Intro to Risography (1/26/22)

The Risograph is an automated duplicator from Japan that efficiently produces offset-like prints in a variety of saturated colors. Though not originally intended for artistic application, the machine has recently gained traction (and notoriety) in small-press culture for its distinct footprint and efficiently as well as being rather finicky.

This workshop will introduce students to what risography printing is and how it works. Students will work collaboratively to design and print a poster or mini-publication that combines hand-drawn and collage elements, experiments with color and layering, and explores the aesthetic possibilities of the art form.

If you are curious about this unique printing process and why it’s gaining traction across the realms of comics, zine, and graphic design, please join us for this foray into risography!

Papermaking Labs (1/30/22)

Papermaking is both a distinct art form and a beautiful extension of printmaking, bookmaking, and drawing. Our Papermaking Labs are monthly workshops that welcome both beginning and experienced paper makers. Enroll in a single session for a well-rounded introduction to the art form. Return for additional sessions to continue building papermaking skills and ultimately gain authorization to make paper independently through our Open Studio sessions.

For those new to the process, every papermaking lab begins with an overview of fibers, tools, papermaking processes and demonstrations on how to pull sheets of paper using a mould and deckle. Based on the interests of participants, the basics will be expanded on through dying pulp, pulp painting, and integrating “inclusions” such as print fragments, organic materials, or string into the paper. Through these projects, participants will learn about the science of papermaking and how to select and use various plant fibers (Cotton and abaca is provided).

In addition to surveying a range of papermaking skills, participants will be able to work on a self-directed project with guidance and support from a papermaking expert. By the end of the session, everyone will make a stack of their own handmade paper and practice setting up and tear down their own vat.

Bookbinding Foundations

This class welcomes students into the art and craft of bookbinding.

Through introducing a wide variety of paperback and hardback bookbinding structures, students will learn universal vocabulary and develop practical hand skills applicable across types of book projects.

Binding styles will include no-sew books that rely on scoring, cutting, and folding paper as well as popular sewing structures like the long stitch and Japanese stab binding. Students will also create a hardback book to learn about the mechanical elements of book binding, and how to work with PVA glue, book board, and book cloth.

Through creating a collection of sample books, students will be able to identify and produce many of the fundamental styles of hand bound books, use the vocabulary around these bindings, and work with popular tools like awls, bone folders, and X-acto knives. Plus, students will be introduced to bookbinding history and contemporary practices.

This foundational class is a pre-requisite for the majority of bookbinding classes and workshops at Spudnik Press Cooperative. Repeat students are welcome.

Monotype Printmaking

Monoprinting is an exciting form of printmaking that favors organic, gestural, textural, and ephemeral marks and imagery. This process is an incredibly immediate, intuitive, and playful way of exploring printmaking. It is well suited to people new to printmaking and artists who typically work with paint, mixed media, or drawing.

This workshop will introduce students to the basics of monotype printing. Throughout the workshop, students will discover ways to create unique prints while learning about the properties of ink, paper, pressure, and how they interact to be able to explore the process of monotype on their own. Printing techniques will include additive and reductive processes, stenciling, and ghost printing. Each student will make three prints to explore these processes.

Risography Foundations

The Risograph is an automated duplicator that efficiently produces multi-color prints with a distinct look and feel. Combining some of the best elements of other print processes (photocopiers, screenprinting, and offset), this print process has a lot to offer comic artists, writers, illustrators, designers, book artists, and more.

Our Risography Foundations class will set students up to successfully operate our RP3700 machine. Beginning with a collaborative print, students will be introduced to the mechanics of the machine. From there, students will create their own zine, mini-comic, or broadside to continue exploring the possibilities of the process.  In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will be learn a variety of simple book forms that they can use for their independent project.

Risograph machines are known for being rather finicky. Throughout the four weeks, students will learn some best practices for designing for the process, taking into consideration ink drying time, ink density, paper options, and registration. Students will also practice basic maintenance and troubleshooting, including how to change ink, reset and replace the master roll, and fix paper feed issues.

Papermaking Labs (2/20/22)

Papermaking is both a distinct art form and a beautiful extension of printmaking, bookmaking, and drawing. Our Papermaking Labs are monthly workshops that welcome both beginning and experienced paper makers. Enroll in a single session for a well-rounded introduction to the art form. Return for additional sessions to continue building papermaking skills and ultimately gain authorization to make paper independently through our Open Studio sessions.

For those new to the process, every papermaking lab begins with an overview of fibers, tools, papermaking processes and demonstrations on how to pull sheets of paper using a mould and deckle. Based on the interests of participants, the basics will be expanded on through dying pulp, pulp painting, and integrating “inclusions” such as print fragments, organic materials, or string into the paper. Through these projects, participants will learn about the science of papermaking and how to select and use various plant fibers (Cotton and abaca is provided).

