# Introduction to Letterpress Printing with Cheryl Itamura

Canonical URL: <https://www.creativelive.com/classes/introduction-letterpress-printing-cheryl-itamura>

## Overview

The letterpress style of printing dates back to the 15th century and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. The stunning tactile and visual imprint of letterpress is used for business cards, invitations, poster prints, and more. In Introduction to Letterpress Printing, you will learn all about the machines and methods behind this celebrated practice.

The San Francisco Center for the Book (SFBC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching all aspects of bookmaking. In this class, SFBC instructor Cheryl Itamura will walk you through the letterpress process and introduce you to the equipment used to create the most popular printed looks. You will learn about:

- Printing with the Vandercook Cylinder (Proof) Press
- Setting wood type, lockup, inking, and printing with a proof press
- Printing with the Tabletop Platen Jobbing (Clamshell) Press
- Working with metal type, lockup, and ink
- Printing with the clamshell press

Cheryl will talk about gaining access to printing studios in your own community and offer tips on building your own collection of equipment and how to use and maintain it. Letterpress printing produces timeless, artisan paper products. Learn how to take full advantage of the creative possibilities of this historic form of printing.

## Instructors

### Cheryl Itamura

Cheryl Itamura is a letterpress printer, designer and producer. Her work blurs the lines between mediums as she combines letterpress printing with photography, social commentary, personal idealism and mixed media to create sensory work and conceptual art installations.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $29