print for love of wood letterpress

Play on...

2012-02-14T16:14:00.000Z

Inspired by these in a recent post, my new print for the Leeds Print Festival. Playing homage to vinyl and the art of the album cover. 50cm x 50cm print, eight passes on the proofing press and printed using 66 line hand carved Latin Condensed and wood furniture.
The wood type came off a kitchen ceiling in Bradford so only fitting that it made it debut in Leeds! I have a total of 56 pieces plus punctuation, it was part of a mad wood type collage and came complete with epoxy resin and bits of plaster! Operating a clean as I need to print system...
I ended up with 8 decent prints not sure whether to put the print in production or not? Whatever the outcome I had a bloody good time printing them ;)
As usual your comments good or bad are much appreciated x

Print now stocked Red Direct

2012-02-06T18:11:00.000Z

My Love Is All You Need letterpress print is now available at www.reddirect.co.uk, they captured the neon pink fab!

Mid-century modern album covers

2012-02-01T11:11:00.002Z

Images from aqua-velvet.com

Being a child born in the 60s (1965 actually!) analogue played an important part of my life I have a pile of vinyl that I keep for posterity and find myself rummaging through junk shops looking for inspiring cover art. Lately I find myself drawn to mid-century album covers, love the graphic simplicity and bright colours which you can see from my last post inspired my new print. (Photo on my to do list!)

These are just a few of my favourites from Aqua Velvet lots more to see here.

Jive Time Records also have a selection worth looking over at Project Thirty-Three. Any links to what inspires you please feel free to post in the comments I would love to see...

PS. I turned 46 in December and my oldest son turn 18 yesterday so any comments saying you didn't think I was that old are greatly appreciated in my hour of need ;-)

Leeds print Festival 2012

2012-01-27T21:41:00.000Z

Celebrating traditional and contemporary print process through type and image.

26th to 31st January 2012

Leeds Gallery

York Street, Leeds LS9 8AG.

One-week Festival has a programme of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, open studios and performances covering all print disciplines. This unique collection of events will deliver a dose of inspiration whilst drawing attention to print and its importance in contemporary design culture.

www.leedsprintfestival.com

A sneak peak of a new print I created especially for The Leeds Print Festival, would have loved to have done more but time gets the better of you! Not my usual colours but have wanted to have a play with colour for so long. 8 colours in total with a print run of 10, and only ruined 3 of them!
Really got the creative juices flowing and I'm going to make it so that one day of every month I just play, have some fun and be inspired. Either do some crazy work in the print room, visit some gallery, just anything that gets the mind working!
I'll be visiting the Printers Fair on Saturday which will be a nice change not to be selling. I'll report back with pics and my inspiration for my new print soon!
PS I had a sneak peak of the exhibition and the work is amazing, so get yourselves to Leeds if you can!

Letterpress film by Danny Cooke

2012-01-26T18:17:00.002Z

Upside Down, Left To Right: A Letterpress Film from Danny Cooke on Vimeo.

Folksy feature

2012-01-11T11:25:00.002Z

Open publication - Free publishing

My red Bake More Cake print was featured in the Winter Folksy Sampler that was sent out primarily to journalist along side lots of fabulous gifts. There are also interviews with makers and lots of other lovely featured gifts. Funny what just printing in a poster different colour can do! Bake More Cake was slow seller until I printed it in red, goes like hot cakes now ;)

Kraft CD cases

2012-01-06T02:01:00.000Z

Happy New Year folks! The lead up to Christmas was manic and was glad when I could take a few days off and spend some time chilling with the kids, watching movies and eating too many chocs ;)
Just catching up posting jobs printed before Christmas, before my work load starts piling up again, who said January was quiet month!
Double CD cases, slate grey ink on kraft, simple but very effective! The slate grey ink was made by mixing with a transparent white which gives a similar effect if you were to multiply a layer in photoshop. Has to one of my favourite inks colours to use instead of black, blends with the kraft so well.
Printed for the lovely Paul at www.pmcgphotography.com who was so sweet and patient in the Christmas chaos! Paul did a photo shoot in an amazing derelict mansion which you can see here. So sad to see a building so beautiful left to rot! To have rooms with such amazing windows, dream on...
Here's to 2012 and wishing all your hopes and dreams come true for the new year x

2011-12-23T19:26:00.001Z

It's been a busy few months up to Christmas! Last job to be printed a last minute order for a bespoke Christmas Card, Victorian wood type accompanied by some hand set Garamond Italic, who can resist a lovely swash?

I need you help!

2011-12-20T21:56:00.001Z

photographs copyright Lyndsey James www.lyndseyjames.co.uk

Print for Love of Wood has been shortlisted to win a fabulous editorial style location photo shoot from the talented Lyndsey James.
I would LOVE some pictures taken of the big presses in action, hard to do when your printing! Have you ever tried setting the self timer and running round ;o)
If you could spare a few minutes and cast your votes for me here I will be so happy!
Deadline 12 noon Wednesday 21st so hurry and get clicking x

Kraft CD cases

2011-12-09T22:23:00.002Z

Single CD case letterpress printed in black and grey ink on kraft. Designed by Gary Lashmar, Marshal Gray Photography and printed by me on my trusty Victorian treadle press.
www.marshalgraystudio.com
Letterpress is great for short runs of 50 or more and for printing on kraft, so proving very popular with photographers. If your interested in single or double CD cases for your business contact me at jacqui [at] printforloveofwood.com and I'll send you a price list.

Believe in magic!

2011-12-07T21:09:00.001Z

A new and exclusive large letterpress print for Unlimited Editions in Brighton. Limited edition of one hundred, 760 x 560mm, you can buy online here or pop into their Christmas Open Studio Shop, which looks fabulous! There also an interview with little old me which you can read here. I'm not one for having my picture taken but my little apprentice gave me moral support ;)
We should all believe in a little magic, does wonders for soul...

studio

2011-12-06T14:54:00.000Z

Remember the studio updates here? Well didn't stay empty for long! But I love it and the picture shelf if great for storing framed prints.

I'm excited to announce all the table top presses are now in place for letterpress workshops starting in January 2012. Sign up for the newsletter here for dates hot off the press!

Christmas Market

2011-11-30T20:58:00.001Z

Print for Love of Wood will be in Huddersfield for the Festival of Light at The Art Market this weekend...
Friday 2nd December 6pm - 10pm
Saturday 3rd December 11am - 10pm
Sunday 4th December 12noon - 6pm
For more details and directions visit The Art Market website.
I will be taking my table top press for anyone who would love to come along and print a postcard so please come and say hello if your passing!

Christmas Open Studio

2011-11-27T16:36:00.000Z

I'm so please that I'm taking part in Unlimited Christmas Open Studio in Brighton again this year!

The studio is looking fab, so many gorgeous gifts to buy plus a new exclusive print by moi!

