoleum Carving Workshop or have some prior experience with linoleum carving. It’s perfect for artists, designers, and print enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves with more complex printmaking techniques.

Once purchased, please contact Ted to schedule your class!

When I became a college instructor in the art of letterpress and printmaking, however, I found that the phrase had utility far beyond my expectations. I tend to run an open classroom, so if you have a crazy idea, I’ll at least entertain determining if it’s both physically and mentally possible. If all seems to be in order, then it’s time to groove.

So put this 8×10 poster on your wall and let the groove take over. I think Jim Trawicki would be proud!

Printed on Colorplan China White 130#, in 871 Gold, Rhodamine Red, and a mix of PANTONE Orange,  Yellow 012, and Day-Glo Arc Yellow. Colophon on reverse, printed in 877 Silver.