Undeniable Enthusiasm

It's hard to believe an entire year has gone by since we offered our very first introduction to letterpress workshop. Since then, our participants have included everything from scientists just looking to get out of the lab, to die-hard letterpress fans ready to start their own business. No matter the case, every participant has shown undeniable enthusiasm. It has been a true pleasure imparting my knowledge and encouraging the revival of this otherwise dying craft.

The first workshop for 2011 is scheduled for Sunday, January 23. Please visit the Modus Paperie & Press website for information on how to register.

Letterpress Enthusiasts from the North East

In the September workshop we hosted Melissa of Wedding Obsession and her friend Ashley who came all the way from Edmonton just to learn letterpress! They exercised great patience in hand-setting their bugs and locked up like experts in one shot. The plate printing went as smoothly as we could have hoped – registration adjustment, roller alignment, rail balancing and voilà – perfection! Now Melissa and Ashley can say they've learned the basics (and a few intricacies) of letterpress in theory and practice.


Hand-set type – Helvetica & Murray Hill – all locked up.


Perfect impression.


A cheerful cardinal.


Ashley & Melissa showing off the fruits of their efforts!

Fall Workshops

A little update on the fall 2010 workshop schedule at Modus Paperie & Press:

AUGUST: Summer Hiatus
SEP 18th: Sorry - Class Full!
OCT 16th: Now Booking

The fall sessions are filling up quickly so to avoid disappointment, please book early!

The Fun Continues...

This weekend marked the 3rd installation of our Introduction to Letterpress workshop at the Modus studio. This time around we added to our barrel full of sock monkeys and transformed our California poppies into a beautiful rich red variety with crisp black stems. Oooooh-ahhhhh. And as promised, I remembered my camera this time!


Who doesn't love printing sock monkeys!?


Monkey plate.


Printing poppies.


Locked up hand set type.



Finished product!

Upcoming Letterpress Workshops

I'm happy to report the March workshop was another great success! This time our solo student produced a beautiful set of 12 greeting cards. The next workshop is coming up on April 24th and this time I'm hoping to have the foresight to bring my camera and show you all what we're up to!

Success!

Yesterday we held our very first workshop at Modus Paperie & Press. When all was said and done, we sent home some beautiful turquoise business cards that were hand-set in lead type, and an adorable set of "Bee Mine" mini-broadsides perfect for spreading some Valentine's Day cheer. We certainly covered a lot of ground in a day and had loads of fun in the process but don't take my word for it, check out Lemmonism, the student's blog post on her experience with letterpress!

If you'd like to join in the fun, visit our website for more information on upcoming dates and registration.

UPDATE: Letterpress Classes Scheduled for 2010

JANUARY 31
Class size: minimum of 1, maximum of 2
Suggested Theme: Valentine's Day
Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch)
Cost: $240 CDN (includes all materials)
Registration Deadline: CLOSED

MARCH 6 & 7
Class size: minimum of 3, maximum of 4
Suggested Theme: Easter
Hours: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch)
Cost: $240 CDN (includes all materials)
Registration Deadline: February 26th

APRIL 24 & 25
Class size: minimum of 3, maximum of 4
Suggested Theme: Mother's Day
Hours: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch)
Cost: $240 CDN (includes all materials)
Registration Deadline: April 16th

For more information or to register, email Modus Paperie & Press or call 604 313 6954. Payment is due at time of registration. (Paypal, Canada Post Money Order or Cheque)

Learn Letterpress!

I hope everyone had a pleasant holiday, is well rested and ready to charge forth into 2010! I've never been an active participant in proclaiming New Year's resolutions but I've always felt that January is a great time for change. Rework priorities. Set new goals. Learn something new!

In keeping with that theme, the creative minds surrounding Modus Paperie & Press came up with a great idea — share our knowledge with our wide-eyed fans and offer letterpress printing workshops to all!

In our first session, we'll follow a century-old tradition and you'll make your very own valentines on our 1913 printing press! Over the course of the 2-day workshop, you'll learn to set lead type, print from plates, mix ink, select paper and, of course, operate the press! The cost is $240 (CDN) and includes all materials. Class size is limited to 4 for optimal press time so contact us today to reserve your spot... the class will fill up fast!

WHERE: Modus Paperie & Press
ADDRESS: 316 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
DATE: January 30 & 31, 2010
TIME: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)

For more information or to register, email Modus Paperie & Press or call 604 313 6954. Payment is due at time of registration. (Paypal, Canada Post Money Order or Cheque)