All to be revealed soon...

Penguin threads

2011-11-21T11:49:00.000Z

Love the new Deluxe Penguin Classic book covers designed by Jillian Tamaki simply stunning!
You can read more about Jillian's dream job and look behind the scenes from initial sketches to photographing the finished work on Jillian's blog here and here.
My dream job would have to be designing a book cover or even an album cover!
What would your dream job be?

2011-11-17T20:31:00.000Z

You can now buy my products on Notonthehighstreet.com and they have done a lovely photo shoot featuring my Christmas Cracker Cards! I'm hoping to launch affordable letterpress wedding invitations there in the New Year, after all the Christmas chaos is over!
It's all go, lots of printing to stock up for Christmas, need to do my own Christmas shopping yet! Has everyone else got theirs? Kids are easy it's the Mum and Dads who don't need anything that are hard to buy for, might print my Dad a ‘Dig for Victory’ poster for his allotment ;D

Heart Gallery

2011-11-13T10:02:00.000Z

So excited to announce a new stockist, you can now find my prints at the Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge. I'll be calling in today for the launch and dropping off some more stock as sold some prints already! Happy Days ;D

paperunway

2011-11-11T13:25:00.001Z

If you've never read the new Paper Runway Magazine then put it on your to do list!

Paper Runway is a quarterly magazine that offers you a mix of paper goodness, hot paper products, beautiful paper, features about the hottest paper sculptors, artists, illustrators, creators and quick DIY projects.

Issue 3, cover designed by Mr. Yen, is available to buy or read online here for free along side all the past issues! Mr. Yen also kindly featured my my work in a guest post over on their blog which you can read here so a BIG thank you!

Art Market

2011-11-07T23:14:00.000Z

Had a fab day at The Art Market in Holmfirth and was please how my space looked, much better than I've done before. You wouldn't believe that all those props plus me and my mum fit in my little car!

A BIG thank you to everyone who came and said hello, was so lovely to meet everyone!

There were so many lovely stalls, lots more in my flickr set here...

See www.artmarkets.co.uk for details of the next Art Market on the 13th Nov, a whole lot of new artist and designer-makers will be exhibiting, see you there!

2011-11-03T21:03:00.000Z

I'll be selling my wares in Holmfirth, the heart of the Home Valley, Yorkshire this Sunday 6th November. There will also be a table top press with me, so roll up, roll up and print a postacrd for free ;)

Do say hello if you come along!

More information available here www.artmarkets.co.uk

2011-11-01T00:47:00.001Z

Commissioned paper cut, not my usual sort of work but it's a long story, 50 x 50cm, all 248 words cut by hand!
A surprise first anniversary present representing all the things the couple did in their first year to form a circle symbolising eternity, no beginning and no end, it will continue to grow.
A lot of hard work but I was so please how it looked in the end, made even better by the lovely email from Amy...
“I couldn't believe it when I saw it, it's absolutely stunning! I can't imagine the time and effort it would've taken to put it together. Thanks so much.”

A big thank you to Craig for trusting me with the design.

What a fabulous thoughtful gift, so romantic don't you think?

Christmas Crackers!

2011-10-28T11:02:00.000+01:00

Can't beat a good old corny cracker joke Its the way you tell 'em! A must round the table at our family Christmas dinner ;)
Originally I was hot foiling them in red and green but alas the Ludlow isn't working properly so had to hatch another plan. Don't get chance to use Gill Cameo Ruled but makes a good cracker don't you think?
Who hides in a bakery at Christmas? A mince spy!

What did the fireman's wife get for Christmas? A ladder in her stocking.

What's Santa's favourite pizza? One that's deep pan, crisp and even.

What do angry mice send each other at Christmas? Cross-mouse cards.

Why was Santa's little helper feeling depressed? He had low elf-esteem.
Available in the shops in time for Christmas ;)

New colour in the shops

2011-10-17T10:40:00.002+01:00

1. Cornishware 2. The Great British Bake Off 3. Le Creuset 4. Emma Bridgewater

So I could have said here's another Bake More cake this time in red as this came out the top colour in a little survey I did, but I thought I do a little research of my own...
By looking round the general high street where I think my target audience would shop gives me a good idea of colour trends for the kitchen, red kettles where defiantly showing in abundance!
I also love the way T.G. Green have updated their traditional Cornishware® to include a new range of colours that would suit a modern home as well as a county kitchen, nicely packaged too! CORNISH RED® once a prototype of the 50s but never made it to full scale production is now available in the complete range. Love Emma Bridgewater’s new Sampler Range! Red is also a very iconic British colour, red bus, telephone box, post box, red arrows and of course predominately featured in the Union Jack and the flags of England, Scotland and Wales.
Would never have really thought about printing in red but goes to show what a little research throws up! Red the colour of Christmas too, maybe I should photograph it with some mince pies ;o) Now available in my shops. FOLKSY & ETSY
PS. It's National Baking Week 17th - 23rd October so get baking, lots of recipes here

Yorkshire fodder

2011-10-13T10:43:00.001+01:00

I'm thinking of doing a limited edition traditional Yorkshire food print, I found the advert for the orginal Yorkshire Relish in a magazine dated September 1934, there's an interesting article in the Yorkshire Post about how the company instigated copyright laws and how there saucy secrets where found by a demolition man!

Pontafract Cakes, love them and can eat a whole bag ;) Yorkshire pudding always a favourite in my house, any that I've missed off?

2011-10-12T12:49:00.000+01:00

www.seventyseventyone.co.uk Gail's fabulous set up at The British Trade Craft Fair

I'm a guest blogger over at Mr.Yen talking about preparing for craft stall, pop over for a read and if you have some tips or pics would love to hear from you!

Thanks to Mr. Yen for having as his first offical guest blogger ;D

Crack open a bottle...

2011-10-06T14:27:00.004+01:00

Thanks you for all your feedback, grey was the winning vote, by a mile! Did try a slate grey but chose a lighter one which balanced with the red instead of overpowering it.

A few hiccups along the way... ;D

Will be available to buy from my shops soon...

when all else fails ask your blogger friends...

2011-10-03T14:51:00.000+01:00

I decided to make the original design I made for a book into an actual print.

As this design is little more complex (the wine bottle needs to go through the press five times) I've proof printed on tracing paper first to work out the exact spacing I'll need to overlap. I can also play around with wood type for the wording this way trying out different wood type. I've cheated by scanning in the proofed type and by saving as a greyscale jpeg you can just change the colour in Adobe InDesign. This takes seconds and saves me getting full of ink!

Think I prefer the all red one? I tried the words smaller but didn't like it! Before I go and open a bottle of wine in frustration would love to know your thoughts...

