Holiday Cards on the Vandercook
Holiday Cards on the Vandercook is a beginner-friendly letterpress workshop focused on designing and printing handmade holiday cards. Participants will work with type from Pyramid Atlantic Art Center’s collection, set their own compositions, ink the Vandercook press, and print a set of cards. No previous typesetting or letterpress experience is required.
The workshop is led by artist, master gardener, and educator Kristina N. Matherne. Her background includes a BFA in printmaking, work with master printer Charles D. Jones on fine-art books, and teaching experience in South Korea and southeast Washington, D.C. Her current artistic practice draws inspiration from urban gardening in Deanwood.
When: November 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registration deadline: November 14, 2026.
Venue: Pyramid Atlantic Art Center
Tickets: $180
Level: Beginner; no previous experience is necessary.
Workshop activities: Participants will develop a card design, set type, print with the Vandercook press, and produce a set of holiday cards.
Materials: Registration includes a $16 materials fee covering consumable supplies provided in class, including cards, envelopes, and ink. Participants may need to gather or purchase additional materials; the full materials list is provided with the registration confirmation email.
What to bring: Participants may bring a personal apron, although extras will be available, and a notebook or sketchbook if they would like to take notes. They should also come with a word, short phrase, or idea for their card design.
Safety: Short sleeves, close-toed shoes, and tied-back long hair are recommended. Participants should wear clothing that can get somewhat messy.
Instructor: Kristina N. Matherne is a Washington, D.C.-based artist, master gardener, and educator. She studied printmaking at Stephen F. Austin State University, worked with master printer Charles D. Jones, and has taught in South Korea and southeast D.C. She advocates for education equity and community-based art, and her work is currently inspired by gardening in northeast D.C.’s Deanwood neighborhood. Her work is available on Instagram at @evenstarpress.
Participant feedback: Past attendees praised the small class size, the opportunity to spend substantial time printing independently, the freedom to experiment and create from scratch, and the chance to step away from working on a computer.