Just a quick post today to share an interview I did with Dear Handmade Life a little ways back! Head over to their blog for lots of maker interviews, DIY projects and more, and of course check out my feature here!
Tag: letterpress
Custom Letterpress Projects: A Timeline
Recently, I’ve received several requests for custom projects like business cards and broadsides featuring custom designs or logos with due dates within a few days or a week. Since this is impossible for me (or any other printer without an in-house plate-maker…. and even then!), I thought I’d share a typical timeline for custom letterpress projects to help foster more understanding for the process.
DESIGN: I usually create the first round of design options within a few days of receiving the order, but depending on how specific and descriptive the project parameters are, the time required for design can vary quite a lot. It’s always better to provide too much information rather than too little!
PLATE-MAKING: Once the design is finalized, I create files for the company that makes my printing plates. Letterpress is a physical process, with ink not only being spread across the surface, but the design is actually impressed into the paper, so three-dimensional printing plates are required. The design is etched into magnesium plates (backwards, of course), which are then mounted to a specific height of wood base. Then of course they must be delivered to my little island studio, which usually takes about a week, but can take up to two. I also order any additional supplies during this period.
PRINTING: Most one-color projects can be completed in a day once they’re worked into my printing schedule. If the project has additional colors, I prefer to let the ink cure for at least one week between colors to prevent smudging. If the design is double-sided, I’d rather set aside two weeks between sides.
FINISHING: Many projects end up being trimmed by hand, which takes several hours, or even a couple days, depending on the quantity. I always print more than the number of pieces ordered, so then I spend some time choosing the very best to send to the customer.
SHIPPING: Once the project is packaged and addressed with care, the Bermuda post averages one to two weeks for delivery within the continental U.S. Shipping can be expedited, but two- to three-day shipping starts at $51 for something as small as an envelope!
All told, most completely custom projects will take a minimum of five weeks after the design is finalized and approved. I do love printing custom projects though, so please do get in touch!
Quoted
Every so often, I get sick of promoting myself on social media. The constant “look what I made!” posts just start to feel tired, not to mention egotistical. So I’ve been paying attention to the facebook and instagram accounts whose posts I really enjoy—and I’ve realized that even though they are showing off product, they’re also giving their followers something more: an insight into their production process, exclusive stories from behind the scenes, or simply a few positive, funny or inspiring words.
I’ve been mulling over how to transform what I put out there into something with more value, and then it struck me—duh! I have collected hundreds and hundreds of inspiring quotes over the years (someday they’ll all make it on to cards!), why don’t I start sharing those?
So here goes a little experiment, friends. Head over to 622 press’ facebook page and follow me on instagram to not only keep up with what I’m up to in the studio, but also get your daily (or almost-daily) dose of inspiration! See you there!
Ooh, baby, baby!
I’m to the age where everyone around me seems to be having babies. A few weeks ago, I somehow I ended up taking charge of the décor for a friend’s baby shower (no idea how that happened…). I found the cutest marquis letters at Target, added in some Martha Stewart party decor and handmade bunting and flags. I also made a diaper cake—from scratch!
My etsy customers must be in the same life stage as I am, because recently I had a woman buy all the remaining “Holy Crap you made a tiny human” cards. At one of my wholesalers’ request, I reprinted them in pink and blue—for her shop and mine! I love these cards so much and I’m overjoyed to see them flying off the shelves.
I finally got around to printing my icon congrats cards in light pink and blue as well—plus the gender-neutral yellow at the top of this post.
Don’t worry, though, we’ve got more than cards! Of course you should pick up an everlasting bouquet for the new mama, but what about a little art for when she gets home? I just love these ABC and 123 prints in a nursery!
And of course, if you’re running behind or the baby was early, just grab one of these digital downloads, send it over to your local photo center and have a print in hand this afternoon!
October Card Club!
Oops, sorry guys I’m a few days late posting October’s card club selection. These went out before my weekend away, so I’m hoping the recipients are already enjoying them! I’ve already started planning the holiday selection for next month’s mail bag, so if you want in on the action, sign up here!
622 press | LETTERPRESS GOODS MADE BY HAND 