A workplace session with ink on the table
This session suits office teams that want a practical, hands-on activity with a finished print at the end of it. Groups work with lino or soft-cut blocks, safe carving tools, brayers, water-based or oil-based block inks, and hand printing methods that include baren work and press printing where the setup allows it.
The pace is steady and well paced, so people can learn the printmaking process without feeling hurried. We lead the group through registration, ink control, pressure, paper handling and edition printing, with room for first-time participants as well as more confident makers. It suits company outings, staff celebrations, planning days and mixed-ability groups.
- Great for both small teams and large workplace groups
- Options for lino or soft-cut block carving
- Finished prints from a shared edition or individual sheets
- Studio sessions in Woodstock or pop-up setups at venues
What the session covers from first cut to edition
The workshop is structured so everyone follows the same making path, while each person still leaves with work that feels personal. We begin with block choice and image planning, then move into safe carving with gouges and V-tools, followed by inking, test pulls and final printing.
Depending on the group and the brief, the session can include one colour or layered colour work, simple registration marks, and a discussion on paper choice. Heavier papers suit crisp press printing, while lighter sheets can suit hand burnishing with a baren. For groups that want a more finished result, the session can lean toward edition printing, where the same image is repeated across a set of prints.
- Block choice, image transfer and layout guidance
- Safe carving methods with gouges and V-tools
- Ink mixing, rolling and even coverage on the block
- Baren printing, press printing and paper handling
- Edition marking, drying and print sorting
How the group session runs in practice
We keep the format organised so the room can move from demonstration to making without confusion. The workshop lead introduces the tools, shows the grip and cutting angle for safe carving, then checks each step as the group works through the block. After the first proof, people refine the lines, roll up the block and print their edition.
For workplace groups, the session can be set up as a shared activity around one theme or as smaller sub-groups each making a separate print. That helps when a team needs a common result for a staff wall, a farewell gift or a group display. We bring a practical set of tools and consumables, and we set up the tables so ink, drying space and paper stacks stay in order.
- Intro and tool briefing
- Image transfer onto lino or soft-cut
- Carving with close supervision where needed
- Proof printing and block adjustments
- Final edition printing and sheet drying
Studio booking or venue setup for workplace groups
Workplace groups can book the session at our Woodstock studio or use a venue setup service at a suitable office, school hall or event space. We look at table space, flat working surfaces and enough room for inks, drying and safe movement around the room. For larger groups, a split-table format works well, with carving at one station and printing at another.
For venue work, the location should have access to a stable surface, decent lighting and enough time for setup before the group starts. If the session is being held outside Cape Town, we discuss the practical details around transport, space and the print method that suits the venue. Coastal humidity can slow drying a little, so we choose paper and ink handling that suits the room on the day.
- Studio format for a tighter, more controlled setup
- Venue format for offices, schools and event spaces
- Table layout for carving, inking and drying
- Paper and ink choices matched to the room conditions
What shapes a team session quote
Pricing depends on group size, workshop length, location, materials and whether the session is held in the studio or off-site. The print method matters too, since some groups want a simple one-colour block while others want layered work, extra paper, press use or more support during carving. We quote on the actual brief rather than forcing every group into the same shape.
The brief usually covers the number of people, the preferred venue, the type of printmaking activity, and whether the workshop should end with one shared edition or individual prints. If the group includes beginners, we can keep the carving simpler and still get a good result. If the team wants a more technical session, we can build in registration, multiple proofs and a more deliberate editioning process.
- Group size and workshop format
- Studio session or venue setup
- Materials for carving, inking and printing
- Single-colour or multi-colour print plans
- Extra support for larger groups or mixed experience levels
Aftercare for drying, packing and keeping the prints flat
After the session, prints need a little care while the ink settles and the paper relaxes. We explain how to move the sheets, what to avoid rubbing, and how to keep the edition flat while it dries. For workplace groups taking work back to an office or home, this is important, especially when the weather is damp or the paper has been handled a lot during the workshop.
If a team wants to display the prints later, we can talk through the cleanest way to sort the edition, mark test sheets and keep final pulls apart from proofs. The same applies to transporting the work after a venue session, where sleeves, cardboard and a flat pack make the journey easier on the paper.
- Drying guidance for water-based and oil-based inks
- Flat packing for transport and storage
- Proof separation from final edition sheets
- Basic care notes for display or later framing
Key facts
| Service type | Guided team building printmaking session |
|---|---|
| Print methods | Lino carving, soft-cut blocks, baren printing, press printing |
| Tools | Gouges, V-tools, brayers, registration aids |
| Ink options | Water-based block inks and oil-based block inks |
| Format | Studio session or venue setup service |
| Audience | Workplace groups, mixed experience teams and staff outings |
