Classes

Introduction to Letterpress Printing

Learn the basics of setting type using the Vandercook proof press. Learn the california job case, set type, use a pica ruler and composing stick, mix ink, ink the press and print. We will produce a broadside of type set by all participants. We'll pull proofs, make corrections and print multiple copies; then we'll distribute type and spacing, and clean up.

Instructor: Suzanne Powney
Date: Saturday, September 20, 10am-4pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $90 plus $15 materials fee

Introduction to Silkscreen

Learn the basics of silkscreen to print your own t-shirts and posters! Charles Criner, the Museum’s Artist in Residence, guides students through the process of choosing a design, building the frame, and burning the screen using the photo-emulsion method, transparent film, or the touch and glue method. Proper inks and color applications will also be covered.

Instructor: Charles Criner
Date: Tuesday-Friday, September 23-26: 6pm-8pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $120 plus $30 materials fee

Small Books From Everyday Objects

Once you know some basic bookbinding techniques, you can make a book out of anything! In this one-shot workshop we’ll gather everyday objects and “repurpose” them into fun little books that will make great gifts, for yourself or others, and make you feel good about putting your clutter to work for you! In three hours we can transform a matchbox into an accordion book with a case, a CD into a sunburst-folded poetry book, two cardboard drink coasters into a chunky Coptic-bound volume, and playing cards into taped or stab-bound notebooks. Hey, we’re just getting started! I’m sure these fun projects will lead to more fun projects so feel free to bring any household or found objects and we can brainstorm together.

Instructor: Lee Steiner
Date: Saturday, September 27: 1pm-4pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $45

Master Class: Marbling on Paper and Fabric with Galen Berry

Remember the beautiful, multicolored patterned papers you often see in the covers of old books? You can learn to make them yourself in this one-day workshop. We will learn many of the traditional patterns, such as the Peacock, Stone marble, Spanish wave, Feather, Nonpareil, French curl, and more. We will learn proper use of the necessary marbling ingredients such as alum, carrageenan, and gall. We will work on both paper and fabric. Each person will be able to make up to 15 marbled sheets to take home.

Instructor: Galen Barry
Date: Saturday, October 4: 12pm-5pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $125, plus $10.00 materials fee

Monotype

Enjoy learning some simple monotype techniques that will yield beautiful results, either with an etching press, or right in your own kitchen or workspace. The best part is that the materials we will be using (right down to the ink) are environmentally friendly and safe! AKUA inks are water-soluble and pleasurable to work with. We will explore additive, subtractive, composite techniques along with pochoir and à la poupée

Instructor: Melanie Wade Leslie
Date: Saturday, October 11: 10am-4pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $90 plus $30 materials fee

Introduction to Papermaking

Papermaking is an engaging and physical process that you can do right in your own home or workspace. Learn the basic elements of this ancient art as the instructor leads the class through the process of preparing the vat of pulp, pulling a sheet with a mould and deckle, couching the sheet, then pressing the paper. Each student will receive a sheaf of their handmade sheets and envelopes after they have completely dried. Participants should be prepared to get a bit wet as we are all in water up to our elbows.

Instructor: Kathy Gurwell
Date: Saturday, October 18, 10am-1pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $45 plus $10 material fee

Printing with Photopolymer Plates

Learn the basics of printing with photopolymer plates using the Vandercook proof press. We will mix ink, ink the press and print a series of cards. Using images and type from a collection provided, you will layout a greeting card of your own design. We'll print multiple copies and clean up. Photopolymer plate resources will be provided for you to order your own plates.

Instructor: Suzanne Powney
Date: Saturday, October 18: 1pm-5pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $60 plus $15 materials fee

Portfolio & Hard Cover Book

In this two session high energy, fast paced class, students will complete a portfolio and a flat back case style binding, covered in cloth and decorated paper. Beginning with basic skills of measuring, cutting, and gluing, students will make a folio-style portfolio. We will then progress to preparation of the textblock (folding, punching, sewing, attaching endsheets, spine treatment and endbands). Students repeat the steps learned in the portfolio by making a case and then advancing to “casing-in” to complete the book. Previous bookbinding experience is helpful.

Instructor: Myssie Light
Date: 2 Tuesdays, October 21 & 28: 10am-4pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $180 plus $15 material fee

Introduction to Lithography

Learn the basics of stone lithography from Charles Criner, the Museum’s Artist in Residence. In addition to learning the history of lithography, students will learn how to process a stone, through graining the stone, applying an image, and then etching the stone. Students will print on the Museum’s 1830s starwheel lithography press, and then learn how to sign, number, and frame their lithographs.

Instructor: Charles Criner
Date: Tuesday-Friday, October 21-24: 6pm-8pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $120

Let's Make a Box

Learn to make 2 box structures in this one-day workshop. A simple box will be constructed of a single sheet of card stock, cut, scored, and folded to produce a small gift box, which could be covered with decorative paper. The second box will be a more permanent structure. It will be cut from book board, the edges glued to form a sturdy box, which will be lined with decorative paper, and covered with bookcloth. A matching lid will be created. We will learn to determine grain direction, some cutting and gluing techniques, and methods of securing loose pieces during the gluing process, as well as the order of steps in the production process. No previous binding experience necessary.

