CANTERBURY WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Ink, Metal and Quiet Attention: Private Letterpress Workshops in Canterbury
Learn typesetting and operate a traditional letterpress with designer Charles Tabor at Floodwaters Press in a private, hands‑on session where you produce a set of hand‑printed cards or stationery.
Ink, Metal and Quiet Attention: Private Letterpress Workshops in Canterbury.
Experience the art of traditional letterpress printing with designer Charles Tabor of Floodwaters Press in a focused private workshop at Canterbury Shaker Village. In this intimate session you will learn typesetting and press operation and create personalized greeting cards, stationery, or display prints—with an optional custom artwork setup to turn your own designs into printing plates and finished work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on Typesetting and Press Operation
Under the guidance of Charles Tabor you’ll learn the fundamentals of typesetting and how to run a letterpress, printing a set of finely crafted pieces by hand.
Take‑home Prints—and an Optional Plate
Each workshop yields a finished set of printed cards and envelopes; opt to have your artwork converted into a souvenir printing plate ahead of the session to print your own design during the workshop.
Private, Intimate Sessions for Two
These are private, one‑on‑one or two‑person workshops that concentrate on craft technique and personal output, producing literal, tangible results you can mail, gift, or frame.
What the day feels like
What the Workshop Feels Like
The morning or afternoon unfolds at a deliberate pace: typesetting by hand, locking type into the chase, inking the press, and pulling impressions until your run of cards or stationery is complete. Sessions are private and hands‑on, letting you focus on layout, pressure and registration under Charles Tabor’s direction—and if you’ve arranged custom artwork in advance, you’ll print from your own plate as part of the process.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Workshops run for 3–5 hours per session.
If you plan to print original artwork, provide that artwork ahead of time—custom plate conversion requires at least two weeks’ notice; otherwise the workshop provides materials needed to print the included sets.
Each workshop includes the printed quantities indicated in the session description (15 cards + 15 envelopes in the stated sizes); an add‑on custom artwork setup includes a souvenir printing plate.
Workshops are $100 per participant (maximum of two participants). An optional artwork setup to convert and prepare your design is available for an additional $50.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a workshop?
Sessions run between 3 and 5 hours.
What does the workshop cost?
Workshops are $100 per participant; printing your own artwork requires an additional $50 setup fee.
How many people can join a private workshop?
Workshops are private and limited to a maximum of two participants.
Can I print my own artwork in the session?
Yes—Charles will convert your artwork into printing plates prior to your workshop; this add‑on requires at least two weeks’ notice and includes a souvenir printing plate.
What will I take home from the workshop?
Depending on the chosen session you’ll take home 15 printed cards and 15 envelopes in the sizes specified for that workshop; the custom artwork add‑on yields the same printed quantities plus a souvenir plate.
Who leads the workshop and where is it offered?
Designer and letterpress printer Charles Tabor of Floodwaters Press leads the private hands‑on sessions offered through Canterbury Shaker Village.