Before the big move, I picked up a couple linoleum printing blocks at an art store in Madison. The printing plates I order from Owosso are expensive and getting pricier all the time, so I thought carving my own would be a great way to save a little money on simpler designs.
One of the components of my new collection happened to be perfectly suited to hand carving, so last week I sat on my porch with my Dremel and went at it! Below is the before and after—can’t wait to see how they print!
As promised, here are my experiments in embroidery! I started by finishing a project I had started last winter… beleive it or not those satin stitches took FOREVER. I do love the results and have proudly listed it in my second etsy shop, although I’d be happy to keep it too! My first brand new design began with a monogram. I don’t think it was quite as successful, so I’m going to try the idea with a different stitch next.
But while I was still in love with French knots, I tried a few more things. Though I’ve embroidered before, I couldn’t remember how to do them (I found a great tutorial here!), and once I figured it out I was hooked! I started with my own color experiment in red.
Next up: combining those French knots with other stitches in a less abstract design. I’ve always loved poppies and I thought their black centers would be a fun way to work in texture to a piece. Red Poppy hoop available here! Stay tuned… I’m just waiting on more hoops to arrive in the mail and I’ll show you all what else I’ve been working on!
[see previous post if this title doesn’t make any sense to you!]
Sorry loyal readers, I’ve been a little bit all over the place lately. Bacon, houseplants… I don’t know what this blog is coming to anymore.
This weekend marked the first in quite a while (and the last for an equally long while) in which I didn’t have to devote any time to that job that pays my bills. I spent two days doing nothing but letterpress, and let me tell you, I am not in printing shape anymore. No, it’s not that strenuous, I am just that out of shape.
Anyway, that means loads of new work coming soon, and in the mean time, another way to bring a little letterpress into your life:
Super fun paper circles! For the last year or so, I’ve been holding on to all my scraps and test papers and pieces that didn’t turn out quite right. So they’re not perfect, but there’s still something really beautiful about the intersecting designs…too beautiful to end up in the trash can. Perfect for scrapbookers, card makers, artists or even just to use as confetti on your next party table, these little discs add whimsy to any project.
Pamela Tang’s shop is full of interesting textiles, clothing and home goods, but my personal favorites are her abstract paintings. I love her color combinations and the textural quality of her pieces.
There are no words. Amazing maybe, but other than that, nothing. Yellena James is an illustrator out of Oregon whose work I LOVE. I’ll stop distracting you from her images now. Wow.
622 press | LETTERPRESS GOODS MADE BY HAND 