Print Making Classes Chicago - Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good

Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good

with Rebecca Rakstad

Print Making Classes in Chicago

Class Info

Get down and dirty with Rar Rar Press’s extensive wood type collection! We have everything from tiny 18 pt fonts to 17" tall wood letters.

We will be hand-setting type like its 1440 (when Johannes Gutenberg invented movable type printing) and then print on a Chandler & Price Platen Press from the early 1900's.

Students will learn the basic tools and terminology of letterpress as well as a little wood type history. Then you will set your own type and go home with twenty-five 5 x 7 letterpress prints.

Course Reviews (42)
96% positive

Tori G.

Left 24 days ago

Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good

We had so much fun in the studio with Reba! She is patient and knowledgeable; her type collection is wonderful and the old press sounds amazing! I highly recommend the experience.
Janine M.

Left 24 days ago

Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good

I feel bad leaving a negative review because Reba was very knowledgeable and likable, but I found the class disappointing. I wish a photo was included that showed the final product. I thought it would be greeting cards with envelopes, but it is 5"x8" thick cardboard postcards- I'm not sure what they could be used for. Also, Reba chose the color red for everyone to print in. A few of us remarked that we would have liked to choose or at least vote on a color. What was most disappointing though is that Reba operated the machine for us. Part of the appeal was actually doing the process- all we did was line up our letters, then the teacher actually did the letterpress. The studio was uncomfortably cold. Many of us wore our coats. Finally, I had emailed the teacher two weeks before class asking about character and line limits. For this price, I wanted to be sure to print something that I could use. I never received a response. My friend is pregnant and also emailed the teacher, asking if the class is safe for pregnant women. She also never heard back but fortunately another friend was able to take her place. I love Dabble and have taken several classes, but this one was a disappointment.

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"T M.","created_at":"about 1 month","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Had a great experience seeing a print come together from design to print!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Kyle G.","created_at":"about 1 month","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Had a blast at this class! Reba was knowledgable, patient, helpful, and (most importantly) ridiculously fun. Small class allowed for a lot of time for help, and couldn't be happier with the prints I went home with.\r\n\r\nNot to mention, I learned a few things as well!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Tuere W.","created_at":"3 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":null,"review_content":"This was my second letterpress workshop, my first with Rar Rar workshop. I enjoyed the class and appreciated the time Reba spent with each of us to help achieve the visions we had for our prints. I would like to attend another class.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Jennifer P.","created_at":"4 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a really great class. We created fun prints and learned a little about letterpress. The instructor has a variety of types to choose from. I would recommend anyone to take it. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Helen L.","created_at":"5 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"As a graphic designer this was an eye-opening experience in analog type! The hands-on exercise helped me go back in history and appreciate setting type manually after taking digital typesetting for granted. The results were beautiful! Informative & fun class.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Sara B.","created_at":"5 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Very fun and informative! ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Susana G.","created_at":"6 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was so interesting. Very informative and gives one a new appreciation for such a lost art. And I love my stationary that I made! Fun class.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Samantha Y.","created_at":"10 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Loved this class! There are so many wonderful beginner-friendly classes on dabble for first-timers like me. I can't begin to say how thrilled I am. Letterpress was extremely fun. I never knew so much care and creativity went into letterpress. Rebecca was knowledgeable of her craft and was very open to accommodating and making our ideas come to life. Would recommend this class. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Jennifer R.","created_at":"11 months","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I am really glad I took this class. I had never known anything about letterpress before and now I have a new found appreciation for the art. The teacher was fantastic and great and what she does. The best is that you get to walk away with your finished project. Overall, I would highly recommend since it's different than most art classes. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Natalie R.","created_at":"about 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a really fun class. Rebecca is really good at demonstrating and explaining the steps. She was also able to help on a 1:1 basis when you needed it. I love the project I completed during the class. I'd definitely take another letterpress class taught by Rebecca.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Erin N.","created_at":"about 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I had never taken a letterpress class before and was pretty unfamiliar with letterpress. Rebecca was a kind and patient teacher who taught us a fair amount about letterpress and then let us work on our own. This was my first dabble class and I was not at all disappointed.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Greg F.","created_at":"about 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Our instructor was well-informed, fun and patient. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/178421/thumb_33.JPG","reviewer_name":"Alicia L.","created_at":"about 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"great class....fun to learn how to do letter press","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Kalona R.","created_at":"about 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a fun and easy class! Reba was great!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Megan H.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Great class, and a very fun way to spend an afternoon with friends!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Mary M.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was great! Really informative, lots of fun and a good starter into the world of letterpress. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Rachel S.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I'm hooked! I want to do more letterpressing. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Emily W.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I would highly recommend this class. Rebecca is a really great teacher and made everything really easy and fun. It was obvious that she really loves what she does. Take this class! ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Natalie K.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I knew nothing about letterpress until this class. I liked that we could explore the loft, look at books/printed examples and ask questions during the class. I learned a lot about letterpress and came away with a great set of printed cards.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Ashley M.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was great! I had a fun time learning about the letterpress and everything, but my favorite was by far the hands-on part. We got to create our own design and got 25 prints of it! Very cool. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Daan V.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was absolutely amazing. Rebecca helped us understand the entire process of letterpressing (and there's a lot more steps than you'd think), after which we were invited to print our own cards. Such a great experience, highly recommended.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Kelly T.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This was my very first Dabble event. It was so much fun learning about the mechanics of letterpress and then actually getting to create some prints ourselves to take home. The class is small (6 people max) so you get to know the others in the class which is always nice. I'm looking forward to more workshops with RAR RAR Press in the future. Rebecca was cool, casual, and a fun teacher for the event, very passionate about her craft. Thanks RAR RAR and Dabble!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Dana A.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Rebecca was a great teacher. She obviously loves what she teaches and happily answered any question that came up. The class is located in a very cool studio space. Refreshing to get my hands dirty. Highly recommend this class.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Deborah Lindner C.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"The printing press is very old and super cool. It was fun to be in a creative space and to learn more about the process. I wished the teacher would have spent more time talking about the history of printing and the specifics of the machine, as well as giving more clear instructions, but in all it was a positive, fun experience. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Judy L.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I loved taking this class and Reba was the perfect teacher! The three hours flew by! I left with a greater understanding of letterpress and 25 printed cards! Reba gave individual help as we learned how to set wood type and get it ready for printing. Great experience--I learned so much! I would definitely take another class from Reba! ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Alison F.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Reba was a wonderful teacher and her studio was great. She even had snacks for us. I highly recommend this one!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Dorothy R.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Fun class and an excellent start to learning letterpress. Rebecca provides just the right amount of group instruction and individualization. Loved the class and want to learn more. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Nolan W.","created_at":"over 1 year","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"very fun class and you get to visit a cool workng letter press studio! ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Becky D.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I loved this class! Rebecca was amazing - laid back, fun, and taught us how to do everything step by step. If you love printmaking, typography, graphic design, or just want to learn something new, this is definitely something you need to try.\r\n","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Nate G.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a very fun experience. I love seeing someone so young being an expert in something like this and sharing a bit of nostalgia with us all. We learned some terms about Letterpress, see the equipment, and everyone got to make their own. The class size, location and instructor were perfect!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Lucia M.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"Time went by pretty quickly in this class. It was really interesting to hear about the history and explanation of how printing was done. She has a love for letter press and its evident!!! Nice mix of people in class, from those wishing to learn this to enhance their business to those of us that were just dabblers. It was fun trying to pick out the size/style of the letters and trying to put everything together. I would definitely recommend this class. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Melissa H.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"It was a nice taste of letterpress process. I'd never done it before. It was worth the money. Don't show up with a big agenda, just a 1-4 word phrase and a willingness to learn. Cardstock and ink are provided. Both are used for everyone in class because of time constraints. We used kraft paper cardstock and a green color ink. The press is dangerous so students do not physically run the press. You'll see why when you get there. But she does teach you how and demonstrate and explain all steps so you could do it on your own if you get a press. You do arrange all your type on your own and choose your fonts and arrange them. She helps whenever you need it. It's kinda like piecing together a puzzle. A handout with terminology is provided. ","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Ally C.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"What a great class! A bit of a trek, but her studio is moving. Informative, and plenty of time to design and set type for our project!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Isabelle H.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was really really awesome. From the studio space, to the teacher, to what we learned and did: all awesome.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Renee K.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"I had a great time in this class! So cool to see the presses and different metal/wood fonts. I'd definitely recommend it!","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-f2c0a37d5fe569acc6f03ae223a6129d.png","reviewer_name":"Annan S.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was great. I learned a lot\u2014enough to make me confident to letterpress on my own. We covered all the essentials from terminology to typesetting to printing and we left with our own prints.","teacher_response":null}

