Letterpress printing with vintage type

Description

In this workshop you’ll learn all about printing with traditional materials, in the same way that books and newspapers were originally printed with vintage metal and wood type. 

Choose to make greetings cards, postcards or bookmarks with your own personalised message. You may want to bring along a short quote or sentiment, a sentence is perfect, but we’ll have plenty of ideas on hand to inspire you too.

You’ll set your chosen metal type and print it on one of our Adana tabletop presses. These portable machines are perfect for the hobby printer and a great way to get started in letterpress printing. We’ll show you the basics of how to set the press up for printing, how to register your print perfectly and how to clean everything down at the end of the session. 

There will also be chance to play with some of our wooden type and coloured inks to print initials and short words.

More information 

The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a supportive and welcoming home-based environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind, and immerse yourself in being creative.

Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. 

All the equipment and materials you will need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise, plus light refreshments (a selection of Shibui teas, coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet or savoury snacks). On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out; or there are a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus supermarkets, within a 5-10 minute walk.

PLEASE NOTE: Our workshop space is on the first-floor of a Georgian mews building and unfortunately we do not have lift access. The workshop space is in our home which is not nut free. Please let us know of any skin or food allergies before booking.

Private classes

Most of our workshops are also available to book for small private get-togethers; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and as in-store retail events. For larger groups, many of our workshops can be brought to a location of your choice. Please email Lynn or phone 07732 901150 for more information.

Age restrictions

Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.