Are you new to letterpress printing or do you live in an area that is far from tools and supplies? Join Michelle Wiebe as she explores traditional printing accessories and the dos and don’ts of improvising materials with your presses and projects. This interactive demonstration will cover the logic behind why we strive to use the traditional items in our printing and alternatives that are safe for both you and your machine. Topics covered will include materials for lock up, printing and clean up that can be easily sourced from your local art or hardware store. Also discussed will be alternatives to press accessories such as gauge pins, tympan paper and rollers as well as how to get started with a simplified or incomplete set up. There will be plenty of time during this demonstration to cover questions and individual challenges, so specific questions are welcome. If you are facing challenges on completing your studio set up – this class is for you.
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: Online via Zoom. We are planning to make a recording of the program available to everyone who has registered, so you will be able to watch the entire program at your convenience even if you can’t join us live.
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
Get your fingers inky in this whirlwind, two-hour letterpress event. The evening starts with a short demonstration on how to use the press and get a good print. Work collaboratively to create a unique print using the museum’s extensive collection of wood and metal type. You don’t need any experience to participate in Ink & Drink. You’ll be impressed by what you create and the fun you’ll have. This event is BYOB! Space is limited, so register early.
Registration: $35 including all materials. Members receive a 10% discount. Become a member today!
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you are a member and don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St. Houston, TX 77019.
This workshop is in-person at The Printing Museum. We look forward to welcoming you back and are taking recommended safety precautions regarding COVID-19. The class size will also be limited, so sign up early!
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
Thinking about investing in some letterpress equipment or have a rusty little machine that you would love to bring back to life? Using a table top Kelsey Platen Press to demonstrate, Michelle Wiebe will cover basic press components and operation as well as how to spot damaged areas, cleaning methods, making minor repairs and sourcing replacement parts (much of this information is applicable to a wide range of press models and styles). She will also touch on where to gain printing knowledge and find resources that can lead you further into your letterpress journey. If you have been looking for a place to really understand the potential of letterpress printing as well as for those who may have inherited some equipment and are not sure where to start with restoring it – this class is for you! There will also be plenty of time for questions throughout this interactive demonstration, participants who already have a press they wish to restore should have it handy so that they can ask specific questions or show areas that they are unsure about. Never be afraid of rust – Michelle will help you feel empowered as you acquire these skills and tackle a project with great rewards.
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: Online via Zoom. We are planning to make a recording of the program available to everyone who has registered, so you will be able to watch the entire program at your convenience even if you can’t join us live.
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning the fundamental skills and knowledge essential to printing on a manual platen press using hand-set type. You will use an instructor-curated selection of vintage metal and antique wood type from The Printing Museum’s extensive library as well as cuts (images) to develop your skills. At the end of this course you will have learned the foundation needed to design, set, and print a complete edition of a one-color greeting/holiday card. Depending on the pacing of the class and at discretion of instructor, two-color work may be attempted. Note: Specific skills for running an electric powered platen, such as a Heidelberg, is not covered. Successful completion of this class will allow you to reserve platen presses during Open Studio times.
Materialsto bring: please bring a pair of reusable gloves, all other materials supplied.
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St. Houston, TX 77019.
This workshop is in-person at The Printing Museum. We look forward to welcoming you back and are taking recommended safety precautions regarding COVID-19. The class size will also be limited, so sign up early!
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
Interested in expanding the variety of color in your print images? Michelle Wiebe will guide you in the secrets of planning and executing multiple block prints lots of color. She will show you how to design and transfer your image to multiple blocks so that they are placed in correct alignment and using a table top Kelsey Platen press she will give a variety of approaches to locking up your multi block creations and neatly printing your layers. She will also give guidance in trouble shooting and making minor adjustments to account for carving or alignment errors. This class presumes a basic knowledge of linocut carving (even if you’ve never used them on press). There will also be plenty of time for questions throughout this interactive demonstration, participants who have example projects they are working on are encouraged to keep them at hand for specific advice on achieving successful prints.
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: Online via Zoom. We are planning to make a recording of the program available to everyone who has registered, so you will be able to watch the entire program at your convenience even if you can’t join us live.
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
Get your fingers inky in this whirlwind, two-hour letterpress event. The evening starts with a short demonstration on how to use the press and get a good print. Work collaboratively to create a unique print using the museum’s extensive collection of wood and metal type. You don’t need any experience to participate in Ink & Drink. You’ll be impressed by what you create and the fun you’ll have. This event is BYOB! Space is limited, so register early.
