Rooted Words: Nature Writing – Weekend Workshop

Ages: 18+
Term: Summer
Length: 1 day

Overview

Enhance your creative writing practice through an immersive day exploring the natural world and its creative possibilities. This course invites writers of all levels to slow down, observe closely, and translate their experiences of nature into vivid, thoughtful writing.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

Course information

You'll start the day by setting metal type, before moving on to wooden type in the afternoon. Throughout this fast-paced day, you'll learn the fundamentals of setting up and operating vintage printing presses, including sourcing machines, basic maintenance and tips for achieving the best possible print quality.

Dive into the history of letterpress printing, understanding its influence across various printing disciplines, and learn how these techniques can be adapted and applied to contemporary design projects.

Under expert guidance, you'll handle type, experiment with different inking techniques, and explore the principles of composition and layout using a selection of Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)'s metal and wooden type collection. You'll get all the hands-on experience with iconic presses and resources at AUB.

Taught by Sally Hope who is a graphic designer, letterpress printmaker, and senior lecturer at AUB, you'll be guided through this highly immersive and practical one-day course, where you'll be introduced into the creative processes and specialist methods to generate and create an inspired and unique collection of personal work.

By the end of the workshop, you'll have designed and printed your own bespoke letterpress work, gaining new skills in type handling, inking and printing techniques. Whether you’re a complete beginner or eager to explore this historic craft, this workshop promises a creative and enriching experience, leaving you with a set of unique prints and a deeper appreciation for the art of letterpress.

Join us to transform your ideas into reality and take your design and practical skills to the next level!

Once you've completed this course, you'll be able to enrol onto more advanced courses.

Comprehensive introduction into history of letterpress printing
Full access to AUB’s specialist letterpress workshop
All materials and consumables
Detailed exploration of materials, methods, and specialist techniques
Transforming ideas and developing imagery into prints using techniques learned
Building a personal collection of work rooted in process
Continual guidance from an experienced practising designer and tutor

At the end of the course, you'll:

Possess a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of printmaking processes and techniques
Be able to work safely, effectively, and efficiently with professional equipment and tools, applying your new skills to a range of materials 
Be able to demonstrate significance understanding in letterpress printing processes and have the confidence to make your ideas as physical print
Possess a good knowledge of colour theory and how an imagery develops with various colours
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

Will I be assessed?

Assessment will be continuous throughout the workshop – you may even feel confident enough to become a successful independent printmaker.
Group share of work produced at the end of each workshop, with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning.
On completion of the workshop, you'll receive an official AUB Academy Certificate of Attendance.

What you need to know

Summer term 2027

24 April, 09.00–16.00
22 May, 09.00–16.00

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

This course is suitable for beginners and intermediate artists alike.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£99

Any additional costs

There are no additional costs for this workshop. Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

Notebook and pen
A natural object of personal meaning
An open, curious mind

A student stands painting two cherries in a sketch book.

Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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AUB Academy booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

Meet your tutor

L Flynn standing beside metal railings with trees in background

Louisa Flynn

Louisa is a writer whose work explores the intersections of creativity, nature and wellbeing through thoughtful, accessible work...

Book your place today

Book now

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your creative writing skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.