Thursday, January 29, 2009

Wishful Thinking (West Coast)



I am in the process of looking for a new press. It is time to expand around here. This is one I am close to purchasing, and if all goes smoothly, I will have this baby in my shop sometime next month. Just need to do a bit of coordinating.

I have been struggling with my current press for a while. I think I want it to do more than it is capable of doing. I love it, and it has served me well. But it is time for a bigger machine. I am looking at a 8 x 12 C & P floor model. I think that is a good size for what I want to do, and it will fit into my shop area without feeling cramped. I have been working hard these past few months making space for my workshop in our small garage. I have a nice area carved out, and will probably add a few more improvements before my new press moves in. I am really excited though! This will make my printing life go much smoother!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Happy New Year (West Coast)




It has been a whirlwind of a Holiday Season around hear. My first holiday season as a card printer. I wasn't expecting the rush of sales, and was pleasantly surprised with how much traffic our Etsy sites got. Fun stuff! Between that and my graphic design workload, I don't think I have blogged since November. Time goes quickly.

After a full month away from my press, I am dusting it off and printing today. My plate is on, and the impression is lined up. I thought I would start with some reprints of cards I am low on for letterpress inspiration. Then as the week goes on start to work out some new designs. I have a few ideas, but haven't gotten them down on paper yet.



Pictures from our California winter holiday in Yosemite! Lots of snow! We spent a few days up there right after our big winter storm, it was beautiful and cold!

Sunday, January 04, 2009

2009 Awaits (Midwest)


Well, we have about 16 more hours of Christmas vacation. I haven't posted over break so I will line list some of the highlights...

•The rats climbed up the Christmas tree. Tree sap + rat fur = not good.
•I had two cosmos in one evening and wasn't even buzzed. This is remarkable. Trust me.
•I was on my letterpress once for a quick print job.
•Indoor soccer, bowling, and inflatable bouncing sessions were all achieved.
•I had a fun, paid (!) photography gig as a second shooter at a wedding.
•One of us caught a stomach flu and at this point we don't know how many others were exposed.
•Sam cut most of his left eyelashes off.
•We have had 3 family game nights with charades being the most popular game.
•I ate 9 pieces of chocolate fudge on Christmas Eve.
•We had at least one day were we never got out of our pjs.
•We sledded. And, sledded. And, sledded again.
•Hannah became my photo sidekick when she got a digital camera for Christmas.
•Fights happened and were sometimes resolved.

All and all we managed to end break with a trashed house, overtired occupants and an empty fridge. Well done, I must say.

Happy New Year!!!