Instructor: Ed Kopinitz
Date: Saturday, October 25: 10am-4pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $90 plus $20 materials fee

Print Your Own Wedding or Baby Shower Invitations

Have you always wanted to letterpress your own project? Are you a true do it yourselfer? Join us for a class to execute your project. Plates and ink provided. Students must supply their own paper. During the first class we will discuss paper selection, best artwork for letterpress printing, elements of your design and how to prepare artwork for plates, decide on paper size and envelope. The instructor will order plates for the next class (included in materials fee). Set up press, mix ink, discuss registration and print invitations and envelopes over the next 2 classes.

Instructor: Suzanne Powney
Date: 3 Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19: 6pm-9pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $135 plus $75 materials fee

Holiday Papermaking

‘Tis the Season! Learn the basic elements of papermaking in this special holiday version. Students will learn the process of preparing the vat of pulp, pulling a sheet with a mould and deckle, couching the sheet, then pressing the paper. Holiday themed additives will be used to create unique sheets that can be used for holiday cards, gifts, collages, and many other fun projects. Each student will receive a sheaf of their handmade sheets and envelopes after they have completely dried. Participants should be prepared to get a bit wet as we are all in water up to our elbows.

Instructor: Kathy Gurwell
Date: Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16, 10am-1pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $90 plus $10 material fee

Basic Book and Paper Repair

I have a book in bad shape, what do I do? Learn the answer to this common question in this two-day workshop. Students will be guided through the different steps in evaluating damage to a book, tips on handling them, decisions to make as far as the type of repair, the budget, the options and the right people to call. Participants will learn minor repair techniques that they can do at home, as well as the proper materials used to preserve treasured volumes. Students are welcome to bring a book with a problem to be approached and discussed during class.

Instructor: Lena LeMoal
Date: November 15-16: 2pm-5pm
Level: all levels
Tuition: $90

Registration & Cancellation Policies

Payment is due in full at the time of registration.

Current Museum members receive 10% off tuition only.

You will receive a full refund or credit if you cancel your registration at least 3 business days before the first class meeting. If you cancel less than three business days before the first class meeting, or drop out of a class in progress, you will forfeit your full tuition. If the Museum must cancel a class due to under-enrollment, registered students will be notified 2 days in advance and will receive a full refund or credit.

Instructor Bios

Charles Criner is the Artist in Residence at the Museum of Printing History. Charles is the kind of artist that likes to "exhaust" the medium. He "pulls" his prints in black and white, then in color, and on top of that he sometimes adds acrylic over the print to produce original paintings on paper. He, however, is also parsimonious, or rather, enjoys the limitations of using only three colors and no more to make his prints. Furthermore, he is the kind of artist / craftsman who prizes the concrete relationship between himself and his work. Criner always pulls prints himself, never letting other professional printers do this for him.
Kathy Gurwell has years experience in the fields of paper and printing, beginning with her graphic arts study in Paris and continuing as a Curator Fellow at Tamarind Lithography Institute in Albuquerque, NM and most recently at the Museo della Carta in Fabriano, Italy. She has demonstrated papermaking in San Francisco, Santa Fe, and Houston, where she now lives. Her artistry in this field was recognized a few years ago when Lord & Taylor invited her to display and sell her products at a show of Santa Fe artists in their principal New York City store. More recently she was commissioned to make a 4’x 4’ piece of paper for the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

Melanie Wade Leslie has a BFA in painting from Sam Houston State University and an MFA in studio art from the University of Houston. For three decades she has specialized in hand-pulled transfer processes and has taught printmaking at Houston Baptist University for 13 years, continually researching low toxicity methods and materials for the benefit of her students. She feels that it is important to maintain the integrity of tradition while exploring contemporary applications and finds experimental means of expression to be challenging and rewarding.

Lena Le Moal is a professional bookbinder, originally from France and now based in Houston. After earning degrees in science, art history, and bookbinding, she apprenticed in studios of master French bookbinders. She has furthered her conservation skills at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, and now in private practice. She is a member of the American Institute for Conservation and is a volunteer at the Museum of Printing History.

Myssie Light: A native of San Antonio, Myssie’s art education began in Montessori pre-school and was supplemented and encouraged by her artist mother. A high school graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, she earned a BA with a concentration in studio art from Trinity University. A summer in Japan with Parsons The New School for Design influenced her direction toward books and paper. Since 1993 she has attended classes at the American Academy of Bookbinding in Telluride Colorado. She is co-founder of the Houston Book Arts Group and Volunteer Bookbinder at the Museum of Printing History.
Suzanne Powney works as a freelance graphic designer and letterpress printer. With a background in both architecture and graphic design, she has worked in her own letterpress studio for seven years and teaches letterpress workshops at University of Houston and with the MPH Printers Guild. She does printing demonstrations for local clubs to share her knowledge of letterpress with the community. With a love for texture and ink on paper, her passion lies with letterpress printing and design. She currently operates BlackDog Press out of her home in the Heights.
Armando Rodriguez was born in Mexico. He received a BFA from the University of Houston in 1982. He works in many media including graphic design, photography, printmaking (etching, lithography, and monotype), and bookmaking. He presently works for the Houston Chronicle, Art League of Houston and the education department of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Lee Steiner has been teaching herself and others hand papermaking and the book arts for more than a dozen years and has maintained her own art business and studio for eons.

Past Classes