Laser-Cut Letterpress: Type & Ornaments

with Louise Fisher
Saturday, November 16; 10am–4pm CT

Discover the powerful possibilities of combining laser cutting and letterpress printing! During this in-person workshop, learn how to design and fabricate laser-cut wood blocks for letterpress printing.

In the first half of the workshop, the instructor will give tutorials in Adobe Illustrator for designing letterforms and images that can be cut or engraved, in addition to file set-up for the laser-cutting machine. The instructor will also demonstrate how to assemble the laser-cut wood to be type-high. In the second half of the workshop, participants will get hands-on experience printing premade laser-cut wood type and ornaments on the Vandercook press. While MCBA does not have a laser cutter on site, instruction will be provided on where and how to access one in the Twin Cities area for future projects.

​Participants are welcome to bring a ​laptop with the Adobe Suite if ​possible. ​This is optional and participants are also welcome to follow along without their own device.

Previous letterpress experience is required, but digital newbies are welcome.

Experience required
Certificate: 6 hours, Category B or D

$147/participant (10% discount for MCBA members) + $25 materials fee
$74 for BIPOC/Financial scholarship participants (10% discount for MCBA members) + $25 materials fee
MCBA offers two scholarship types for workshops—Financial Hardship Scholarships and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Scholarships—to honor equity and increase access and artistic opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts. For individuals to whom these scholarships do not apply, register at the Adult rate and, if you are able, consider making a donation when registering to support MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available.

Please note: Registration closes 11/11 at midnight (CT).

REGISTER HERE