Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $225
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Cylinder Core Certificate Program

The hand-fed cylinder proof press, also known as the Vandercook press, has a special place in both print history and in teaching book arts. Immediate and accessible, yet nuanced and specific, it is the press that introduced many of us to letterpress.

The four class Cylinder Core Certificate Program allows students to move quickly through press basics while also addressing relief printing in general. Students who finish the four Core classes are qualified to rent press time as well as move on to more advanced classes and techniques. Core classes must be taken in order, 1 through 4.

Click here to learn more about the Cylinder Core Certificate Program. 
 

Cylinder Core 4 :: Digital into Analog

Digital designs can be turned into photopolymer plates with a raised printing surface, allowing for artistic expression via letterpress that goes beyond lead and wood. You'll choose designs from our pre-made collection of polymer plates and create a coordinated stationery suite of cards, letter sheets, and envelopes using both plates and type from our collection.

Competencies Gained:

• Builds on skills from Cylinder Cores 1, 2 and 3

Knowledge:

• Introduction to polymer plate printing
• Knowledge of various polymer plate bases and benefits/costs of each one

Skills:

• Use of plates and bases combined with type & cuts
• Printing a work & turn press sheet
• Build on ink mixing skills
• Develop press cleanup speed
• Increased familiarity with running the cylinder (Vandercook) press
   

>> Prerequisite: Cylinder Core 1, 2, 3 <<
 

Materials to Bring: All tools and materials will be provided. Students will be designing on the fly from our collection of plates, but can think ahead about whether they want traditional stationery with name/address, or something more whimsical.

Please note: Class projects are for learning particular skills and supporting class dynamics. Project ideas should be flexible, open to what class time and communal studio use will permit.

Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

NOTE: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
 

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About the Instructor | Paula Gloistein (she/her)

Paula Gloistein has an MA in Humanities from Dominican College which really has very little to do with her work as a photographer, designer, and letterpress printer. After more than ten years in the wedding biz, she recently opened a small shop, big day design lounge, that showcases handmade wedding accessories, custom invitations, and workshops for crafty couples.

Past Student Reviews:

“I really enjoyed that we were each given a high level of autonomy. This really enabled me to execute the most challenging project I’ve done so far, knowing Paula was always there to answer any questions that came up.”

“Paula is a fantastic teacher and really easy to get along with and ask questions of. So many concepts that hadn't quite clicked for me yet really started coming together once she started teaching me. I feel very well prepared to do my own projects thanks to Paula's teaching.”

“The entire series was excellent.”