If the front side and the back side of a card are not enough, there are four more sides to work with: the edges. Edge painting can be matched to an existing color in the design or it can be done with a contrasting tone to add an unexpected pop of color. Finishing processes like this can [...]
Javier Garcia of Javier Garcia Design has written on his own blog talking about the process of designing and printing his letterpress printed business card. Since we could not say it better than he did, we'll just show you a picture of the finished card and give you a link to his blog post if [...]
We love to create fun pieces like this spinning wedding program. We printed flat sheets then die-cut the pieces using custom dies. Hand-assembly with eyelets finished the programs. We were sure to take care to let the wheel spin freely. It was a great way to show the guests where each event was happening and what [...]
Preparing hand-written or hand-drawn artwork for letterpress printing is not as difficult or intimidating as many may think. Hand-drawn artwork can take on an entirely new charm when letterpress printed, and we have had some great results. Calligraphy is especially pleasing when relief printed. A follow-up post will go into more detail explaining one of the methods [...]
Blind deboss and embossing are two different processes where an impression is made in the paper without the use of ink. To put it in the simplest terms, a deboss is pressed in to the paper, and an emboss is raised up from the paper. Embossing is a process that requires a male and a [...]
Becky Chan of Honey and Bloom designed this beautifully modern invitation suite. The solid green leaves were achieved by double-inking the green plate. This bright green and warm grey color combination has become a favorite around the shop. Notes: Printed in 2 colors on 220# Crane Lettra Pearl White paper with matching printed Lettra envelope
This poster idea was created by San Francisco industrial designer Joey Roth. The original which was featured in the hustler-themed 48 Hour Magazine was not letterpress printed, but Joey wanted to have a special edition printed with us following the encouraging response for the poster in the magazine's release. You can purchase the poster on [...]
Every once in a while we are requested to print on non-traditional material. When asked to print a wood veneer save the date, we were skeptical, but anxious to see the results. Wood veneer does not allow for a deep impression, but the uneven surface does create a neat weathered look, showing off the patterns in [...]
Our first self-promotional piece has gone out, and many thanks to all who have written with kind comments about it. It was a lot of work, but we're all very proud of the final result. The idea came from a small, pocket-sized metal perpetual calendar given away by Kaufman-Seeds in Ashtown, Arkansas in 1973. Notes: Printed [...]
This clever illustration was created for Turner Duckworth's 2009 Holiday card. The illustration is printed on a separate sheet that is then tipped into an embossed "frame" on the folding card. We mounted half of the cards to show the London skyline, and half to show the San Francisco city scape, for the two offices [...]