Also thought of ‘in vino veritas’ which means ‘Truth in wine’ in other words it loosens the tongue but thought ‘when all else fails’ is more me ;o)

Press feature

2011-09-30T09:49:00.003+01:00

So excited to have my owl featured in one of my favourite magazines Country Homes and Interiors alongside another Folksy seller the very talented Amanda from Mangle Prints.
We received, through Folksy, an urgent press request on the 6th July to arrive for the 9th, just shows how far in front sometimes magazines work! I thought the shoot hadn't made the cut so what a fab surprise and I so want a kitchen like the one featured, the rest of the house is amazing too!
One day...

Neil Derrett Photography

2011-09-21T10:26:00.001+01:00

At the BA Honours degree show I fell in love with these prints from Neil Derrett but wanted to wait till everyone was back off the holidays to share. They looked amazing printed large format on panels and reminded me of the National History Spirit Collection I saw on Hannah Nunn’s blog. Here's an exert from Neil’s exhibition statement...

Daguerreotype or Wet Plate Collodion

The Wet Plate process requires coating glass plates with a series of different chemicals within the confines of a darkroom or box. The first is coating the plate with collodion, a sticky substance that allows the plate to be sensitised with silver nitrate. The plate is then loaded into the camera and exposed to light (capture subject(s), all before the plate dries within 20 minutes. Then the plates are processed and fixed with chemicals that can be extremely dangerous if not handled with care, such as Potassium Cyanide. To finish, the plates are varnished on the front and sprayed black on the reverse to produce the 3D mirrored appearance.I enjoy the craft, considered approach and tactile nature of producing imagery in this process.The images produced for this exhibition have been inspired from nature, seeking out organic sculptures and combining the Wet Plate process, producing an eclectic mix of both considered and accidental imagery.

Sounds such an interesting process don't you think? Something I would love to have a go at, even the plates themselves are a thing of beauty!

If you would like any more information, even a print for your self like me or would like to stock prints in your gallery then please email Neil at this address

Typography love from Patrick Edgeley

2011-09-20T10:32:00.003+01:00

Folk style ampersand screen print available from TYPE KING on etsy, how could I resist! Lots of other style, letters and colours too.
Designed and screen printed by the very talented Patrick Edgeley you can check out more of his work and buy screen prints over on his site antigraphic
Fab addition to my studio, can never have enough ampersands!

thank you

2011-09-17T08:19:00.000+01:00

New pictures added to the gallery on www.printforloveofwood.com

Wedding thank you cards for Amy printed on 300g Somerset cotton.

Very simple but very effective with a touch of transparent ink to give that extra dimension.

Food for thought!

2011-09-13T17:00:00.002+01:00

Some new editions will be added to the shop this week! I wanted to create some diversity to my stall at Saltaire and had all these vintage blocks and I'd never printed. The copper engraved Vintage Lavender Salts block prints amazing detail! The blocks vary from Victorian to the 60s

The small note book is my favourite, gas bottle next to the cooker, how times have changed! Great for jotting down ideas for the kitchen or out and about when cooking up that big idea!

Saltaire Arts Trail: Festival Special

2011-09-12T14:45:00.002+01:00

My stall at the Saltaire Makers Fair. Fantastic building and an amazing day, lovely to catch up with friends old and new. The Kelsey got plenty of attention with people printing a manicule (pointing finger) on postcards and lots of interest in forthcoming workshops.

Didn't have chance to practice my layout for the stall so just thought I'd try a vintage suitcase as a print browser. Need to work on my layout for next time as everyones else's looks so neat and tidy! Anyway had lots of sales so folks must have liked it and the display boards behind are a real bonus. Going to have to make some of my own for future events.

Check out the Saltaire Arts Trail blog for more pics of the event

Folksy featured seller

2011-09-12T13:28:00.000+01:00

Chuffed to bits to be a featured seller on Folksy this week ;D

www.folksy.com

Saltaire Makers Fair

2011-09-06T23:05:00.002+01:00

Busy week, kids back at school, lots of printing to do to restock my shops and new stockists plus my first time doing a makers fair at Saltaire. It's a beautiful historic industrial village in the heart of West Yorkshires's Bronte Country. But no time to look around I'll be behind my stall selling my wares and letting the public try out letterpress printing on my table top Victorian press.

For more information visit www.saltaireartstrail.co.uk

The makers Fair is part of the Saltaire Festival, you can find out what's on here at www.saltairefestival.co.uk and if your passing this Saturday do come and say hello!

Ouzo time

2011-09-02T23:16:00.001+01:00

Friday night and looking through my holiday snaps drinking an Ouzo ;o) The view from my balcony every morning...

My last visit to the Greek Islands was over twenty years ago, so much has change! Little tavernas where you can find traditional food and drink are disappearing fast! I had to travel to a remote island to find a taste of yesterday plus a good reminder not to forget your sun cream ;)

One of my favourite places was Neratiza Castle in Kos Town where they had use parts of ancient buildings from the ruins of the ancient city mixed with local stone to build the castle. A bit like walking into a romanesque Greek garden centre. Wouldn't have minded a few bits and bobs for my garden ;)

I was fascinated with this purple plant...

Off to top my Ouzo up, more pics in my Flickr set if you care to join me...

Type Impressions

2011-09-01T13:12:00.001+01:00

I'm thrilled that three of my letterpress prints have been chosen to exhibit at Type Impressions in Denmark. Gutted that I can't fly over for the private view, a girl can't have enough holidays ;D
Thanks to Jens and Keith for making it happen, you find more info on Jens Flickr account and hopefully some pictures soon!

Website now live!

2011-08-31T10:43:00.002+01:00

Back from a relaxing time on the Aegean island of Kos just wish some of the sunshine had come home with me! While I download my holiday snaps just thought I let you know that my website is now live! Still some pages to update and the pics to add to the gallery but so glad it's finally up and running.
The site has been developed by a friend in Wordpress which makes it easier to update, so no need for mind boggling coding!
Not sure if the gallery pics are a little too big when you view the slideshows so would love your feedback...
www.printforloveofwood.com

Closed for business

2011-08-18T01:34:00.001+01:00

Open/Closed sign by the fabulous Mary Kate on Etsy

I'm taking some time off to spend some time with my kids and patient husband, will be back in a couple of weeks inked up and ready to roll! Till then, have fun all x

Hot off the press

2011-08-15T15:40:00.003+01:00

Easy Living Magazine Sept 2011

Thanks to Sarah Bays for sending me this page from this months Easy Living magazine, what a great write up and fab promotion for UK sellers on both Folksy and Etsy! I was totally gob smacked to be featured as one of three of the best (it's a Lancashire saying ;o) I'm off to try and bag myself a copy!

new in the shop

2011-08-10T13:04:00.001+01:00

Stocks are low for Bake More Cake so I decided to print them in a choice of just green or blue too, as well as the original 3 colour print here. Still has to go through the press twice as not enough wood border to print all in one pass. All available in my Etsy and Folksy shops

Also thought it would look as a tea towel but what colour to choose? Green's a good choice for kitchens I think, but then I like blue too. Lots of other ideas but as I would be getting these screen printed I need to get it right before I commit.

