A workshop shape for each kind of group
Group bookings at HandPrinter Art cover private studio sessions, school pop-ups, team building days and family print sessions. Some groups want a first taste of lino carving, others need a fuller printmaking session with registration, inking and edition printing. We plan the format around the people in the room, the time available and the venue setup.
Adult groups often work well with soft-cut blocks, simple tools and a clear print sequence. Mixed-age groups may suit a shorter carving exercise, then a stronger focus on inking, paper choice and pulling prints with a baren or press. Where a class needs less cutting and more finishing, the session can lean into edition work and clean print handling.
What the session can include
The workshop content changes with the group, but the core printmaking elements stay practical and hands on. We cover safe carving, line control, block prep, ink handling and the rhythm of printing on paper. Depending on the brief, the session can include one block or a more layered print with colour passes and registration marks.
- Lino or soft-cut block carving with gouges and V-tools
- Brayer use, ink mixing and even roll-out
- Water-based or oil-based block ink, matched to the job
- Hand printing with a baren or press printing where suitable
- Edition control, drying space and print finishing
Choosing between studio, school and venue work
Venue matters. A studio session suits groups that want a quieter print table, proper bench space and a full toolkit on hand. A school pop-up works best when we can set up clearly, manage movement around the room and keep the printing steps tidy. Team groups at hotels, offices or conference spaces often need a compact layout that still leaves room for carving and drying prints.
We also work across Woodstock, Bellville, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, which helps when a group needs a session closer to its own base. Coastal humidity can affect paper handling and drying, so the print setup is adjusted to keep sheets flat and the ink moving cleanly.
Materials, papers and print support
Every group booking needs enough material for the number of hands in the room. That means blocks, cutting tools, brayers, inks, proof paper and final print sheets chosen for the style of session. Heavier papers can suit a stronger hand-pulled print, while lighter stock can work well for practice pulls and first editions.
- Beginner kits for carving and first prints
- Paper suited to hand printing or press work
- Ink choice based on drying time and finish
- Extra support for registration and clean edition pulls
Where the group wants a finished set of prints, the workshop can move through proofing, adjustment and final impressions with a steady pace. That keeps the results consistent without making the class feel rushed.
For schools, teams, families and student groups
Schools often need a workshop that fits lesson flow and classroom order, with enough structure for learners to work safely and clearly. Team groups usually want shared making, a practical pace and a finished print to take away. Families and student groups may prefer a lighter introduction to block printing, with room for experimentation and a few variations on the same image.
Different groups need different levels of challenge. A teacher skills workshop can focus on handling tools, classroom safety and ways to run a print activity with simple materials. A family print session may spend more time on basic carving and bold shapes, while an edition print session can push the group towards sharper marks and tighter registration.
How to frame the booking brief
Send the group size, age range, venue type and the sort of print experience you want. It helps to mention whether the session is for first-time carvers, a mixed group or people who already know their way around lino, soft-cut and block ink. If the room has tables, sinks or drying space, include that too.
Our contact form is the place to send the booking details, and it helps us shape the workshop around the space and the print goal. If you need a school pop-up, a private studio date or a team session with setup included, we can plan the flow around those needs.