Class Description: Create a hand-printed and folded paper ornament while learning the basics of linocut printmaking! In this beginner-friendly class, you will carve a design into a precut linoleum block template. There will be a pre-traced design on each block, and you can embellish it even further as you carve your linoleum block. In addition to carving, you’ll learn how to roll printing ink and use a tabletop printing press to press your design into paper. After printing a few designs, you will receive a printed and dried project to cut, fold, and tie into a finished ornament so that once your class project dries, you can finish folding and tying on your own. You’ll leave with one finished ornament and at least one more to wrap up at home, along with your printing plate for future projects. These hand-printed ornaments are striking and festive, and can be used to hide a small treat or stocking stuffer inside! Your instructor will provide the following materials: All project supplies, including precut linoleum bases, idea templates for carving, transfer paper, pencils, carving tools, bench hooks, brayer, barens, ink, paper, ribbons, and string, Xacto knives, glue, cutting mats, and aprons. Students are asked to bring: We recommend wearing old clothes, as printing ink can be messy. Skill Level Beginner-friendly, no experience required. Please note: We will be using linoleum to carve our projects, and students should be aware that this material does require hand, arm, and shoulder strength and dexterity. This medium is slightly more difficult to cut through than rubber stamp material. The instructor is always willing to give you a hand if you need a little break! If students would like to take this class but know they will not be able to carve though linoleum, reach out and we can provide you with a rubber block instead. Age Requirement Students ages 60 and older. What is Create, Connect, Age Well all about? People are living longer than ever and the world continues to change at an increasingly fast pace. Marine Mills Folk School recognizes how challenging it is to stay physically, mentally and socially strong in this environment. Create, Connect, Age Well is a folk school experience that helps adults thrive in the 21st century. Try something new. Build skills. Be creative. Connect with others looking to live long! Each Create, Connect, Age Well session includes: • An instructor-led Folk School learning experience • Social connection and reflection time • Coffee, tea and snacks This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