Would love to know what's your favourite colour for the kitchen?

studio - work in progress

2011-08-07T15:13:00.002+01:00

Progress continues on the studio, more sanding and lots of clearing out! The large cupboard houses my mac and printer and was cleverly converted from an old pine unit by my hubby. (Hmm have yet to tidy the inside of it yet, so more pics later ;o)

The wood drawers house part of my collection of wood type, (you can see the before pic here) finally got round to sanding them down and giving them a coat of wax. Just need to label them all again now!

I've been looking round for inspiration for my studio and always love the bright white and salvaged look but come one, white and ink just don't mix! I have to be realistic so a piece of salvaged black worktop will be more user friendly.

Picture shelves, art and some inspiration on the walls next...

studio update

2011-07-31T20:06:00.000+01:00

I've been working hard on the studio for the workshops with the table top presses. Painting all done, the ugly orange varnish from a vintage plan chest desk now removed and wax finished to reveal the grain. It will be so nice to get working on some new designs in a tidy organised workspace, what you don't see is the chaos on the middle of the room!

I've been teaching a group on young people on a print workshop, back there again tomorrow but this time I will remember to take my camera!

Custom CD Cases for Danielle Benbow Photography

2011-07-30T14:44:00.002+01:00

Photograph copyright of Danielle Benbow Photography

Custom letterpress printed kraft CD cases for super sweet and talented Dani. White ink’s usually a no-go for letterpress printing on dark backgrounds but the slightly transparent look only adds to the charm on brown kraft. Thanks Dani for being such a joy to work with!

Check out Dani's dreamy work at Danielle Benbow Photography

Photograph copyright of Danielle Benbow Photography

a prayer for Japan

2011-07-23T08:46:00.002+01:00

My contribution to A Prayer for Japan organised by Blue Moon Letterpress to raise money for the orphaned children of the earthquake.

“Letterpress is a letter which reaches somebody’s heart, before art. It’s a blanket to snuggle up and wrap kindly, when we were hurt.” Blue Moon Letterpress

The deadline is the 31st August so there is still plenty of time to make a contribution, 100% of the the proceeds go towards the fund. It can be cards, a book, prints or anything that it printed letterpress it can also be something that you have already printed. So no excuses!. For more information and the address where to send to visit Letterpress of prayer

letterpress wedding invites

2011-07-15T15:13:00.000+01:00

Work in progress, some designs for letterpress wedding invitations based on my love for vintage typography. I love how the use of bright colours on vintage type gives it a more contemporary look.

I have lots ideas too for more modern contemporary invites which I'll be working on soon!

I'll be offering a signature range of invitations that can be digitally or letterpress printed but what I love is bespoke design, something unique! If your interested in hiring me to design your invites for an upcoming event then contact jacqui[at]printforloveofwood.com.

Would love any feedback or your thought on wedding invites, do you think invitations are an important part of weddings?

Happy weekend!

new cards

2011-07-12T10:08:00.001+01:00

new eco friendly cards printed letterpress with vintage woodtype in my Folksy and Etsy shops.

Special offer: also available as a pack of 3 which comes beautifully packaged

2011-07-11T12:30:00.000+01:00

I had a revamp of my business card so it's now standard card width but square. Uses less paper, I can change the details on the back and can also use left over card stock from jobs, More eco friendly!

Watch out for the Rabbat!

2011-07-06T22:38:00.004+01:00

I was delighted to be commissioned to do a surprise letterpress print for award winning Brighton author Simon Lelic from his friends to say ‘congrats, we think you’re awesome’. The words above are from his early ‘...penning pads of juvenile drivel about fantastic worlds and not so fantastic creatures (and BEHOLD, the most terrifying of creatures doth approach: half rabbit, half bat, tis the mighty and fearsome RABBAT!)’.
Simon loved his print set with antique wood and metal type and sent me a picture looking ’slightly mad-eyed!’ as he put it. A big thank you to Sandra for being an absolute joy to work with and congratulations to Simon for winning the Betty Trask Award!
Read more about Simon on his website www.simonlelic.com, looks like he's one to watch, he's got some great reviews...

‘There’s a buzz in the publishing world about Simon Lelic’s debut novel, Rupture . . . [Lelic] is set for literary stardom.’ — The Times Magazine

degree show highlights

2011-07-01T10:08:00.000+01:00

First up in my highlights from the degree show is Contemporary Textiles graduate Faye Bolton. My photograph of her stand doesn't do the colours in the chandelier justice, it looked stunning. I love Faye's bold use of colour and pattern, my favourite has to be the abstract orange silk bottom left, stunning!
Faye Bolton. Fabric designer specialising in custom made lampshades and revamping tired old lamps
Website www.inlighting.co.uk

laugh at yourself...

2011-06-28T15:21:00.000+01:00

Oh yes I was introduced into advertising and graphic design from an early age, think I was about aged 8 in a Brownies fancy dress. Love how my mum had attacked the photo with pinking shears! I remember that day like it was yesterday, I was mortified at having to show my legs in white tights and wear that ridiculous hat ;D

Art & Design Exhibition

2011-06-21T14:25:00.000+01:00

Well I made it in one piece with just a few added grey hairs! After initial problems regarding fire regulations in the big glass atrium Studio51 came to the rescue printing our 2m x 1m on fire retardant boards so no cutting and sticking for BA3 Graphic Design students just a deadline brought forward by a week! Fantastic quality, I was so pleased how they all turned out especially the brick wall and wood type, want to bring them home! Had six boards mine are from the ‘One milliooo,ooon thanks' to the brick wall with a 20" x 30" letterpress printed poster.

The Art & Design Exhibition runs until Friday 24th June at UCBC with lots of fantastic work from design, textiles, fine art and photography students, so come along if you're local and show your support...

I'll be posting about some of my favourites from the exhibition next week so watch this space!

new designs

2011-06-02T14:33:00.001+01:00

I've been working on new ideas using my new logos I showed you in this post the tent works well on a folded invite and couldn't resist an envelope to match. Think the receipts will be a nice touch to send with purchases. Also designed a couple more, the swatch tag for fabric printed products and a gallery.

Now for an email newsletter featuring the megaphone...

Website design

2011-05-30T17:11:00.001+01:00

Designing your own website comes with the joys of never being happy with what you've done! Now on my seventh attempt of mocking up in Photoshop, it's been simple, more vintage and now meeting in the middle! I've learnt a lot along the way, no point designing something that isn't possible to to achieve in CSS! The logos I designed (see earlier post) need to change top left for each section and I've also been designing other possibilities that I can incorporate the new logos, more to follow...

