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 and how to receive a discount.
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
Materials to Bring
All tools and materials will be provided. Students will be designing on the fly from our collection of polymer 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.
About the Instructor
Paula Gloistein (she/her) 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 opened a small shop, big day design lounge, that showcases handmade wedding accessories, custom invitations, and workshops for crafty couples.
Past Student Reviews
“Lots of hands-on work with the perfect amount of oversight/supervision from Paula.”
“She really was terrific. I was impressed with how direct and clear she was and how well she managed class time.”
“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."
“We got to be on our own to figure out how to problem solve when it arose and how to detect our problem. I had a better understanding of the printing process and the operating of the press.”
“Most of the instructors at SFCB have been fantastic, and Paula sets the standard. She took time with everyone as we needed it, and encouraged some risk taking."
Location
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Registration Policies
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.
Workshop fee
(includes materials fee):
$225
SFCB's Windgate Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing need-based financial support to individuals interested in learning bookbinding, letterpress printing, and related book arts. Click here to apply.
Prerequisite(s):
Cylinder Core 1, 2 & 3
Class session:
Saturday: August 2, 2025
9:30am-5:30pm
If this workshop is full, please click this link to add your name to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact you.