Letterpress Junk Journals

Letterpress Junk Journals is a beginner-level bookmaking workshop at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Participants begin by printing custom covers on a letterpress, then build and decorate handmade journals from recycled, repurposed, and found papers such as sheet music, envelopes, maps, brochures, and paper bags. The workshop emphasizes experimentation and personal style, allowing each participant to create a one-of-a-kind journal.

Instructor Sarah Matthews is a full-time artist, teacher, and YouTuber whose work has been exhibited nationally and is held in permanent collections including Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, George Washington University’s Gelman Library, the University of Puget Sound, and Samford University. She earned an MA in Art & the Book from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design in 2016, along with an MBA in marketing and a BS in sociology from Bowie State University.

When: October 31–November 7

Schedule: The page lists the workshop from 10:30 am on October 31 through 2:30 pm on November 7.

Registration: Registration closes October 23, 2026.

Tickets: $232

Venue: Pyramid Atlantic Art Center

Level: Beginner; no previous experience is required.

Materials: Registration includes a $14 materials fee covering paper, inks, glue, thread, and access to a selection of bookbinding tools.

What to Bring: Participants may optionally bring an apron or clothing suitable for getting inky, a sketchbook or notepad, preferred bookbinding tools, personal stamps or embellishments, and decorative papers or prints. Decorative papers should be cut to 10 by 7.25 inches before class.

Instructor: Sarah Matthews

Instructor Background: Matthews’ work is included in permanent library collections and she maintains her work and teaching practice at iamsarahmatthews.com and through her SARAHBEME YouTube channel.