March 27 | Sewn Book Forms (4 Weeks)

In 4 weekly sessions, students will focus on learning non-adhesive binding structures. Some of these binding styles will include complex sewing structures like coptic stitch, long stitch, and Japanese stab binding.

Students will learn the traditional version of these sewn bindings as well as new variations on the bindings to make more decorative and complicated designs. Participants will work with leather, paper, book cloth, and book board to survey the wide range of techniques in sewn bindings.

At the end of this workshop all students will have the ability to identify and create the most fundamental structures of sewn bindings, recognize the tools, history, and vocabulary around these bindings.

Students will complete four sample books: Two pamphlet stitch varieties, a perfect bound book, and a more elaborate Japanese stab binding.

In addition to learning hand skills, the class will discuss the history of chapbooks, their role in publishing over time, and ways to share and sell chapbooks. If you have writing or images you would like to promote, this is a great workshop to jump start your self-publishing!

March 27 | Studio Access Training: Letterpress (2 hours)

Studio Authorization is always required prior to attending your first Open Studio or becoming a Keyholder. Experience is required for all Studio Access Trainings.

Please take some time to read and ensure that you meet the minimum requirements stated below.

What Are Studio Access Trainings?

Studio Access Trainings ensure that those with prior experience from school or another print studio will be proficient and confident using the equipment in our studio.

What you can expect:

These sessions are NOT lessons, but specifically for makers who already have thorough experience with similar equipment. 

Minimum Requirements to Become Authorized:

• Have recent experience with the equipment you would like to use (within 2 years)
• Have thorough experience with the equipment you would like to use (8-week class or equivalent; Experience required varies based on process and equipment).
• Be comfortable working independently.
• Demonstrate safe and clean printmaking or art-making habits.
• Demonstrate respect to our staff and our equipment.

If you do not meet these requirements, please enroll in a class that includes authorization or schedule a series of private lessons

Studio Access Training: Letterpress

This 2-hour authorization will allow participants to be authorized to print on our platen presses (Pilot and Pearl) and Vandercook Press. Printers may need to book a second on-site session to be authorized for both types of presses.

Every letterpress authorization will ensure that printers are familiar with setting up the press, mixing inks, inking the press, adjusting pressure and registration, printing, and thorough cleaning of the press and all tools. There may not be time to practice printing both a polymer plate and movable type, but both methods can be reviewed as needed.

As with all our Studio Access Trainings, we will also cover equipment available to check out and press reservation policies.