The Beast, and other News

Whew! Our blog is in serious need of some updating for 2010 and what better way to begin than with the latest news: in the last few months we've acquired 2 Chandler & Price presses and have found our first official workspace.

The first of was an old series - pat. 1885 - of which we've spent (eh hem, mostly John) the last few months or so taking apart, cleaning, painting, reassembling, and oiling. And then another few weeks to retrofit it with a new motor.

The second is a newer series - early 1900's - which we've aptly nicknamed The Beast for its freight train sound when running, and sheer mechanical size. We're in the process of replacing a few old parts and then we'll give it a good dust off and be raring to go.

Some may be interested to know that we will be 100% Wind powered, and we'll take a shot at using soy based inks with a biodegradable solvent on our presses.

We're very excited at getting our hands dirty with print and working with these amazing old machines and hope that you will be too. We are still in the process of getting ourselves organized in the space, but will be sure to add an update when we are more officially settled in.

Enjoy a few sneak peak photos!

Product Superior in 1000 More Graphic Elements

We were lucky enough to be included in Rockport Publisher's new Book, 1000 More Graphic Elements: Unique Elements For Distinctive Designs. Our mailing label and product label are featured as plates 0991 and 0993.







As always, we include a mailing label and product label for no additional charge with every Product Superior purchase. And what the heck, we'll even customize the mailing label with your name and address for free! That's just the kind of people we are.

Inspiration

I just picked up one of my favorite issues of Martha Stewart's Living magazine (there has always been a special place in my heart for the Easter and Halloween issues) and was happy to see this hotness inside! I was so excited and thought snapping a photo or two to share would be a welcome surprise. The feature intro page designs had become a little dull in the last few years, so it was especially pleasing to me that a new burst of energy seems to be present. There are some great pages on decorating eggs, but I'll let you look for yourself. Hopefully it inspires you to make something special, as it did me.

Progress

More details to come!

Custom Holiday card design

Here's a holiday card we recently created for a good friend who does custom art framing out of Houston. This year, he was looking for something a little more special and custom to mail his friends, family, and co-workers. The only stipulation was that there be a tree or wreath in the design. Knowing that he has a lovely collection of intricately engraved art prints (from architectural to floral) adorning his home walls, delicate flourishes and other details in a golden hue seemed the appropriate design for his greetings.

Holiday photocards on Clark Lara Photography

Check out our designs for holiday photo cards, now available on photographer Clark Lara's website. We're very pleased to compliment your family portraits and holiday messages with our designs!

Thanks Clark & Rica!

Holiday cards on Cranky Pressman

He's right, it is the magical time of year again! Check out the Cranky Pressman's site for a series of posts on holiday cards and more that they've printed—past and future. Imagine our delight when discovering the vintage embroidery inspired holiday sleigh cards we designed are the first in the series. Check out more on Cranky's site here.

To purchase your set of our lovingly designed and letterpress printed holiday cards, click here.