{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/108401/thumb_colorlogsSM.jpg","reviewer_name":"Nicole N.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was AMAZING! Rebecca is a true letterpress expert and clearly a lover of all things antique. To see her personal work and studio alone, was a treat. Setting the type and sifting through her insane collection of type was fun. The prints we made look great and will hang in our house to remind us of a fun day! ","teacher_response":null}

Other Teacher Reviews (4)
100% positive

Lucie Ann C.

Left over 1 year ago

Letterpress Cards: Hand Set Type

This was a great starter class for those interested in learning a little more about letterpress but don't want to commit to a 6 week long course. We learned background information about how letterpress started and were able to set up and design our own cards, which was really fun. It was also awesome to be able to bring home our own personally designed set at the end of the session!
Lisa B.

Left over 1 year ago

Letterpress Cards: Hand Set Type

My first Dabble class and a success! I enjoyed the hands-on experience as well as learning the history. Seeing the press (aka "Gary") in action was great. I have a new appreciation for all things letterpress. Plus, it feels great to leave with your own set of personalized cards!

Taught by

Rebecca Rakstad

Top-Rated

Upcoming Class Dates

46 teacher reviews, 96% positive

Class Tags

RAR RAR Press was born in 2004 when Rebecca Ann Rakstad took her first letterpress class at the Center for Book and Paper Arts. Her first project was a postcard, and she's been creating letterpress postcards ever since. With a background in the independent punk rock, DIY and zine communities, letterpress was a perfect fit. Rebecca received her a BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2000 and an MFA from Columbia College in Book and Paper Arts in 2008. She now has a studio filled with type and paper and a couple 1,000 lb. antique presses.

Links:

Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good

Class Info

Course Reviews (42)
96% positive

Tori G.

Janine M.

Fewer Comments | More Comments

Other Teacher Reviews (4)
100% positive

Lucie Ann C.

Lisa B.

Fewer Comments | More Comments

Upcoming Class Dates

$55

$55

Class Tags

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Other Classes You May Like

Letterpress 101 - Wood is Good

Class Info

Course Reviews (42) 96% positive

Tori G.

Janine M.

Fewer Comments | More Comments

Other Teacher Reviews (4) 100% positive

Lucie Ann C.

Lisa B.

Fewer Comments | More Comments

Upcoming Class Dates

$55

$55

Class Tags

Send Message >

View Teacher Profile >

More Classes From Rebecca Rakstad SEE ALL

Other Classes You May Like

Course Reviews (42)
96% positive

Other Teacher Reviews (4)
100% positive