Going to leave it to simmer on the back burner for a while while I get on with some stationery designs.

Would love to know what you think, do you think it reflects my ethos and my business? And any coding wizz kids out there can you spot potential problems?

Jessie J you inspire me!

2011-05-22T13:21:00.003+01:00

After 26 years in the design industry, my creativity stifled, a number on a payrole, doing my degree has opened a crater in a volcano of creative passion that I feel is going to explode. At the end of June my new life starts, Print for Love of Wood will get all my attention so lots of new designs, thank you to all my virtual friends who are a huge inspiration to me x
In the words of Jessie J

Cuz’ you’re as old as you feel you are

And if you don’t reach for the moon you can’t fall on the stars

So I live my life like every day is the last

Spread some love don’t give to receive

Strive to be happy and live to believe

Now enough getting a little emotional, time to reach for the moon!

new logos

2011-05-20T16:17:00.003+01:00

This is for part of my Final major Project at uni, logos for each section of a website, I've drawn then in illustrator then grunged them in Photoshop to resemble the original manicule (pointing hand ;o), the hat needs some more work as the lines too thick but it one of my faves, love the idea that it can be used on packaging too. I love the black coated brown paper bags so much I'm going to package sets of letterpress cards in them for the shop.
Weddings! Well it is an option I have been considering for a while and just never had the time to finish some designs I've been working on, hot foiling, die cutting got all the equipment just need more time, wish it grew on trees!
Better get back to designing a website, not an easy job when the logo has to change for each section will need help getting it up and running if the design goes ahead, coding makes my brain turn to mush ;D
What do you think and can you guess what the other 4 sections are?

snail mail

2011-05-17T13:29:00.001+01:00

A lovely package from Mr Yen, so beautifully wrapped that I didn't want to spoil it, the Japanese writing saying “thank you” is such a nice personal touch. Thank you Mr.Yen for the snail mail swap and my surprise notecards ;o)

We should all make more effort to send snail mail don't you think...

Open House

2011-05-14T11:13:00.001+01:00

Don't forget if your near Brighton this month pop into unlimited editions lots of goodies available. Love these prints from Julia Trigg, Matin O'Neill and Jesse Ford. Adore the Ladybird notebooks from Charlotte Overton-Hart, remind me of my youth ;o) Oh Boy... That was along time ago!
Have a wonderful fun filled weekend!
PS, A bit of a plug as you can buy my prints there too ;o)

new cards

2011-05-09T13:12:00.002+01:00

New cards in the shops, an updated more in your face version on my early one (in teal).

Available in fluorescent pink and bright orange for the guys who don't like pink ;o)

Soon to be available for the proud to be 50ish too!

follow the golden rules

2011-05-02T10:47:00.003+01:00

No matter what you are doing always have a laugh!
Say please and thank you, it's not too much to ask.
Support your local shops, don't throw litter and pick up your dog poo!
If you dream of visiting Paris, make it your dream to see the world.
What goes around come around...

My new letterpress print for the Brighton May Artist's Open House Festival 2011 at Unlimited Editions. Printed in wood type and sparkly gold ink which really needs to be seen to be appreciated, looks good unframed too, just propped up on the shelf so it catches the light don't you think...
Available in my Etsy and Folksy shops soon

paper finds

2011-04-29T03:04:00.001+01:00

Spotted these Midori envelopes over at Simplesong and was so happy when I found them in the UK at the Journal Shop. Mine arrived in the post today and I'm so impressed with the quality and the cute box they come stored in. I also got the small ones for sticking in the back of notebooks, great for saving those little finds on your travels. I collect all sorts of bits of paper, tickets and momentos to remind me of a fab day out, tags off clothes that I love the design, now I have somewhere nice and organised to store them!

New prints hot off the press, just need to take some pictures...

Pop up PAD

2011-04-24T20:31:00.002+01:00

Happy Easter everyone! I'll be at the Pop Up PAD along with a tabletop press, if your nearby come say hello and print yourself a postcard...

Pop Up PAD / Monday 25th April 2011 /10-4pm / Avenham Park / Preston

The PAD Gallery is set for a revival at this year’s Preston's Egg Rolling Event.
Alongside the market, the day will be packed with activities from face painting, live music, other exciting stalls, creative activities, horse and carriage rides, entertainment and delicious Lancashire foods.
More details and map available from the Preston Guild

Paris to Milan

2011-04-13T12:52:00.004+01:00

I was having one of those days with a to do list where I didn't know where to start! So I did something NOT on my to do list. Crazy! Screen-printing ink arrived so I thought I'd test it out on wood type on the new proofing press, but alas it dries too quick to do a large amount of wood type all at once so went back to my normal ink and proofed some on some bags which fit the press perfectly. I'm a little worried about wearing my type down by printing on fabric so I did a light impression with hard packing but I like the worn look. I also love the texture and colour of Gmund Bier paper...

Not all was lost, the bags will be a great addition to an up coming craft fair and I've also listed them in my Folksy and Etsy shops.

Having tonnes of wood type in cases I forget what I've got, so I think I'll continue this on the big proofing press, adding more cities and using all my wood type until I get an incredibly long poster, will look amazing on the studio wall. I can also label the cases to match!

I've been to London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Berlin and New York, would love to go to Paris! Which amazing cities are on your to visit list?

Now to crack that to do list...

Delicious covers for Penguin

2011-04-11T13:18:00.000+01:00

Love the new Penguin covers for The Great food Series designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith.
View the complete range here

MPA Roses Creativity Awards 2011

2011-04-09T22:37:00.003+01:00

The Brief: Younique - Great advertising & design connects with its audience. In six steps connect yourself with a hero. Present as a book and show us how unique your are.
Good news! I received a Commendation for my book in the Roses Student Creativity Awards 2011. This has to be one of my favourite projects. The book is an accordion fold in which also the back links to the front. The slip case, transparent ink and wood type on dampened 300g Somerset, was not the easiest to produce but I do like a challenge.

YCN Student Awards

2011-04-08T00:17:00.000+01:00

YCN BRIEF 2011 WHYTE & MACKAY,

Create a compelling campaign that resonates, builds awareness and encourages trial of Glayva among a new younger audience in the UK. Primary target audience – Males and Females aged 25-35, relatively affluent (ABC1).

My entry for the YCN student awards, lots of fun playing with words. I was amazed at how many real recipes I found with Glayva and of course I made the cocktails, had to do a tatse test ;D I also got the funniest looks from the guy behind the fish counter when I asked to photograph his fish!

Click the images if you care to have a read...

D&AD entry

2011-04-02T00:41:00.000+01:00

D&AD Students Awards Partners Brief. Create a name and brand for a touring art gallery that visits hospitals. Extend beyond the usual elements of a logo, typeface, tone of voice and colour palette.

