In this version of Woodblock Printmaking 101, students will learn the basics of 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 black, but go over how to add color to your work. Resources will be available for further projects with your block and other simple materials. 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.

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 tube (1 per student), printmaking quality cards and envelopes, newsprint for proofs, shina plywood block 4x6, pencil, power grip carving tool rental and brayer tool rental.

Materials can be picked up/dropped off for local students at East Lake Library between September 19 through September 22.  No shipping option is available for this particular session, but contact jessiemerriam@gmail.com for tips on purchasing supplies if you are out of state and want to take the class!

Taught by Jessie 

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.

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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.