Registration: $35 including all materials. Members receive a 10% discount. Become a member today!
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St. Houston, TX 77019.
This workshop is in-person at The Printing Museum. We look forward to welcoming you back and are taking recommended safety precautions regarding COVID-19. The class size will also be limited, so sign up early!
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
Join Michelle Wiebe as she guides you through the science and practice of maintaining razor sharp edges on your gouges. Having a properly maintained set of tools will result in greater carving accuracy, longer lasting blades, reduced physical fatigue as well as less chance of injury. Using a basic set up of easily made or purchased tools she will show you how to hone, sharpen and repair dings on your U gouges, V gouges and Chisels. All items demonstrated can either be inexpensively purchased locally or else up-cycled from easily sourced scraps.
This is an excellent resource or refresher for anyone who is intimidated by the world of sharpening, those who have inherited some long neglected tools as well as artists who are considering upgrading from their current student set of blades. This demonstration is interactive so there will be plenty of time during and afterwards to ask specific questions. Participants are encouraged to have their current set of tools and questions handy during the course of the demonstration for personalized guidance.
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Location: Online via Zoom. We are planning to make a recording of the program available to everyone who has registered, so you will be able to watch the entire program at your convenience even if you can’t join us live.
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
Get your fingers inky in this whirlwind, two-hour letterpress event. The evening starts with a short demonstration on how to use the press and get a good print. Work collaboratively to create a unique print using the museum’s extensive collection of wood and metal type. You don’t need any experience to participate in Ink & Drink. You’ll be impressed by what you create and the fun you’ll have. This event is BYOB! Space is limited, so register early.
Registration: $35 including all materials; members receive a 10% discount. Become a member today!
Location: The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St. Houston, TX 77019.
This workshop is in-person at The Printing Museum. We look forward to welcoming you back and are taking recommended safety precautions regarding COVID-19. The class size will also be limited, so sign up early!
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
If you love letterpress and LEGOs, learn how to combine them in this playful alternative letterpress printing technique! In this fun, hands-on workshop, use LEGO tile bricks and a printing press to create your own unique 8-bit letterpress work of art. We’ll provide the bricks, press, and our helpful staff who will be on hand to assist you with printing your creation. You may want to bring an apron or old shirt you are willing to get ink and dirt on for this printing workshop.
Registration in this workshop includes General Admission to the museum!
This workshop is in-person at The Printing Museum. We look forward to welcoming you back and are taking recommended safety precautions regarding COVID-19. The class size will also be limited, so sign up early!
Please show up at your scheduled time. You are encouraged to spend between 60 and 90 minutes, so as to allow for social distancing and for other groups to come in at their times.
Location: The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St. Houston, TX 77019.
Registration: Ages 13+: $20; Ages 6-12: $16 Members receive a 10% discount. Become a member today!
Members must log in to activate the discount. If you don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
AGES: 18+* LEVELS: Open to all skill levels, no prior experience necessary.
*Ages 18 and up (15- to 17-year olds with a paying guardian). This course is a pre-requisite for intermediate and advanced letterpress workshops. Successful completion of this course qualifies you for Open Studio rental.
Experience letterpress! This course will teach you the foundational skills essential to printing on a Vandercook cylinder press and a platen press using moveable type. We’ll be using a curated selection of The Printing Museum’s extensive library of vintage metal and antique wood type as well as cuts (images). At the end of this course you will have learned the basic skills needed to design, set, and print a complete edition of one-color, greeting cards.
Course goals:
Learn to use basic typesetting skills: California type case, multi-line composition, incorporating images and ornaments, and lock up.
Perform image registration and make-ready
Pull a print and run an edition
Incorporate essential studio practices into your workflow (care and safety in the print studio)
Understand and apply general knowledge of both the cylinder & platen presses and how relief printing works
Supplies to bring:
1-pair of reusable gloves (for clean-up)
Snack and/or drink in a closed container (optional)
All other materials will be provided.
RegistrationFee: $360, includes materials.
A generous donor is offering one need-based scholarship for this workshop to BIPOC, female, and non-binary individuals. Email scholarship@printingmuseum.org indicating your need.
Scholarship requests will be reviewed in the order received, so apply early!
The scholarship requests will be reviewed in the order received, so apply early!
This workshop is in-person at The Printing Museum. We look forward to welcoming you back and are taking recommended safety precautions regarding COVID-19. The class size will also be limited, so sign up early!
Location: The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St. Houston, TX 77019.
Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652.
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