The end of my degree approaches so things have been a little crazy, I've had 3 live briefs to complete and now it's my Final Major Project. So I'd thought I'd show you what I get up to when not printing letterpress. I really enjoyed creating a concept for this gallery, the name and logo went through many processes before I arrived at a simple result which I hope works on many levels. I was inspired by iphone art of David Hockney and as art to some can seem elitist I wanted the gallery to extend beyond the hospital to the mainstream by being interactive, who knows the next budding Picasso could be out there waiting to be discovered by the people. If you want a read click the pics for a large view.

I've been missing blog land but tried to keep up with all that you’re been up to, so many of you inspire me to keep going when I feel a little lost ;o) Good news, I manage to get my letterpress fix by teaching at Southport college this week, more about that when I can get some pics emailed. I was beginning to get withdrawal symptoms, it felt good to get covered in ink!

Have a lovely weekend all, I'm wishing for some rays of sunshine so I can enjoy some fresh air with my poor neglected family...

featured in your home magazine

2011-03-05T15:15:00.002Z

A couple of months ago Your Home asked if they could borrow a Make Do & Mend print for a photo shoot, wasn't sure if they would use it but voila! Here it is in this April’s issue, also on the front page (very small) and the front page of the 12 page pull out and keep.
They very kindly put a link to my Folksy shop, so a BIG thank you Lisa at Your Home ;D

new press

2011-02-26T16:00:00.000Z

Stephenson & Blake Proofing Press

A new proofing press to add to my collection from No.18 also got a huge inking roller and very old inking stone and some wood type which I've yet to clean and find a home for.

This means I'll be able to experiment more with the wood type at home when ever inspiration comes to me, saves me having to travel to the workshop. Now I'm wondering whether to find a new home for my Adana QFB or shall I keep it?

lost in time...

2011-02-25T19:51:00.002Z

Only a few miles from my home, behind a derelict facade, lays a room of hidden treasure.
It was like stepping back in time in this old print shop full of huge iron beasts that have long laid idle, type lays locked up in galleys covered in dust. I wanted to document this time capsule before it becomes like many that have gone before it. Lost.
More pictures of No.18 in this Flickr set
Did I come away with any treasures to keep? Of course! Pictures to follow when I've cleaned off the cobwebs ;o)

visiting London

2011-02-19T22:00:00.001Z

www.labourandwait.co.uk

I'm off to London Sunday for a couple of days with students for a design conference but will have some free time for sight seeing. Trying to work out where to go but there are so many interesting places I want to see and not the time. Might take a peak at the V&A, then onto The National History Museum (after I saw these on Hannah’s blog). Then there's a Saul Bass exhibition which isn't far from Labour and Wait where I wouldn't mind picking up the letterpress postcards above. I like to walk and find interesting places down little side streets, so a walk round the East End just might be the ticket.
Any other suggestions that you can recommend for inspiration in London?

playing with my heart

2011-02-13T15:19:00.004Z

The three table top presses made an appearance at uni on Thursday where we had a stall, to raise money for the end of year show, in which students and staff could print their own valentine card. Take one heart, some lead type and have fun! Forgot to take my camera as I had so much equipment to remember but above are some ideas which kind of remind me of my latest vintage find in the charity shop...

The heart is made up of tiny 12pt border (each square is separate) which reminds me of stitching, don't you think? So many endless possibilities I can use to create patterns for letterpress, here's some inspiration...

1. Vintage cushions from Sukan. 2. Original cross stitch border patterns Modern Folk 3. Welsh tapestry Cushion Sparrow & Co. 4. Tan-Tan Moroccan rug Anthropologie

new stockist and print

2011-02-01T09:17:00.011Z

I've some exciting news to share with you! A selection of my prints will be available at the next unlimited editions pop up shop in Brighton. A new print especially for the occasion featuring some chromatic, two part, wood type which is fast becoming one of favourites!
I'm amongst some very talented company, check out their website or better still pop along and see for yourself...

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Love Letters Pop-Up!

Saturday 5th February 10am - 5pm
The Old Stables, 4B Upper Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 4AN
www.unlimitededitions.co.uk
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Also available in my etsy and folksy shops.

Yes it should have an apostrophe after S but they are not commonly used in signage, so that’s my justification for not using one, so all you disciples of punctuation don't hit me with your exclamation marks ;o)

My fab dad!

2011-01-29T14:26:00.001Z

Happy birthday to my fab dad! I couldn't begin to list the things my dad has done for me and even at 45 I'm still daddy's little girl ;o) Love this old photo of my dad with his sulky sister, my gran and great gran.
I'm off for a walk to dad's allotment, found these pics from early last summer...

I'm longing for the long summer days, warm sunshine and raiding my dad homegrown fruit and veg!

Spring will soon be here, last year there was blue tits in dad's nest boxes, the year before a little robin had some chicks in his gardening glove in the shed ;o) Wonder who'll be making a nest this year?

Have a wonderful weekend...

Typugila- Gourmet for designers

2011-01-27T00:51:00.001Z

Extra virgin olive oil for the type geeks like me!

Available in 3 different packs featuring a handmade and hand-coloured earthenware bottle, a letterpress numbered tag and a small bag of olive leaves from Apulia in Italy where the olives are grown. Special editions also feature eco friendly packaging and vintage wood type.

All the packaging is designed to be reusable, you can find out more here at the roots shop on etsy.

I love the colours of the bottles, especially the blue, which is yours?...

work in progress

2011-01-23T15:11:00.003Z

An idea I'm playing with for a book project for uni in which red wine and wood type are part of the text.

Can't decide which bottle I prefer... any thoughts?

Red wine is a favourite of mine for the weekend, especially if accompanied by a lovely meal ;) Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

2011-01-21T11:26:00.006Z

Yeh! The sun has come out to play so managed to retake some pictures of this I did in July, for once I'm in time for Valentines ;) Available in my folksy or etsy shops
Have been messing around with my blog banner, packaging, lots of thoughts but not quite there yet! There is a word that I dread, so I shall say it quietly, coding, have been searching through the html trying to understand why I have big gaps between my links on my side bar, totally confused and gave up! But I was proud of myself as I managed to add an about me page, didn't realise it was so easy to add pages and got rid of shadows round my photos on Letterpress in the UK! I'm learning very s-l-o-w-l-y ;)
As a designer I find it very frustrating not being able to have my blog how I want, maybe I should hire the services of Lindsay, she has managed to do things with blogger that I didn't think possible and offers some useful tips on her bog busy thoughts. for the time being I will keep playing...
Any thoughts will be gratefully received ;o)
If my banner looks fuzzy, it didn't and does now and have not done anything different, oh joy! Hopefully will fix it soon looks like blogger is trying to compress my files!
Found some help about this here