In addition to surveying a range of papermaking skills, participants will be able to work on a self-directed project with guidance and support from a papermaking expert. By the end of the session, everyone will make a stack of their own handmade paper and practice setting up and tear down their own vat.

Letterpress: Wood & Metal Type

Letterpress printing uses movable type to create tactile prints on paper. The distinctive “punch” (or debossment) of letterpress printing makes it a popular choice for greeting cards, business cards, invitations, broadsides, and a wide range of printed ephemera. While it began as a commercial process, artists, designers, typographers and illustrators are continually finding new ways to approach the art form.

This course is a well-rounded introduction to letterpress printing. Students will develop foundational skills using both wood type and metal type. A variety of projects will introduce technical considerations as well as creative approaches to this art form. Students will learn to learn to set and lock-up type, set pressure, mix inks and (maybe most importantly) how to safely operate our machines.

Throughout the class students will develop the technical skills needed to continue print independently at Spudnik Press and a variety of historical and contemporary approaches to the artform.

T-shirts & Totebags Screenprinting Workshop (2/25/22)

Convert your own drawing or design to a collection of hand-printed wearable items in this energetic and informative one-day workshop. Printing an assortment of t-shirts or tote bags is practical, fun and incredibly gratifying.

Students should come to the workshops with a bold black and white drawing, a high-contrast photo, or a digital design. While Abode Illustrator or Photoshop files are great, students can also bring a Microsoft Word file or a high-contrast photocopy. After students refine the artwork (as needed) to be “print-ready”, students will expose their image onto a pre-coated photographic screen and mix their own custom ink color. Everyone should bring five items of their choosing to print. As long as they are fabric and flat, we can help you print on it! Shirts, tote bags, tea towels, bandanas, and thrift store jean jackets will all work great. Leave with a sample for an Etsy store, a surprise gift for a friend, or an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags!

Screenprinting on Paper

Screenprinting is an art form known for its bold graphics and versatility. It is an approachable art form, yet has many facets to explore and master. This foundational screenprinting class introduces all the basic skills to get someone new to the process up and running.

A variety of projects will offer an exploration of ways to create screenprints from drawings, digital designs, and found or photographic imagery. Students will become familiarize with the full process from selecting the right screen for the job, to dark room exposure, to mixing inks, to printing, to reclaiming the screens. With support from an experienced printer, students will practice printing and (equally important) troubleshooting. By the end of this class, students will know their way around the print shop and be authorized to continue printing independently at Spudnik Press Cooperative through our Open Studio program.

Paper Marbling

Paper Marbling is a design technique that has been used by paper artists since the 12^th century. Pigments are floated on a viscous water-based solution and carefully transferred to paper to produce mesmerizing patterning, similar to smooth marble. Marbled paper is art on its own, but it can also be used as book covers, end papers, and as a base for handmade prints.

In this workshop, you will learn what a marbling bath is, how to prepare paper with mordant, and a variety of ways to make patterns using combs, stencils, and tooth picks. Each student will be able to develop their own color palette in their own bath and create a small collection of marbled paper.

Please note: Papers will not be dry at the end of the class. Students can return in the week following the workshop to pick up their marbled sheets.

Relief Printmaking: Book Projects

In this multi-level relief printmaking class, we invite artists and makers with prior printmaking experience to join us in the studio to refresh and refine their craft through planning, carving, and printing a full artist book. This project-based approach will build on all the foundational skills of relief printmaking, and allow students to review old skills and develop new ones within a supportive community of peers.

The class will explore two versatile book structures: the concertina and the kaleidocycle. Each student will develop and execute a unique plan for their book project, taking into consideration image and text relationships, narrative approaches, page imposition, and their own artistic goals and style.

Alongside the prompt to create an artist book, students will review carving methods, tool sharpening and maintenance, inking skills, registration, and safe use of a printing press.

Each student will receive their own 12” x 16” 3/8” Shina woodblock on the first session. Basic carving tools are available to use during class, but we encourage students to acquire their own set to use outside of class as well as Flexcut SlipStrop to keep your tools sharp.

Intro to Riso (3/22/22)

The Risograph is an automated duplicator from Japan that efficiently produces offset-like prints in a variety of saturated colors. Though not originally intended for artistic application, the machine has recently gained traction (and notoriety) in small-press culture for its distinct footprint and efficiently as well as being rather finicky.

This workshop will introduce students to what risography printing is and how it works. Students will work collaboratively to design and print a poster or mini-publication that combines hand-drawn and collage elements, experiments with color and layering, and explores the aesthetic possibilities of the art form.

If you are curious about this unique printing process and why it’s gaining traction across the realms of comics, zine, and graphic design, please join us for this foray into risography!