Class Schedule June – July 2026

Classes Limited to 10 Spots Each

Free Writing Workshop (Thursday May 28 6-8PM)

Join us at Illinois’ only Typewriter Shop for an afternoon of analog creativity (or any kind of creativity.)  Anyone with the passion to write is welcome, and all materials will be provided.  As a bonus, we will provide a discount for anyone who signs up for one of our workshops in person!  No better way to celebrate the onset of summer than with fellow creative thinkers.

Finding Your Voice: An Introduction to Creative Writing (Mondays 6-8PM Starting June 8)

Have you always wanted to be a writer, but weren’t sure how to begin? Is there a story you’ve been wanting to tell, but you’re afraid of getting it wrong? Or maybe you used to write and your creative spark burned out somewhere along the way. 

Finding Your Voice: An Introduction to Creative Writing is a four-week class for writers of all levels designed to help you reconnect with creativity, tell meaningful stories, and write without fear of getting it wrong. Through writing prompts, optional readings, playful exercises, and supportive discussion, we’ll explore both the emotional and the craft side of storytelling, focusing on voice, memory, scene, and connection in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner, someone secretly dreaming of writing, or a current writer looking for community and creative renewal, this class is for you. And the best part? We’ll have typewriters available during class for anyone who wants to experiment, play, and maybe fall a little bit in love with writing again.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing (June 7, 14, 28 1:30-4PM)

Whatever happened to good old-fashioned snail mail?

The Lost Art of Letter Writing is a fun, cozy creative workshop where we’ll explore how to write meaningful letters that people actually want to keep forever. We’ll go over thank-you letters, love letters, friendship letters, “just thinking of you” letters, and even letters you may never send. Through prompts, examples, and playful exercises, you’ll learn how to write with warmth, sincerity, and your own authentic voice.

We’ll provide stationery, stickers, envelopes, and everything you need to leave with at least three finished letters. And the best part? We’ll also have typewriters available for anyone who wants to type their letters the old-fashioned way.

This workshop is perfect for friends, couples, families, or anyone looking for a creative afternoon filled with nostalgia, connection, and fun.

Typewriter Basics (June 6, 20 4PM)

Want to get the most out of your typewriter? This 90 minute introductory workshop is the perfect hands-on experience to set you up for success on your typewriter journey. This workshop will cover the basics like typing posture, typing technique, typewriter functions, and settings.

The second half of the class will deal with the not-so-basic basics, such as formatting your page, setting tabs, typing columns, text formatting, and error correction!  Everything will be entirely hands-on with in-person instruction and assistance. No question is too simple or too complex. Bringing your own typewriter is encouraged, but not necessary. All materials from machines, tools, paper, and ink will be supplied for the class period.

Foundations of Touch Typing (Saturdays 10:30-11:30AM Starting June 6)

This 8 Week Program goes through the old-school methods of touch typing developed in 1882, and teaches on actual vintage typewriters to help build muscle memory and finger strength.  Using tried and true methods and exercises, students will become familiar and proficient with the base of traditional touch typing, that is: typing with all your fingers, not looking at the keyboard.  All materials included.

International Typewriter Day (June 23 12-4PM)

In celebration of the 1873 invention of the Typewriter, we are hosting a gathering of local area typewriter collectors and aficionados. Feel free to stop by and sample some wonderful pieces of mechanical history!  Open to anyone.

Typewriter Art 1 (TBD)

Typewriters don’t have to be used to create words, they can be used to create images as well!  This beginner class goes over techniques and tools for creating simple graphics with your typewriter through ASCII type art, and the use of stencils.  Perfect for anyone with a knack for crafting, journaling, scrapbooking, or snail mail!