2011-01-19T10:54:00.000Z

Managed to get hold of some pictures from the Preston PAD gallery drop in workshop I did way back in September. An extremely rushed large poster, 3 table top presses, 2 trays of wood type, metal type, very sore muscles, lots of lovely visitors but best of all a whole lot of fun!
Unfortunately due to lack of council funding the gallery has had to close and there are many others awaiting to hear their fate, going to be a bad year for the Arts which is very sad news!
If you haven't pledged your support yet or want to know what going to be effected in your area of the UK you can do so here at I value the arts

2011-01-14T00:38:00.003Z

Recent bargain find, only £2, so was worth a try. I finally managed to work out how to use it, alas no instructions, bought some special ink for metal stamps and voila! I've since turned the felt ink pad around and it prints better now since the photo was taken, but I like the fact it sometime it misses bits!
Now am I'm meant to clean it after each use, maybe I should take the ink pad attachment off and seal it, anybody know please let me know... suppose I should have asked them where I got the ink from but they might have tried to flog me a new one for £49!
Thought I might number my print editions with it, while I find a use it can sit pretty on my desk!

2011-01-11T14:08:00.005Z

Meet the super talented duo Sylvia and Daniel Janssen, two designers from Hamburg, Germany who love to use traditional craft skills. I love Daniel's original copperplate engravings that have a scientific edge, it was so difficult to pick a favourite, check out his etsy shop here to learn more about his technique of this dying craft. I feel an urge to spend some of my pennies from santa!

“...we used the almost forgotten and very elaborate technique of enamel: powdered glass is melted at 850 degrees celsius. Enamel has a very unique surface and a lovely one of a kind look. We create enamel charms for bracelets and necklaces. 877 - the name of our label - is the color number of silver in the Pantone Color System and expresses the link between our graphical work and our jewelry work.”

You can find Sylvia etsy shop 877 here, where I have my eye on a lovely ampersand charm...

...and if that isn't enough talent, Daniel set up a letterpress project at the Museum of Work in Hamburg, which you can read about here, he also created some missing letters for flowers & fleurons.

Together they run the graphic and type design studio bfgjanssen, I'm particularly fond of the typeface Emily

happy new year

2011-01-02T17:54:00.001Z

image created using vintage graphics from Agency Eurika http://www.flickr.com/photos/taffeta/collections/

Happy New Year wishing you all lots of happiness for 2011!
Where has the last year gone! Going to make one resolution and that's to make more time!
If I organise my time better I should make more time to do all the things I need to do (easier said than done ;o)

You can see more of Agency Eurikas' amazing collection of vintage graphics here

merry christmas & happy new year

2010-12-24T11:40:00.002Z

Dissertation finished! YEAH! (Huge sigh of relief) Been too busy to print and send Christmas cards this year (gutted) so instead I've made a donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation in the UK who grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

I can't believe it's just over a year since I opened my little shop and started my blog and met lots of lovely new friends, thank you for all your lovely comments and just would like wish you all a Joyeux Noel and a happy 2011!

eye-bending christmas card

2010-12-24T11:39:00.001Z

Don't you think this card so so clever?
The Turner Duckworth 2009 holiday card depicts both the London and San Francisco skylines. The design captures the weather and cheer of the season, from London’s snow covered buildings toa starry night in San Francisco. Via D&AD ad-vent calendar

red & white christmas

2010-12-10T17:49:00.000Z

1. mr yen 2. upon a fold 3. mangle prints 4. cox & cox 5. notsh 6. noths

Feeling all christmassy... though by the time my little one has finished it will be multicolored ;)

liebe font family

2010-12-06T11:46:00.000Z

LiebeOrnaments designed by ulrike wilhelm available from my fonts.

Combine it with your favourite typeface or LiebeChristmas, 25% off too, a bargain I thought at £9.55 with endless possibilities...

via we love typography

Only a couple of weeks to go before I hand my 10,000 word dissertation in GULP! Then I can get my Christmas head on ;)

letterpress quote

2010-11-19T01:34:00.001Z

Handset wood and metal type printed letterpress into soft 300g somerset cotton, limited edition of 30.
Ansel Adams is best known for his black & white photographs so only fitting that it be printed so, don't you think?
Though a small number have been printed on somerset antique cream, as shown in the frame, thought it just softened the black a little!
Available direct from my little Big Cartel shop or from Folksy or Etsy.
Printed by request for a present, can't say who in case the other half finds out ;o)

found

2010-10-30T14:45:00.004+01:00

or the last few weeks I've had by nose buried in books researching for my dissertation but took a little time off to hunt for some odd drawers to make a bespoke printing/storage unit and finally found some, even better my lovely dad has agreed to make the framework! I love my dad ;o) Can't wait to get it finished so I can sort my new wood type and put things where I can find them!
The guy at the junk shop also gave me for FREE a shabby chic Paul De Longpre flower print and stacks of old music sheets in which I found the beautiful hand written prescription from 1842, you can see the reverse of it and more vintage type in my found typography on flickr. Vintage typography is a great source of inspiration for Jessica Hische and I was surprised to read...

“I don’t use any fancy tricks or even a wacom tablet (I hold a pen like a child holds a crayon (in a tight fist that will only catalyze the carpal tunnel)). I use the pen tool to draw all of my type and don’t use any magic tool to make my curves. I usually work with the grid on at first, starting with a single weight line and then adding thickness or ornament later depending on what I’m trying to achieve.”

I’ve always struggled perfecting my curves in illustrator so I'll try using the grid system, you can see the influence of Vintage type in Jessica's Daily Drop Cap I love how she simplifies the letters to make them contemporary. My collection will hopefully inspire some new vintage type collection letterpress cards when I've finished this darn degree!
I'm off to enjoy a sunny walk and getting ready for a Halloween Party, my little one has already dressed up several times, wonder what he wants to be tonight ;o)
Happy Halloween!
ps There are some strange spellings on the hand written prescription, have you spotted them?

2010-10-09T08:38:00.000+01:00

How to make recycled paper flowers from how about orange see the full post here to download the template and instructions.
Love this idea for using up all the test prints from my printing plus I've lots of old music sheets and book pages which would look lovely on a kraft wrapped gift don't you think...

The Armitt

2010-09-29T21:05:00.000+01:00

Herbert Bell Original Photographs printed in 1880

I'm neglecting my blog recently but hopefully things be a little quieter in a few weeks...
In the morning I'm off to the Lake District with other students to The Armitt at Ambleside to do some research. It's is the home to 100s of photographic glass slides from the Abraham Brothers, 450 original natural history watercolours by Beatrix Potter, work by Kurt Schwitters plus numerous books, art and objects related to famous people and the history of Ambleside.
What a lovely place to go and do some research, much better than being sat in uni ;D

drop in workshop

2010-09-24T22:50:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of post, back to uni this week on the final year of my degree, lots of intense study!

