Community Studio

Lettre Sauvage offers training in letterpress printing, book design, simple binding and rents the studio for $10 an hour to trained printers. We're no longer scheduling group workshops since it's been more convenient for everyone to make appointments and pursue individual interests. You can check out our workshops page for examples of things to make while you learn the ropes.

Our Community Studio program has been a way for us to meet romantic, detail oriented people and share our love of letterpress. A few of our guests are Faith and Kathryn of Creative Shift Design, Jennifer from Ambrosia Creative who posted cool photos of our studio, and David and Serg of Hertz-lion.

The photo above is of the lovely Faith with her hand on the steel lever of the C&P. Tours are free. Come on down.

Art Predator Cranks Press

Art Predator just posted a blog about working here at our studio on elegant business cards (above) and stationery. Her design sense was really impressive. She took stock of what was available and quickly put all the elements together in an expression of her mission as a writer.

This kind of collaboration is really what Lettre Sauvage is about. In a day-long workshop we can cover a lot of basic printing skills and vocabulary while creating valuable paper goods.

The studio is also available for rental. We can shift gears to a support/resource role for printers who have trained with us to get set up for a project like printing their own book or making cards. Use of the press includes storage space, getting in on bulk paper & supply orders, sitting under the oak tree and a library of books about books.

Come One, Come All!

One of the joys of keeping a letterpress studio is that people visit us. Mostly writers, artists, crafters and other lovers of print. We hope we've created a space where people can experience heightened creativity and communication- as the immortal creators of Zardoz put it: "You must go to second level with us!"

The postcard making workshop will be a great occasion to take it up a notch... and try out newly acquired antique circus (tragic clowns and contortionists included) printing blocks.

One place where we've been lucky enough to experience communion with the elements and dance under the stars is Art City the sculpture center and art gallery in Ventura, CA. This week we're thrilled to be printing tickets for a benefit to save Art City. Go if you can. Be counted among the righteous.

And we'll be welcoming visual and performance artist, Gauvin (scroll down), to print invitations for his upcoming marriage to Vincent Van Gogh, which will be held at the charming Accolades Gallery in Ventura, CA.

Have a safe and joyous Chinese New Year! Celebrate by practicing the ancient art of calligraphy with us. Blessed be the Rats!

Making It Together

Our 2008 workshop series will start with a love-in! Our Valentine making workshop- January 18, 6:00-10:00- will be a time to get a little funky with experimental techniques on the Vandercook to create very rich, hand-made compositions. In other words, we'll get a little sensual, a little messy...

Each of the six participants will take home 25 Valentines. For shy people like me, that's a three year supply!

View the whole workshop series with all details on our site. There's still room to add a workshop or party, so don't be shy about sharing ideas.

summer workshop

Jamie O'Halloran, an LA poet was at the workshop recently making a book and a broadside in an impressive two-day publishing spree. We used an improvised printing method combining string taped down behind the paper and ink hand-painted on a linoleum block.










These pictures were taken by Jamie. What a great way to spend the weekend!