Letterpress Workshops
The workshops listed below all take place at Letterpress Things in Chicopee, MA. For workshops in the Montpelier, VT studio, click here. For workshops at Albertine Press, go here.
Experience the Letterpress Thing
The cool touch of decades-old metal type. A firm
two-handed impression roll for a copy proof. A deft transfer from
composing stick to imposing stone. A gentle tap of the planer. Two
quick twists of the locking key and the chase with form is secure. The
press is inked, the guides aligned, the chase slips into position,
paper is correctly placed and your very first impression is ready to
print.
You can "experience the letterpress thing" at the Letterpress Things print shop in Chicopee, MA. Participants set type, lockup and print on a Kelsey Excelsior 5x8, then exchange printed signatures, gather, fold, and hand-bind. At the day's end each participant will leave with a hand-printed, hand-bound chapbook, a lifetime keepsake of their first letterpress experience.
Cost per student is $110. Workshop is held at Letterpress Things in Chicopee, MA. Limited to 4 students.
Saturday, February 28
Saturday, March 14 FULL!
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, May 23
Getting to Know Your Tabletop Press
A unique, hands-on workshop where participants bring their own tabletop press to work on.
The daylong class begins with a review of the press: its parts, operations, care and maintenance, adjustments, and more. In the afternoon, we make our presses ready to print.
Topics and techniques include setting tympan and packing; ink types, mixing, and inking the press; setting and positioning gauges and grippers; choosing paper; and registering the form. Particular attention will be given to troubleshooting and specific problems previously encountered. If time permits, participants will set type and print.
Cost per student is $150. Workshop is held at Letterpress Things in Chicopee, MA. Limited to two presses and their owners.
Saturday, February 21 FULL!
Saturday, April 18
Saturday, May 30 FULL!
Wood Type Fun!
Join Kelly and fellow students to tackle the basics of composing with wood type and printing on a Vandercook proof press. You'll learn about different papers suitable for letterpress, as well as inking the press, printing, and cleaning up. Students will work in pairs to produce unique broadsides--super-cool, single-sheet posters that can run the gamut from band flyer to fine art. We'll proof our work on a Nolan proof press before moving on to the Vandercook #4. Some letterpress experience is recommended.
Cost per student is $125. Workshop is held at Letterpress Things in Chicopee, MA. Limited to 4 students.
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, May 10
Advanced Techniques on the Press
A "How did they do that?" workshop. Learn tips and tricks for scoring, creating borders, printing on unusual materials, and more!
Cost per student is $125, and includes all materials. Some letterpress experience necessary.
Saturday, April 25
Choosing the Right Paper
Paper is an integral part of the letterpress process, but how do you know where to start? Kelly will talk about the paper manufacturing process, kinds of paper available, and provide swatchbooks, printed samples, and resource guides for both the new and experienced printer. Bring your questions!
Sorry, no dates for Spring 2009.
Letterpress Holiday Cards
Tired of the same old holiday cards? Want your card to be the talk of the town? Why not design and print handmade cards to send for the holidays! Students will design cards using Letterpress Things' incredible stock of type and vintage holiday cuts, and print on Kelsey 5x8s and a Chandler & Price Pilot.
Bring lunch, an apron, and your imagination! Cost per student is $125, and includes all materials. Limited to 4 students.
Sorry, no dates for Spring 2009.
Special Projects: a studio weekend
So you've taken a workshop--now what? Let Kelly help you get your project ready, then be there to guide you through the printing process.
Cost is $25 per hour, does not include materials. Requires advanced sign up, to give us time to order paper and plates if necessary.
Sorry, no dates for Spring 2009.
Registration Information
To register for any of the above workshops, print the registration form and send it in with a check for the full amount. To pay with a credit card, go here. Feel free to email with any questions.
Register early, as workshops tend to fill up quickly.
For pictures of previous workshops, click here.
Apprenticeships
May Day Studio offers a one-on-one, 6-month course of study in Book Arts and Printmaking. For more details, including plan of study and tuition fees, please email.