Press & Print: Pop-Up Printmaking Studio for young people. 6 week course (12-16years)

A welcoming, creative space for young people (12-16 years) to explore printmaking at their own pace, through playful experimentation and hands-on making.

This is a relaxed pop-up studio where participants can try out ideas, build skills, and develop confidence working with print. Sessions combine guided introductions with plenty of time for independent making, allowing space for curiosity, experimentation, and personal direction.

What we’ll do

We’ll explore a range of printmaking processes, including:

• Monoprinting
• Collagraph
• Tetrapak printmaking

We will work with professional materials, portable printing presses, and hand-printing techniques.

Each session begins with a demonstration and ideas to explore, then opens into longer making time where young people can follow their own interests, experiment, and develop their own work.

The first half of the programme focuses on playful, structured experimentation with core techniques. The second half allows more freedom to revisit and develop favourite processes, with support available throughout.

There is no pressure to produce finished work, the focus is on process, exploration, and enjoyment.

Who it’s for

This is suitable for anyone with a creative interest.

No prior experience is needed, just curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and a love of working with your hands.

The small group size allows for individual support and the opportunity to make connections in a calm and friendly environment.

What’s included

• All materials provided
• Professional inks, papers, and printmaking tools
• Use of portable printing presses
• Hand-printing materials and equipment
• A personal folder for each participant to keep all their work

Aim of the studio

To create a friendly, low-pressure space where young people can:

• Build confidence in creative decision-making
• Learn new printmaking skills
• Explore ideas independently and with support
• Develop personal creative expression
• Enjoy a calm, hands-on studio experience

About Emma Bond

Emma Bond is a London-based illustrator and botanical printmaker whose practice explores pattern, texture, and observation of the natural world.

Emma and her family have lived in Walthamstow for 13 years, and she has two children (aged 6 and 12) who are part of the local community. She is particularly interested in creating creative spaces for young people that feel welcoming, unpressured, and led by their own pace and interests. Printmaking offers a tactile, exciting way to explore ideas through making.

Alongside this, Emma runs workshops in schools, galleries, and community settings, and spent four years working as a secondary school art technician. She exhibits and sells her prints and licenses her work, and holds an up-to-date DBS certificate.

Arrival, drop-off & collection

I will be at the entrance from 5:50pm to meet participants and welcome them in, and again at 8pm for collection and departure.

When booking, parents/carers will complete a short form including travel arrangements and emergency contact details.

If a young person is being collected, they will remain with me until their adult arrives, unless otherwise agreed.

If you feel your young person would benefit from you staying nearby at drop-off or pick-up, please let me know so we can plan this together.

Booking & payment

Places are confirmed once payment is received. You will then receive an email with a link to complete your online booking form. This helps ensure I have all the information needed to keep the sessions safe, supportive, and well organised.

Cancellations & refunds

• Cancellations up to 14 days before the first session will receive a full refund
• After this time, refunds are only possible if the space can be filled
• Once the sessions have started, refunds are not available
• If something unexpected happens, please get in touch, I will always try to be flexible where possible