Guest Artist: Sarah Clark of Scale House Print Shop

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do with your special person this holiday season? Come to Letterpress Date Night to create something special together using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and illustrations. You can choose to create either a set of 20 cards or 20 small 8" by 10" posters, which you'll then print together on a printing press that began its working life in 1892 for that extra special "impression" that only letterpress printing can create! Each couple should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 10 words) that they’d like to use in their design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$200 for two people

Teaching Artist: Tracy Gillespie

Create your own holiday cards with Vermont artist Tracy Gillespie! In this workshop you will learn how to design, carve, and print images using block printing–a beautiful and timeless technique. You’ll learn the basics and leave with the confidence to carry on at home. All materials are provided–take home everything you make. This class is perfect for beginners.

$65

SOLD OUT

Guest Artist: Sarah Clark of Scale House Print Shop

Nothing says “happy holidays” like a handmade card, and nothings says handmade better than letterpress! Using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and illustrations, you’ll design a single-color card and print it on a printing press that started its working life in 1892. At the end of the day, you’ll take home 25 handmade cards (plus envelopes) in plenty of time to get them sent to friends and family before the holiday season gets too busy. Class takers should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 10 words) that they’d like to use in their card design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky. 

$150

SOLD OUT

Guest Artist: Elissa Campbell

Learn five bindings that use only leather, paper, and thread – no glue needed! For each binding, you will sew 3 sections of folded papers into covers cut from one piece of leather. These bindings are very flexible and allow the books to open completely flat, making them perfect for use as sketchbooks or journals. Integrate different decorative sewing patterns on the spines, as well as diverse closure methods. No previous experience is required – this is a great class for a beginner.

$150

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

The Secret Belgian stitch is a bookbinding style that includes a spine and hard cover without any glue, allowing the book to lie open flat - perfect for a sketchbook! Books made in this style are durable and beautiful, and the sewing method is approachable for beginners and experienced bookmakers alike. Once the book is completed it’s hard to see how it was made, which is why it is “secret!”

$100

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Guest artist: Katherine Oregel

This introductory calligraphy workshop will help you get started with the basics of modern calligraphy and brush lettering! Learn the fundamental details of this art form. Learn how to hold a pen/pencil for optimal results, the basic calligraphy strokes and how to form letters and words. No experience necessary!

Each brush calligraphy student will receive a pencil, two brush pens, and practice worksheets to keep.

Complete a small project to take home, as well as have the option to join a private Facebook group to continue the fun.

$100

SOLD OUT

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

Many plants we encounter on a daily basis without thinking twice contain fantastic pigments for making ink, dye, and paint. In this workshop we will make a few batches of concentrated botanical ink using wild and cultivated plants, exploring hot and cold processes for extracting color, natural color modifiers and preservatives, and options for improving permanence and colorfastness. 

$75

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Guest Artist: Sarah Clark of Scale House Print Shop

Learn the magic of combining type, paper, and ink at this half-day letterpress workshop. You’ll learn the basics of the history of printing, how to set type, and how to print your design on a press that has been in use since 1913 as you create a letterpress postcard in up to two colors using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and hand-carved illustrations. The 20 postcards you’ll take home will show the signature letterpress impression that only type can make and will make great gifts for friends and family. Class takers should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 10 words) that they’d like to use in their postcard design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$175

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Guest Artist: Elissa Campbell

Block printing is an ancient method of printmaking that can be used to create beautiful, decorated papers. Not only is it fun, but it’s something you can easily do at home.

Experiment with printing and create your own papers to cover a handmade journal. Learn how to design and carve rubber stamps that will be used to create your own decorated papers. You’ll focus on basic shapes that can be used for layering and repeating to create rich and complex patterns. Then select one of your papers for the cover, and save your unused papers for other projects. You’ll make a book using a binding that allows the book to remain flat when opened, making it perfect for use as a sketchbook or journal.

Receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use. No previous experience is required – this is a great class for a beginner.

$140

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

Learn how to make beautiful handmade paper out of recycled scrap plant fibers, paper, and flowers! We will go through the hand papermaking process step-by-step: understanding different types of fiber, how to source and process fibers, making pulp, forming sheets, adding decorative inclusions, and pressing and drying the sheets. Everyone will make several pieces of paper to use for their own projects, for writing letters, or simply to appreciate as art in its own right. Please wear clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!

$75

This workshop is part of a special Book Arts Series offered throughout the fall season at CraftStudies. It can be taken on its own or in relation to the other workshops in the series. Take 4 or more workshops in the Book Arts Series and receive a 10% discount! Email hello@craftstudies.org for more information.

