Get to Know Your Table Top Platen Press

This two hour workshop will cover the basics of operating a tabletop platen press using type and photopolymer plates. Portions of the workshop will be dedicated to printing on one of these smaller platen presses, discussions of troubleshooting, what to look for when shopping for a press, and materials. This workshop is suitable for anyone who already owns, is thinking of acquiring, or is generally curious about printing on a tabletop platen press, such as a Kelsey, C & P Pilot, Craftsman, etc.

Full Description: 

In this two hour workshop, we will cover the basics of operating a tabletop platen press using

both type and photopolymer plates. In the first half of the workshop, you’ll see a demonstration

of printing on one of these smaller platen presses, and learn how to make adjustments to the

press to improve the finished prints. In the second half, participants will be able to ask

questions and receive help from the instructor with printing on and adjusting their own

presses. We will also discuss materials, and what to look for when shopping for a press. You

will leave with a list of resources and the knowledge to produce beautiful, crisp prints on a

small platen press.

This workshop is suitable for anyone who already owns, is thinking of acquiring, or is generally

curious about printing on a tabletop platen press, such as a Kelsey, C & P Pilot, Craftsman,

etc.

Instructor Bio: 

Bridget Lewis is the founder of Delta Letterpress, a printing studio in Sacramento, CA focused on custom and fine art printing. She has been letterpress printing since 2006, and has taken several classes on printing and hand-lettering at the San Francisco Center for the Book, School of Visual Concepts (Seattle, WA), Hamilton Wood Type (Two Rivers, WI). Bridget has a BFA in ceramics and a BA in History of Art from The Ohio State University, and a MFA in Sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfiled Hills, MI. Both degrees included minor concentrations in Printmaking.

Student Supply List: 

No materials are required. If students own a tabletop press, they may want to have it nearby

during class to discuss parts and operation. Students are also welcome to bring prints made on

their own presses to discuss any issues they may have had.