Carve It. Ink It. Print It.
There’s something deeply satisfying about carving a block, rolling on ink, pressing it to paper, and peeling it back to reveal your very own print. Let us introduce you to the wonderfully tactile world of block printing.
You’ll learn how to think like a printmaker, working with reversal, positive and negative space, and bold shapes that translate beautifully from block to paper. Then you’ll safely carve a linocut block, ink it up, pull prints, troubleshoot the inevitable wonky ones, and make adjustments until you’re getting results you like.
When: December 2nd, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: 211 E. Sun Ranch Dr., Ste 103, Sisters
Ticket Options: $125, $139, and $155
Supplies Fee: $20
Number of Tickets: 10
Sold Out? Can’t Make the Date? Pre-Register!
Pre-registration is free; we only charge your credit card when we’re ready to schedule (and you say ok). When 4 people pre-register, we’ll set up the next workshop!
The Details
Think Like a Printmaker
Block printing asks you to see an image a little differently: what stays, what gets carved away, and what happens when everything prints in reverse. You’ll practice simplifying an idea into strong shapes while exploring positive and negative space, reversal, and why bold forms often beat fussy little details.
Carve, Ink & Pull a Print
Learn safe carving techniques, how to roll out ink, and how to apply the pressure needed to transfer your image from block to paper. You’ll get plenty of hands-on practice so the tools and process feel less mysterious—and a whole lot more doable.
Fix the Wonky Ones
Too much ink? Too little pressure? A spot that needs another pass with the carving tool? You’ll learn to read your prints for clues, identify likely causes, and adjust your carving, ink, pressure, or technique to move the next print closer to what you had in mind.
Community Potluck!
Nothing says community like a potluck. Breaking bread while building bridges, so to speak. This workshop will include a potluck, a chance to talk about what you are learning, share experiences, and get to know one another. We’ll supply the main protein. Please bring something along to share with your neighbors!
Workshop Leader
Carolyn Platt
Carolyn Platt has been a working artist and arts educator in Central Oregon for a million years even though she was only going to stay a few months. Her current focus is on printmaking in all shapes and forms, employing both traditional and experimental techniques. Exploration is endless. She is a founding member of Studio 6000 Printmakers in Sisters, Oregon. Beyond printmaking, Carolyn embodies the spirit of a high desert pioneer woman as she gardens, cooks, bakes, sprouts, ferments, sews, mends and hikes with her family and friends. On hot summer days she can be found lounging in a cattle trough with a good book.
Partner
Studio 6000 Printmakers
This workshop is offered in partnership with Studio 6000 Printmakers, a shared workspace located in Sisters where members explore a variety of printmaking techniques and handmade books. Studio 6000 periodically offers workshops in printing and book arts and is open by appointment—making them a natural partner for getting more Central Oregonians happily covered in ink.
Join school of ranch
Save 20% On This Workshop!
Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year. Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn’t mean you can lose money! We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.
frequently asked questions
What should I wear?
Wear clothes you don’t care about—you will get ink on them. If they get too far gone, you can always turn them into a braided rug in another School of Ranch workshop.
What should I bring?
Bring an image you’d like to turn into a block print. It could be artwork you admire, your own drawing, something your kid drew, or another image you care about. Also bring a pad of paper and pencils.
Can kids attend?
Participants ages 15 and older are welcome with an accompanying adult. Everyone must have their own ticket!
Will there be food?
Bring a dish to share with your neighbors! We’ll take a break from carving and printing to eat together, because practical skills are even better with a side of potluck.
What is School of Ranch?
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. At School of Ranch, neighbors teach heritage skills, live and in person. Our product is eduction, but our purpose is community. We create common among neighbors regardless of politics, age, background or beliefs.