Offered in partnership with Scale House Print Shop

Learn the magic of combining type, paper, and ink at this all-day letterpress workshop. You’ll learn the basics of the history of printing, how to set type, and how to print your design on a press that has been in use since 1913 as you create a letterpress poster in up to two colors using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and hand-carved illustrations. The 20 posters you’ll take home will show the signature letterpress impression that only type can make and will make great gifts for friends and family. Students should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 15 words) that they’d like to use in their poster design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$225

Guest Artist: Elissa Campbell of Blue Roof Designs

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own decorative boxes, then this class is a great place to start! This decorative lidded box is the perfect size to hold your pens and pencils - or perhaps future boxmaking tools?

 During this workshop, you’ll make a box that measures 8” (l) x 3” (w) x 2.25” (h). You’ll learn basic boxmaking techniques, including how to measure and cut materials, wrapping a box with paper, and the best way to apply adhesives. We’ll also talk about how to scale the size of the box to fit differently-sized items.

 Not only will this class offer you the foundation and confidence needed to continue making boxes, but it will also provide you with a variety of bookbinding skills. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use.

$150, all materials and supplies included

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

In this workshop you will create your own handmade herbarium book in which to preserve plant specimens, make botanical illustrations, and record your observations of nature.

Collecting botanical specimens in books was a popular 18th and 19th century pastime, and making a personal herbarium is a valuable and enjoyable way to learn about the plants in your local environment and create a beautiful, unique collection for reference.

We will be using the Secret Belgian stitch, a non-adhesive bookbinding style that includes a spine and hard cover, and allows the book to lie open flat. In addition to constructing and binding the book, we will discuss methods for pressing and preserving plants before they are stored, ethics around harvesting from the wild, and tools for botanical identification.

All materials will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience is necessary!

$100

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

Learn how to make beautiful handmade notecards and envelopes out of plant fibers and flowers! We will go through the hand papermaking process step-by-step and discuss processing plant fibers, making pulp, forming sheets, adding decorative inclusions, and pressing and drying the sheets. Everyone will make a unique set of stationery to take home and use in their own correspondence and gifting (hint: they make perfect cards for Mother's Day!) Please wear clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

$100

Offered in partnership with Scale House Print Shop

Nothing says “I love you” like a handmade card, and nothings says handmade better than letterpress! Make an impression this Mother's Day when you use antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and illustrations to design a single-color card and print it on a printing press that started its working life in 1892. At the end of the day, you’ll take home 20 handmade cards (plus envelopes). Class takers should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 10 words) that they’d like to use in their card design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$150

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

This class is an introduction to the fundamental bookbinding tools and techniques you will need to get started in making your own handmade booklets, journals, sketchbooks, photo books, and more. We will focus on three simple sewing styles - pamphlet stitch, stab stitch, and link stitch - and we'll cover no-sew folding techniques for making booklets as well. Everyone will make several small practice books and have the chance to start experimenting with building off of the basics! Emma will bring their collection of zines and artists' books to serve as examples and inspiration.

$75

Guest Artist: Elissa Campbell of Blue Roof Designs

If you want to add more magic to your cards and artist books, then give pop-ups a try! Also known as paper engineering, pop-ups use cuts and folds to create motion and energy in paper structures.

Through the creation of a series of pop-up cards, students will learn the basics of three-dimensional construction, including box supports, props, and straddles, then bind these cards into a book, which will become a handy reference for future work. In addition, students will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use. No previous experience is required.

$175

One Day Workshop: Sunday, March 26th, 2023

10am-4pm

Guest Artist: Elissa Campbell of Blue Roof Designs

A travel journal is a wonderful way to create a tangible memory of your journey.

Create a journal with a double-needle Coptic binding, an intricate stitch that will be visible on the spine of the book, and allows the book to remain flat when opened.

The journal will include pockets both inside the covers and in the text block, allowing you the opportunity to save lots of stuff from your travels – tickets, photos, pressed flowers – you name it! Participants are encouraged to bring small photos, paper ephemera, and/or other flat items to decorate the covers.

$135, all materials provided

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

Coptic binding is one of the oldest bookbinding methods in existence, dating back to the 2nd century AD in northern Africa, and is deceptively simple in its elegance. The flexible exposed binding allows the book to open flat, and the looping stitches create a beautiful braid-like effect. In this class we'll each make a sketchbook from start to finish, including constructing the covers with board, bookcloth, and endpapers. Some basic bookbinding or sewing experience would be helpful, but not required for this class.

