Introduction to Letterpress

Description

$180.00 6 Hours / Session Single Session Beginner In-Person Class Materials: Included

Tivoli

Explore the ancient art of movable type and edition making on a Vandercook 219 in the Historic town of Tivoli, NY.
We will make prints on paper using wood type, lead type, vintage printer's cuts and linoleum blocks. I'll familiarize you with how this unique press works and what can be done with a proof press, including more experimental uses.
You leave with a collaborative poster and love of letterpress.

What You’ll Learn

  • introduction to the history of movable type
  • exploration of the shop; type, printers cuts and lino cuts, ink, paper, tools
  • creative collaborative on what we will print
  • participants leave with: an understanding of how lettepress works, what it can do, and an example that they printed themselves.

How The Class Works

  • explore shop
  • creative collaboration
  • set type
  • take a break
  • choose inks
  • choose paper
  • print
  • take a break
  • clean the press

Supplies And Materials

  • all paper in and tools are included

Space and Atmosphere

  • This instructor teaches from dedicated teaching spaces in Tivoli and Brooklyn, New York, and may also be able to travel for private classes at your location or another suitable venue.
  • If you request a private class, you can share your preferred location and any specific needs. DoBeDoUs will coordinate with the instructor to confirm the best setting.
  • When the class takes place in one of her teaching spaces, Lilah creates a relaxed, encouraging environment where students can explore and make something personal without pressure. The atmosphere feels like a well-organized working art space, with materials and printmaking tools ready for hands-on making.

What To Bring

  • wear clothing that might get stains
  • aprons will be provided

Cancellation Policy

We aim to be fair to both learners and instructors while ensuring artists and studios are paid for their work. This policy helps ensure instructors and studios are compensated for their time and preparation. We encourage learners to review class details carefully before booking and to reach out with any questions in advance.

Tickets are refundable if canceled at least 7 days before the event. Please note that processing fees are non-refundable, even if your ticket is canceled. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to give your ticket to a friend. Please have them check in using your name.

In the rare case that the event does not meet minimum participation requirements, we’ll contact ticket holders at least 48 hours in advance with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund (excluding third-party processing fees).

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at suport@dobedous.com.

Location

Tivoli, Montgomery Street, Tivoli, NY, 12583 View Direction

Your Instructor

Invisible Hand Press is led by Lilah Friedland, an artist, educator, and maker who loves materials and process. Her work is rooted in intention and ritual. Not too woo. Just woo enough.

Lilah has taught students of all ages for more than 20 years, sharing her belief that there is an artist in everyone. Her practice moves across printmaking, letterpress, poetry, fiber arts, ceramics, creative exploration, color theory, and esoterica. She is drawn to practical arts, objects that get touched and used, and words and images that get read in service of human evolution.

Lilah studied performance and poetry at Bard College and Brooklyn College, and has lived and worked in Manhattan and Brooklyn as an artist model, artist assistant, stylist, art department collaborator, curator, and producer. With deep material curiosity and a conceptual art core, she brings a wide-ranging, hands-on approach to teaching, making, and helping students discover their own creative language.

Who This Is For

  • Adults, 18+

Good To Know Tips

Arrive a little early

Please arrive about 10 minutes before the class starts so you can settle in comfortably.

Check your confirmation email

After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with directions and any important details for the class.

What to expect

Class format, materials, and preparation are all outlined in the class description. Most classes are beginner-friendly unless noted otherwise.

About the instructor

All classes are taught by vetted artists and makers who are experienced in both their craft and teaching.

Why DoBeDoUs

We offer local, artist-led classes that support ongoing creative learning and bring people together through community.

View full FAQs

Invisiblehand

What we love about this studio

Material-Led, Exploratory Learning

Invisible Hand Press brings Lilah Friedland’s deep curiosity about materials, process, and creative exploration into the classroom. With a practice that moves across printmaking, letterpress, poetry, fiber arts, ceramics, color, and image-making, Lilah invites students to experiment, notice what materials can do, and find their own way into the work.

Warm, Low-Pressure, and Just Woo Enough

Lilah’s classes are encouraging, expressive, and beginner-friendly, with hands-on guidance that helps students feel supported without feeling over-directed. Her approach brings in intention and ritual, not too woo, just woo enough, creating a relaxed space where students can make something personal, playful, and meaningful.

Working Art Spaces with a Reserved Learning Area

Classes take place in active creative settings, including Lilah’s letterpress studio in Tivoli and an artist studio in Brooklyn, depending on the class. Surrounded by materials, printmaking tools, works in progress, finished prints, and artwork, students learn in spaces shaped by ongoing creative practice, with a reserved area set up for class.

View School’s Profile

Printing on a Vandercook 219 with lino cuts, wood & lead type.

Still Have Questions?

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, view our FAQs or contact us.

Start Booking

Request A Private Class

We’ll tailor a session to fit your goals, whether it’s just for you or a group of friends, family or colleagues. Classes can take place at your location or in our studio.

Share a short message with your contact information, and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

Gifting

Give the joy of artmaking. Coming Soon.

A DoBeDoUs Gift Card is a thoughtful way to give something meaningful to your loved ones. They can use it to join any class that inspires them. Gift cards never expire, have no extra fees, and are delivered instantly by email.