Have you ever wanted to learn how to print with a letterpress? What is a composition stick and how do you use it? Join Tom Parson as he guides students in how to "set type". This means choosing one drawer with one typeface in one point size, and picking up one letter at a time to spell out your message. You'll have to find spaces to go between each word and then transfer your message to a "chase". Tom will lead students in how to "lock up" the words students have set into the chase for printing on one of our tabletop presses or the platen Pilot press at the Book Arts League letterpress studio. Students who take this class will have all the skills necessary to join us for Open Studio dates held each month in our shop where we welcome beginning printers to print their own projects with a BAL volunteer. Come learn how early printing was done and how to "Mind your Ps and Qs!"

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, July 28 at 8:00am.

Learn to construct a fold-up pencil case from book board and beautiful decorative paper. Students can choose from papers provided by the instructor or bring a piece of their own choosing. Pieces of book board will be cut to form the walls and constructed into a collapsible, fold-up, triangle box. Next, students will learn how to punch holes to apply decorative (or plain!) rivets in the walls of the box. Finally the box will stay closed with the help of an elastic cord, decorative bead, and cord lock. The finished box is perfect for taking your pencils and pens on the go and it is also ideal for protecting your favorite paint brushes for safe transportation. 

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, July 28 at 8:00am.

Fall-themed greeting cards with Wood Type taught by Julia Seko and Greg Robl

The foliage will be turning colors, and the air will be getting  chilly. Pumpkins will be ready to carve and eat. We'll spend the day in this workshop designing your own greeting cards for Hallowe'en, Dia de los Muertos, Thanksgiving, or simply "Boo!" or "Thank you!" We'll have some images on hand and add in some text in wood or metal type in multiple faces and sizes. Words will then be locked up and printed on the Vandercook letterpress. Color choices or perhaps variegated colors will be decided on by the collected class. Each student will leave with a set of 8 cards with matching envelopes.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, July 28 at 8:00am.