This class is available to take on it’s own, or as part of a bookbinding series, all taught by Emma Percy:

January 31: Bookbinding Foundations, 6:00pm-8:00pm, $75

February 7: Link Stitch Bookbinding, 6:00pm-8:00pm, $75

February 14: Coptic Bookbinding, 5:30pm-8:30pm, $100

Friday, February 10, 2023, 6pm-9pm

Offered in partnership with Scale House Print Shop

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do with your special person this Valentine's Day? Come to Letterpress Date Night to create something special together using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and illustrations. You can choose to create either a set of 20 cards or 20 small 8" by 10" posters, which you'll then print together on a printing press that began its working life in 1892 for that extra special "impression" that only letterpress printing can create! Each couple should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 10 words) that they’d like to use in their design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$200, registration is for TWO people

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

Link-stitch binding is a flexible, strong, and beautiful exposed-spine bookbinding technique that is a step up from simpler bookbinding styles, but still beginner-friendly! Commonly used in book conservation, it can be adapted to make books with hard covers, soft covers, or no covers at all. In this class we will each make a link-stitched journal from start to finish, including a decorative cover, and we'll explore the options for varying the stitch pattern to create something entirely your own.

This class is available to take on it’s own, or as part of a bookbinding series, all taught by Emma Percy:

January 31: Bookbinding Foundations, 6:00pm-8:00pm, $75

February 7: Link Stitch Bookbinding, 6:00pm-8:00pm, $75

February 14: Coptic Bookbinding, 5:30pm-8:30pm, $100

One Day Workshop: Light Up Your Valentine: Paper Circuits and Card Making

February 4, 2023, 10am-12:30pm

Teaching Artist: Deb Fairchild

In this exciting workshop, kids and caregivers will work together to create a Valentine that lights up!

We will work with paper circuits to learn how to build a simple circuit to integrate a light bulb into the design. The electronics will focus on building a complete circuit without shorting it out. The design is from the heart! You will leave with a handmade Valentine to give to someone that will literally light up their day!

$50, includes registration for caregiver and child and all materials

Saturday, January 7th, 2023

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Guest Artist: Elissa Campbell

Paste papers are made by applying a mixture of paste and pigment to damp paper and then using tools to create pattern and texture on the surface. Different methods will be demonstrated to guide you as you create your own paste papers with vibrant colors. We'll use methyl cellulose in a paste recipe that's easy to recreate on your own. We'll be working with acid-free paper, so you can even use the papers in your bookmaking or other craft projects.

Each participant will leave class with a collection of paste papers and a basic knowledge of paste paper technique. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use.

No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner.

Supplies: Apron, old credit cards or gift cards that can be cut into and used as design tools, plastic utensils, wood grain or other tools to create marks. (Note: Bring the supplies if you have them – don’t feel obligated to buy anything. I’ll have extras available.)

$100

Offered in partnership with Scale House Print Shop

Learn the magic of combining type, paper, and ink at this all-day letterpress workshop. You’ll learn the basics of the history of printing, how to set type, and how to print your design on a press that has been in use since 1913 as you create a letterpress poster in up to two colors using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and hand-carved illustrations. The 20 posters you’ll take home will show the signature letterpress impression that only type can make and will make great gifts for friends and family. Students should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 15 words) that they’d like to use in their poster design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$225

Saturday, November 12

10am – 2:30pm

Offered in partnership with Scale House Print Shop

SOLD OUT

Nothing says “happy holidays” like a handmade card, and nothings says handmade better than letterpress! Using antique wood and metal type, ornaments, and illustrations, you’ll design a single-color card and print it on a printing press that started its working life in 1892. At the end of the day, you’ll take home 25 handmade cards (plus envelopes) in plenty of time to get them sent to friends and family before the holiday season gets too busy. Students should come with an idea of a short phrase (no more than 10 words) that they’d like to use in their card design, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little inky.

$150

Sunday, September 11, 2022

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

One Spot Left!

Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

In this workshop you will create your own handmade herbarium book in which to preserve plant specimens, make botanical illustrations, and record your observations of nature. Collecting botanical specimens in books was a popular 18th and 19th century pastime, and making a personal herbarium is a valuable and enjoyable way to learn about the plants in your local environment and create a beautiful, unique collection for reference.

We will be using the Coptic-stitch style of bookbinding, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, and is an elegant yet beginner-friendly method of making books. In addition to constructing and binding the book, we will discuss methods for pressing and preserving plants before they are stored, ethics around harvesting from the wild, and tools for botanical identification. All materials will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience is necessary.

Materials required: Straight bookbinding needle, curved bookbinding needle, light-duty/student awl, heavy duty or #4 awl, and bone folder

Students have the option to purchase a bookbinding kit which includes all of the above materials for an additional $20 at time of registration.

$125