If your family is looking for something to do that does not involve a screen, Carson has an answer on Torrance Boulevard.

The International Printing Museum, at 315 W. Torrance Boulevard, has two hands-on programs on its calendar over the next eight days.

Both let visitors do the work themselves, and both end with something to take home.

Today: Holiday Printing Sampler

The first is happening this afternoon, Saturday, November 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The museum's Holiday Printing Sampler is free, with donations appreciated, and no registration is required, according to the museum's events page.

Visitors get to try three different printing techniques: letterpress, pressure printing and Lego printing.

The printing is done on the museum's Vandercook presses, and guests leave with holiday-themed prints they made themselves.

That makes it an easy, low-cost way to get a head start on handmade cards or decorations.

One thing to know before you go: the museum says it is closed for regular tours during the sampler.

Next Saturday: The art of making paper

The following weekend brings a different craft to the same building.

On Saturday, November 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., the museum's Book Arts Guild presents a program on the art and history of making paper.

The museum's resident paper makers, Heather Peters and Judi Tentor, will talk about the history of the craft and demonstrate how handmade sheets are pulled.

Then it is the audience's turn, with attendees invited to try pulling their own sheets of paper.

The museum lists the cost at $5 per person and asks for reservations.

The online ticket page shows a total of $5.72 per ticket and notes that light refreshments will be served.

Neither listing gives a minimum age, so parents of younger children may want to call ahead.

Visiting on a regular day

Outside of special programs, the museum says it is open for public tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless it is hosting a special event or a Scout program.

Tuesday through Friday visits are by reservation only.

The museum notes that admission and tour availability can vary on event days, so it is worth checking the calendar first.

Questions can go to the museum at 310-515-7166 or ipm@printmuseum.org.

For a lot of local kids, it may be the first time they see how words got onto a page before printers plugged into a wall.

Sources: International Printing Museum, upcoming events (https://printmuseum.org/events) and calendar and hours (https://www.printmuseum.org/calendar); SimpleTix ticket page for the Book Arts Guild paper making program (https://www.simpletix.com/e/book-arts-guild-the-art-history-of-making-tickets-299734).

Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels