Learn how to cut letters, numbers, text and images from erasers, and open up a world of hand block printing that is immediate and accessible and easy to continue at home.

Using words and phrases to generate ideas, you will create a visual narrative with your rubber stamp prints. Discover how to work creatively with them, registering multiple colours and masking your prints.

Learn how to fold a concertina book and consider print placement within the folds, and begin to embrace the creative possibilities of a simple sheet of paper.

Ruth will show a selection of her own artist books and the rubber stamps used to create them. She will explain the ideas and design process behind them…how an inkling becomes an inked page…and a book.

Bring along a favourite word, a lucky number, a family phrase, a silly saying or just your own initials as a starting point. You will be encouraged to think about sequence and narrative, and Ruth will deliver gentle design direction as to how to say it in rubber.

Demonstrations will be delivered as a group, with plenty of time for one-to-one guidance too, enabling you to make a unique and personal artist book.

At the end of the day, you will leave with some hand carved rubber stamps with which you will have printed a fold-out book. You will also have gained the skills to continue making rubber stamps and concertina books at home.

You will be required to use small hand tools, including a scalpel.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials for use on the course, including erasers, inks, papers and card, glue, pencils, pens. Tools such as scalpels, groover tools, steel rulers, small cutting boards, bone folders and scissors will be provided for use on the day.

What students need to bring

Pencils, pens and a notebook or sketchbook for notes and ideas

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions