Classes
The Tight Squeek Press offers introductory classes in letterpress printing and hand bookbinding through Spirit of the Lake Community Arts, and apprenticeships by special arrangement. Such activities are held within the shop itself, using the shop's facilities. Classes are entirely hands-on and are run in the evenings, for periods of five sessions, one session per week, with class sizes limited to four participants per class.
Introduction to Bookbinding: Students may bring some of their own materials such as special paper, text or graphic inserts, etc. to the class as possible enhancements of their projects, though this is not required. Under the guidance of the shop proprietor, students will tear and fold large sheets into signatures, sew the signatures around cords to form text blocks, form and build up the spines, cut and attach board material, practice skiving, cover the boards using leather, and foil stamp the outside covers.
2025 Class Offerings: dates to be announced through the Spirit of the Lake Community Arts website
Recommended ages: 12 through adult
Cost: $160.00 per participant
All class materials will be supplied by the Tight Squeek Press.
Introduction to Letterpress: Students are urged to bring with them a literary piece or other text about a paragraph length that they wish to reproduce. Students are also encouraged to bring with them an image that may be transferred to a small linoleum block for carving and printing. Under the guidance of the shop proprietor, students will design their own project editions, cut their own stock using a guillotine paper cutter, set their text in lead type, proof their images on one of several presses, apply make-ready as needed, and will run their editions.
2025 Class Offerings: dates to be announced through the Spirit of the Lake Community Arts website
Recommended ages: 12 through adult
Cost: $160.00 per participant
All class materials will be supplied by the Tight Squeek Press.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship, please contact Jon Hinkel for additional information at rjhinkel@gmail.com.