Workshop Details:

Level:

Beginners – Intermediate

Duration:

2 Days (11-4pm daily)

Location:

Lipstown Upper, Narraghmore, Co. Kildare, Ireland


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Take part in a creative book-making workshop

After influences from attending European artist book events in 2024, I am hosting this experimental workshop. A selection of artist books acquired on our travels will be available to provide some discussion, reflection and inspiration.


On day 1 We explore very simple printmaking techniques and experimental mark-making through as monoprinting, tetrapak printing or Chine Collé. Participants with previous experience of letterpress may use this equipment.
On Day 2 we will assemble our books, there is no set goal to produce a number of books. It is more important to experiment with the process, form & structure than setting targets for completed works. Everyone will leave with plenty of material from day 1 and the ambition to create lots of book structures on day 2.


Focusing on basic book structures and simple bookbinding such as chain stitch and concertina book or stitch-free assembly.
Participants will learn how to work with traditional book binding materials and techniques and get creative with alternative structures and styles. They will prepare and plan book structures, fold, make covers, stitch or non-stitch, and assemble the books.
Make a simple concertina, chain stitch or Ox-plow book. Concertina books make great artists books, as you can view all the pages at once. They’re also great for graphics, fine art, travel and family journals or any kind of visual storytelling. An artist book can be intimate and personal, a one off pieces or collaborative editions.

All materials included within reason (we will be using a variety of quality recycled papers, Japanese Awagami papers, lined papers, book cloth, waxed thread, non-toxic sustainable paints, rubber-based letterpress ink) Tea, coffee, biccies included.
Feel free to bring your own paper or sketches, writing, photos and anything you wish to include. As day 1 is experimental printing there is no pressure to bring anything at all.

Some of the people who join us at the workshops may be practising creatives and others will be absolute beginners. All are welcome! You just need to bring an open mind and you will create something you will cherish.

Workshop highlights:

  • Experiment with different printmaking techniques.
  • Preparation and planning of book structures, folding, making, stitching and assembling the books.
  • Choose papers, covers, and inks to suit your project.
  • Create a beautiful notebook you can take home.
  • All materials included

FAQs

What’s included in the price?

Just bring yourself! All materials within reason are included, and tea and coffee are included. All equipment included, you will have a choice of different simple printmaking techniques to explore for mark-making. Letterpress is only available to participants who have previous training, there is not enough time to learn complex processes completely.

You may either bring your own lunch or opt for the local community café – known as the Old Hardware. It’s a great place to find hand-made scones or cakes (no savoury or sandwiches), and Mel’s Gastro Pub across the road from the Blueway Studio, serves food from 2pm at the weekends and from 5pm during the week.There are lots of options for things to do, places to stay, eat and drink in nearby Athy too.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and shoes are ideal for this workshop, where we will be working with inks. Wear things you won’t mind picking up marks!

How accessible is the workshop?

Blueway Art Studio is on the ground floor so there are no stairs to climb. However, it’s an old building with a smaller than usual door so not all wheelchairs fit through.

You might not believe it, but everyone is creative! Some of the people who join us at the workshops may be practising creatives and others will be absolute beginners. All are welcome! You just need to bring an open mind and you will create something you will cherish.

What Our Participants Say

“Wonderful how story and history of medieval times in the area are revived and animated through this artist’s method – the monkey the mermaid and the gateway to heaven all just fascinating.”

YouTube Review February 2022

— SO Whelton —

“This is a really fascinating film, incredible to think of lithographs been made in Antarctica at this time.Thanks for the lithography demonstration. The whole project is so interesting ,thank you.”

YouTube Review January 2022

— Carol Kennedy —

“I never knew how prints were made or anything about lithography. I can’t believe they did this in Antarctica. I’m a huge Shackleton fan and this is a completely different insight for me. This is fascinating. Thanks for demonstrating”

YouTube Review January 2022

— Experiencing Ireland —

“Brilliant afternoon with Angelina.Spent a sunny afternoon with Angelina at Kilkea Castle. Learnt the art of grave rubbing – Angelina is a great teacher. She is patient, highly skilled and great fun. We all came away with something we’d made in the two hours”

Trip Advisor Review August 2021

— AnitaBreak41 —

“A very infomative and pleasant experience. Angelina was an excellent teacher. The practical, hands on experience allowed me to learn as we worked. Delighted with the results of the process”

Google Review June 2021

— Cristeen Kilkenny—

“Thank you angelina for a really great course on ecoprinting on japanese paper you were very generous with your knowledge and i had great fun. And so glad i could buy that awagami japanese paper from you wow its gorgeous”

Google Review June 2021

— Deirdre Crofts —

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