* This class time has been extended to allow for more design and printing time (original listing was 2 hours, our zoom class length, rather than 3 hours, our in-person class length). Any students needing to arrive late/leave early (the original listing was 6:30-8:30) will be accommodated--just be sure to bring a design ready to transfer, and you will get instructions for printing more at home. An email will be sent with design information, studio access, and contact information.
In this version of Woodblock Printmaking 101, students will practice Western-style block carving and printing with minimal tools at home, and make a set of prints/cards/stationery. We will learn about how to think in relief (carving around the lines/areas to be printed, and the mirror-image effect of printing), utilize wood grain in design, how to transfer designs to a block, the techniques and different effects of the five basic carving tools (which have parallels in other woodworking), and how to handle ink and paper and methods for printing using tools you have at home (rather than a press).
We will print in one color (black is traditional, but some other colors will be available). Follow-up materials lists and resources will be sent to students looking to print more at home (including on fabric, like tea towels! Pillow cases! Tshirts!).
To maximize the time we have for carving questions, please prepare a 4x6 design (landscape or portrait orientation) for your block in advance. A design on paper can be transferred to the block so that the print will be the same orientation as the paper drawing, so any lettering in your design should be right-reading. Simple designs with bold image areas/texture that works with grain (think fur, bark, a cloudy sky, or water...rather than curly-cues) without lettering are recommended. You will receive an email from your instructor, jessiemerriam@gmail.com, with more guidance around block design in advance of class.
This course has 3 free seats for the BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) community to take this course at cost for the materials fee of $20. Fireweed believes in wealth re-distribution while our nation has still not offered proper reparations to marginalized communities. The course registration will be waived for individuals who identify as BIPOC.
Course materials include: ink, printmaking quality paper and cards, newsprint for proofs, shina plywood block 4x6, pencil, power grip carving tool rental and brayer tool rental. Use of other printing implements as well.
The class will take place at the casket Art building in Northeast Minneapolis. GOOGLE MAP
This class is limited to 8 individuals in order to offer more interaction with peers and instructor and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID policy for indoor classes:
- everyone wears masks, regardless of vaccination status
- students must be vaccinated OR have received negative COVID test results within 72 hours of class.
If you are unable to come to class you are registered for because you are unwell/showing symptoms, get in touch and we'll work something out together.
*if you have any questions or clarifications, let us know :) fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com
_______________
Taught by Jessie Merriam
follow @wheelbugs
Jessie is one of our Board members! Read her bio in our 'Meet the Board' page
________________
Pricing Transparency:
Cost breakdown for $45 class:
Instructor receives $12.50
Admin receives $9.50
Tool purchases/upkeep $11.25
Website/zoom subscription $11.75
Materials cost breakdown $20:
$5 woodblock
$5 tube of water soluble printmaking ink
$.50 sheets of newsprint
$5.50 printmaking quality card stock & other acid free paper
$4 time in assembling materials, tearing paper to size etc.
What's this new thing? We are exercising better transparency and want folks to know what goes into a class and why they cost what they do.
----------
Now offering sliding scale pricing! We know the pandemic has effected people in different ways and want to keep woodworking accessible. Suggested admission is $45, but we now have a $20 admission option and a pay it forward option.
