Beginners' Relief Printing: Snail Mail!

In this workshop, you'll learn the basics of relief printing through making your own postcards! This class is for the absolute beginner, focusing on creating your own, personal postcard design that you'll swap with classmates. Those with some relief experience, but wishing to refresh old skills, are also welcome. Carve, create, and take home a set of unique stationery to send to friends and loved ones!

Together, we'll briefly look at some examples of relief printmaking, then move into a demonstration before working. You'll be taught how to transfer a drawing to your plate, carve it, and simple registration for easy, ready-for-anywhere printing. We'll be printing with hand barens rather than a large, rolling press, so you can take these skills home easily. After you create an edition (batch) of your postcards, you'll swap with other students for a variety of hand-crafted, hand-pressed prints to take with you and share.

The class is structured around a demonstration, followed by individual time to learn, carve, and ask questions. Collaboration and experimentation highly encouraged — it's your first time, have fun!

Dress for mess. Supplies will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring their own drawings/ideas to use in the class!