DIY Letterpress Coasters

DIY Letterpress Coasters is an opportunity for people new to letterpress printing to dig in to the art form and be creative if not experimental. A coaster is the perfect foundation for printers to play with the art form. Students will get to make their own mixed and matched coasters by printing from various types of materials: wood type to make abstract shapes and textures, decorative antique borders to create pattern, and various contemporary designs cast as magnesium plates.

Through layering color and image, students can make a dozen unique coasters, or settle on a favorite look to create matching sets. Spudnik Press will provide the option of beginning with coasters made from thick cotton paper stock or cork. Students simply need to come to class ready to sift through type cases and dabble in the centuries old process of letterpress printing.