Letterpress Courses

I was recently asked where I took my intensive intro to letterpress course here in Vancouver, BC. I attended a Summer workshop at the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design where Jim Rimmer (letterpress printer, illustrator, type designer) was our instructor. From what I've heard, Jim may not do the workshop again in 2007, so I'm not sure what the future of the letterpress course is at ECIAD. However, there are many letterpress printers in the area, some of whom take on apprentices. There are also a variety of courses/workshops held across the U.S., if you feel like doing some travelling.

Doing a Google search for "book arts workshops", "letterpress workshops", or "printmakers workshops" will yield some results (i.e. Hamilton Printmakers Letterpress Workshop in Ontario, Creative letterpress printing workshop at Columbia College Chicago Center for Book and Paper Arts, Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild "Lead Ain't Dead" Workshop).

Good luck and Happy Letterpressing!

Lettra Success!

Just a quick update - I finally had a chance to print (without ink) using the Crane Lettra paper that the rep sent me and I must say, it is great! The paper really takes the impression well, and where there are larger surface areas, the impression leaves a nice smooth, flat finish. I will try to get some photos of the results using the macro setting on my camera.

I am now just waiting for my inks to arrive from Van Sons (should arrive soon), and I just need to finialize my business card design (almost there!) and I can order the plates from Boxcar Press. I really need to get this project finished as I am in dire need of cards.

My problem when I design for myself is that I always think I can do better (yep, I'm a type-A, anal-retentive perfectionist) so I tend to be slow to finish my own projects. If anyone has a cure, please do tell!

Happy letterpressing!