Good news I'll be at the PAD gallery on Saturday with a selection of table top presses for you to print on, admission is free and you can even bring the kids along.

So if your passing that way please pop in and say hello, but please all don't come at once ;D

things {we} make

2010-09-16T14:34:00.004+01:00

Claire over at things {we} make very kindly asked me to design a new banner for her blog, the design also needed to be able to fit as a block and be adapted to things {you} make, a new project coming soon, showcasing things people make.

Most important it had to be in letterpress wood type! How could I refuse ;D

Over at things {we} make not only do they grow, cook and make things, Claire take beautiful pictures and check out Eds beautiful wood furniture, my five year old would wreak havoc with that catapult ;D.

If you like cooking and growing your own or make things yourself, go and check out their blog and join in!

How yummy does that brown sugar and yoghurt cake look!

oh my cavalier

2010-09-14T13:31:00.002+01:00

I recently came across Julianna's work and love her style, especially fond of the Mechanical Animals. It was hard to choose what to showcase, see her blog for more of her work and links or visit her shop here

warrington market

2010-09-12T20:11:00.001+01:00

I'll be selling my wares at Warrington Market this Saturday do come along and say hello if you're nearby ;)

finds for your weekend

2010-09-10T14:10:00.000+01:00

Found via http://kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com

I just LOVE these limited edition prints from Julia Trigg, julia works digitally so not to spoil her wonderful collection on vintage ephemera, a woman after my own heart! She has an exhibition in Brighton which you read about via kickcan and conkers blog!
Don't you just love that name 'kickcan and conkers' reminds me of my childhood ;) Run by Deborah a lovely Yorkshire lass living in the south of France, check out her blog for some lovely inspiration!
Found these while rummaging through her blog...

I'd just buy these for the packaging from Merchant & Mills simply lovely dress patterns too, makes me feel like getting my sewing machine but alas no time!
I love the internet, so much inspiration, too much to put on my blog! I decided use Tumblr as a virtual scrapbook so I can easily post pics I find and remember where I found them, I had a stumbleupon account for a while before I changed my mac, (forgot my login details ;)
All these social network sites make me dizzy, how do you folks record your virtual inspiration...

display inspiration

2010-09-07T12:38:00.001+01:00

Living in an old victorian house with very high ceilings I've always been inclined to hang most of my pictures from a picture rail, the old fashioned way, then I can move my pictures from room to room easily. But this can sometimes be hard to group pictures so I'm loving this idea of picture shelves also pigeon holes would be great for my studio. Photographs from Pottery Barn.

Anybody any idea where I can get the picture shelves from in the UK, the ones from Ikea are too small, maybe I'll have to smile nicely at my other half ;D

new in the shop

2010-09-02T20:48:00.003+01:00

A beautiful wood ampersand from the 1930s complete with scratches and dents from it's war tone past, one of my favourite wood letters in my collection.
Printed on a victorian treadle press like the picture on the packaging, my first time on using this press and I love it, though standing on one leg and trying to get legs, arms and hands all working in unison took some getting use to! I didn't dare put any fast music on in case I treadled too fast and lost my fingers in the process, I tell you who needs a workout dvd when you have a 550lb treadle press, just a pity I can do it with my left leg as I loose all coordination ;o)
The back of the coaster features some hand set Verona type which has made a lovely impression in the thick, ink thirsty pulp board.
I used the free typeface family Conqueror for my packaging which I found on Font Squirrel and the script is Jane Austen which you download the improved version here. I designed the packaging about three times, went from tied up with string and a tag to my final design which I hope tells a story...
Any comments are greatly received!

arts award 2010

2010-09-02T00:01:00.001+01:00

Arts Award 2010 Grundy Gallery Blackpool - Introduction to letterpress

I had the offer of a wonderful job over the summer, teaching a group of 16 teenagers letterpress for their arts awards at the Grundy Gallery, Blackpool.
I've got to admit it was pretty exhausting but I had so much fun and I loved seeing their process. I only had 4 hours so it was down to basics with a short introduction and then some hand printing with some wood letters and getting use to printing back to front. First they started with their name to make it easy then I ask them to express some words of a song, book or film in print, they all were a little quiet at first but it wasn't long before there was an explosion of ink and mess ;o)
To finish they set their name in some lead type and printed some cards for their portfolio on the Adana so they could get an idea of how letterpress works, it was no mean feat setting 16 student names but I was rewarded with so much enthusiasm and a long queue to print!
You can see more photos in my flickr set here
Thanks to Kerry at Grundy Art Gallery for the fab opportunity to work in such a wonderful environment!

2010-08-23T17:06:00.001+01:00

I've added some new letterpress cards in my shops, inspired by old playbills and printed with antique victorian wood letters on soft 100% cotton somerset rag, just love these old letters, wonder if I'll ever get to use that lovely Z...

friday inspiration

2010-08-20T15:09:00.001+01:00

I've just downloaded the latest edition of Blanket Magazine a great read, especially as it features letterpress and a fab article on printing linocuts on fabric and there's a a lovely feature on paper cut artist MR YEN, It's only $2 and you also get a free font and music, a bargain!

The 1st edition of NUNO magazine is now available to download with a autumn forest theme of handmade goodness, packed full with tutorials I must have a go at the twig notebooks, you can view a preview of the contents and download here for $5

I found nuno via paper n stitch where I have been featured as shop of the day and today I'm one of the daily favourites. Brittni runs a lovely inspirational blog with tutorials and advice on selling your handmade goodness online.
There's is also a chance to win a $20 spending spree here

Have a chilled weekend everyone I'm going to have a glass of red and be inspired by my new found ispiration...

2010-08-19T16:25:00.001+01:00

I'm feeling all nostalgic (hence the retro photographic effects) after my visit to Poole in Dorset especially after lashings of Ginger Beer at the Ginger Pop Shop which celebrates the golden age of childhood. I was brought up reading Enid Blyton, my favoutrie being the Famous Five series so it was fascinating to explore islands and places in dorset that had inspired these intrepid adventures.

A lovely boat trip to the Brownsea Island belonging to the national trust aboard a 1930s yacht, where I introduced the boys to a cream tea, just an excuse for me to have one really!

Lots of visits to the Jurassic Coast hunting for fossils and crabs in the rock pools, I love this bucket tree I spotted at Lulworth Cove

Lots of messing about on the river Frome, Wareham, where I discovered I can't drive a motor boat when I got the boat stuck in the bull rushes and had to get us out with an oar ;o)

We had one very wet day so I was shanghaied into visiting the tank museum, yawn ;O
I was more interested in taking pictures of typography on the tanks and playing dress up with Kyle, kind of reminds me of this British classic ;o)

Boy am I showing my age ;o) you can see more pics on my flickr