Letterpress Monoprinting
HALF DAY WORKSHOP
DATES
Sunday 27 July – 3 spots available
Max 6 people per workshop
Email me to be added to the wait list.
An afternoon workshop will be added if this morning workshop fills.
TIME – 9:30am – 12:30pm
COST
New Students: $110
Returning Students: $120
ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED
*Pensioners and Carers pay as a Returning Student
VENUE
The Studio, North Maleny
GROUP SIZE
Minimum 4 people
Maximum 6 people
Letterpress Monoprinting is a hands-on workshop where you will print with my two letterpress proofing presses and a collection of woodblock type to create unique printed papers.
We will set type in random arrangements and, time permitting, set out specific words. We run our papers through the presses to make one-of-a-kind monoprinted papers. It is VERY easy. Fast. And a lot of fun!
Click here for a quick note about what “letterpress” printing is.
Whether you’re printing with the plain papers supplied on the day, and/or bringing your own pre-printed or specialty papers (gel-plate prints, eco-prints, drawings, linocuts, etchings, etc), you’ll get to print and overprint with type in a range of colours. These printed papers are perfect for mixed-media artworks, wrapping paper, collage, artist books and so much more.
This workshop is suitable for beginners to intermediate, all ages over 16.
This workshop is an opportunity to print with my letterpress proofing presses and wood type, experimenting with text and numbers and colour on paper to create decorative sheets you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll be given a selection of plain drawing and printing papers (A3 and larger) and I’ll demonstrate how to ink and print them. Then you’re free to print one or multiple layers of text, tonal effects and colour, building a collection of truly unique papers.
Feel free to bring your own pre-printed or specialty papers to overprint. See the “What To Bring” tab for details.
Along the way, you’ll pick up a bit of letterpress history and learn about local studios and printeries in South-east Queensland where you can access similar equipment.
This workshop is your chance to print fun, unexpected papers with beautiful wood type … a unique opportunity and experience.
Note: this workshop is not a letterpress workshop where you learn to set movable type.
We will be printing with oil-based printing inks. Depending on how many layers you print onto your papers, some prints may not be fully dry by the end of the day.
Some sheets could take a few days to dry completely.
I’ll have baking paper on hand so you can separate your prints for the trip home (you can lay them on the back seat of your car if you like). Once you get home, simply lay them flat on a clean surface to finish drying.
All necessary materials for this workshop are provided. They include, but are not limited to:
– A selection of drawing and printmaking papers size A3 and up to approx 30cm x 59cm
– Inks, rollers and other sundry supplies needed to prepare and and print our papers
– Tea and coffee, with a light morning and afternoon tea
You are encouraged to bring some of your own pre-printed papers. Refer to the “What to Bring” tab for more information. If you don’t have any, no problem, as there will be plenty of plain papers to print onto!
PAPERS. Please bring with you a selection of pre-printed and/or specialty papers from your own collection – gel plate monoprints, eco-printed papers, drawings, linocuts, etchings, commercially printed book papers etc. The intention is to overprint with the letterpress type onto these papers, created interesting and varied effects. Don’t worry if you don’t have any of these papers, as there will be plenty of plain papers to print onto!
Participants are advised to wear closed-in shoes, and suitable clothing or an apron that you do not mind getting dirty or stained.
To book your place in this workshop, please complete the booking form to the right.
Full payment is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made via PayPal or direct deposit.
If you cancel your workshop booking you may incur fees. Please read my cancellation policy here.
If a workshop does not reach the minimum numbers required, it may have to be cancelled. If this happens you will receive a full refund or an option to reschedule.
Once your booking form and payment has been received I will contact you to confirm you place and advise any special instructions.
Students’ work
Below are photos of letterpress monoprinted papers by students in the weekly Executive Ink classes and January Summer Impressions weeks.
What to do with your prints
Your letterpress monoprinted papers can be used for all sorts of creative projects. Below are some photos showing how I have used my papers for book covers and to cover a box that I made.
The photos below are students’ work, where they have taken their letterpress monoprinted papers and “rusted and blued” their papers, by dipping them in different dye and chemicals to add the rust and blue colour effects.
What is “Letterpress” printing?
Letterpress is a traditional relief-printing method in which movable type, usually made from lead or wood, is inked and pressed into paper. The type was used for printing books and posters. The Gutenberg Bible (printed around 1454–1455) is regarded as the first major book produced with this technology in Europe.
Over the past 50+ years, newer printing methods and technology have replaced letterpress. But typography enthusiasts have rescued type and presses from being lost to landfill, bringing them into their own studios. I’ve been collecting wood and lead type, along with a few presses, for nearly 10 years. In 2016, I bought my first little Adana 8×5 press and have since added type collections from both Australia and overseas.
If you’ve visited my studio, you’ve seen my type drawers and cabinets, cabinets of furniture and lead. Even unprinted, these objects are beautiful; when you see them in action, they really come to life.
About Dates and other options
If the dates noted above don’t suit you, or you would like private tuition or to arrange a private group workshop, please contact me to enquire about other date options that better suit you.
You can also sign up to my mailing list to be kept up to date about upcoming workshops dates and opportunities, plus tips, hints and ideas for your own printmaking practice. I will also include information about other local artist workshops in the Maleny Sunshine Coast Hinterland area.
