Introduction to Letterpress Printing

Create your own calling card while learning the timeless craft of letterpress printing. In this class, you’ll hand-set type in a composing stick and print a small set of personalized cards on an antique platen press.

To keep the design process approachable, we’ll focus on the simple and elegant format of the traditional calling card—once used to introduce oneself in society with only a name. Today, you may choose to include your name, email, or social media handle.

Along the way, you’ll learn the fundamentals of handsetting type, including the use of the composing stick, leading, spacing, fonts and typefaces, nicks, and other essentials of the print shop. Cards may be printed on precut cardstock provided by the instructor or students may bring their own paper to experiment with. We’ll use linseed oil–based ink which takes several days to dry, and clean with food-grade vegetable oil rather than traditional solvents. Participants may choose to print their cards on one of three antique platen presses.

Day 1: Setting the type. Composing stick, leading, fonts/typefaces, nicks, and more.

Day 2: Inking the press. Makeready, registration, printing and cleanup.