Learn 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, utilize wood grain in design, how to transfer designs to a block, the techniques and different effects of the five basic carving tools and how to handle ink and paper and methods for printing using tools you have at home.
We will print in one color. 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! T Shirts!).
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 work with the 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.
The remaining spots include 2 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 redistribution 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
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. All students are required to wear a mask -see our covid safety protocol:here
If you are unable to come to class because you tested positive for COVID-19 or are unwell/showing symptoms, get in touch and we'll work something out together.
*if you have any questions or need clarification, let us know :) fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com
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Taught by Jessie Merriam
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Materials cost for this class is $20 and includes 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.
See our cost transparency FAQ here
Need a scholarship? We got you! Just email fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com, tell us what you can afford and we will do our best on covering the rest.
