Thursday, April 23, 2009

Rounding a Corner (Midwest)


A couple weeks back Laurie and I had this long phone conversation about the disappointing news that our paper vendor was no longer offering rounded corner, flat notes in A2 size. I know. It's really a tragedy. I think we went through all the stages of grief during that phone call. Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance...

I decided that in order empower myself and move on I needed to locate the perfect corner rounder. I ended up deciding that a hand punch (think scrapbooking tool) would be doable. I could punch corners while watching tv (think Desperate Housewives of Orange County) and make my own rounded corner flats. Heck, I probably have other printed things that would be cool with rounded corners (think grocery lists).

So, after a week or two traveling to various craft stores, buying what looked like workable and sturdy corner rounders I found one I liked. And, three that I didn't which were returned. Presenting the Fiskars hand-squeezy-view your paper-round your corner-and watch a paper piece flip up into the air model. I like it because it cuts easily and consistently. The blue stock below is a duplex card stock, at least 110 lb. You can see the corner is pretty clean and has about the same corner radius as the precut flat beneath it.




Who knew a craft punch would be so exciting that someone would photograph and write an entire blog post about it? Not me.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Goodbye Old Friend (West Coast)



I sold my old Kelsey this past weekend. I placed an ad on Briar Press and Craigslist. I also looked up some wanted ads on Briar, and emailed a few people. I remember when I was looking desperately for a press how hard it was to find one without feeling completely gouged for the price. I charged what I paid for it. I got a good deal on my new one, and felt I wanted to help out a fellow letterpress person starting out. It was a nice transaction. I know it went to a good home. It was sad to see it go since I really learned to print on it. But at the same time, it is nice to have the elbow room for my new bigger press. I have a large spot on my work table to spread out when I print. It will be nice to finish up my plate and send it out. I have been working on some new designs for the past few weeks. It is hard to find the solid time to complete them. Hopefully in the next few days I will have them ready to send off for plates.

Monday, April 13, 2009

It Feels Like Spring! (West Coast)




Well the kids are back in school today. We surprised them with a trip to Hawaii to visit their cousins over spring break. It was very fun to unexpectedly pick them up from school with the car loaded, they were totally confused. Ethan asked if we were going to the beach—I think he thought for a picnic lunch. I told him yes, but laughed. We drove off to the airport. It was great.



Now I am back, somewhat rested, and excited to print again. I have been busy with graphic design projects over the past month. So even though I have been printing on my new press, I haven't posted in quite a while. Here is a peak at a card I designed last year, but was never able to get a nice print out of on the Kelsey. The C & P knocks it out with ease. It is so nice to have all power of the new press, with so much less work. My Kelsey didn't have the muscle to give me a deep impression, and even a clean print on something this large. The daisy prints nice and clear on my new press. The impression is really nice too!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter! (Midwest)


Here's hoping that everyone is enjoying a happy and relaxing Holiday with family and friends.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Coming up for Air (Midwest)


I've been a pretty lame blogger as of late. I'm smack in the middle of spring break and the kids are keeping me very busy. Since, I'm heading out of town for a couple days I figured it would be a good time to post before I dash off...

I have a couple design projects running right now. I'm quite pleased to have print projects on my plate. I was sketching brochure ideas the other night and it was so fulfilling. I plan to work as much as I can this weekend (around Easter activities) to get a jump on the work I need to get done.



Oh also, I was able to do another photography assist gig last Monday. I helped hold reflectors, talk to the model and even shoot a bit (see photo above). I'm really enjoying my camera. Every day (well, most days) I look forward to taking my picture of the day. Even when I don't have my camera with me I find myself noticing things and thinking "that would make a nice photo". Sometimes when I'm talking to someone I catch myself moving so I can view them in better light. This really surprises me. Now I need to find a way to incorporate my photography and my letterpress. More on that soon...