The Printer
I’ve dabbled in the marketing world for over 8 years and I’ve loved every second of it. The opportunity to jump across different departments has mixed my skillset into what I believe is a master of jack of all trades.
I’ve always loved vintage things. I’ve been drawn to keeping tea time during the day, most of my furniture is from before 1950, and I collect antique teacups.
I discovered the letterpress machine around 3 am while rocking my newborn daughter to sleep. I read article after article, youtube video after video to learn everything I could about a vintage machine that I could put modern designs on. I called other printers, I dove headfirst into a class and never looked back. I’ve worked hard to learn this craft and perfect myself into a pressman.
My design is timeless and traditional. I love simplicity and elegant floral features while maintaining balance and white space. I believe the handwritten note, or hand-pressed card is a magical keepsake for my client and their friends.
The Press
After taking my letterpress class I immediately began searching for my machine.
My husband and Father-in_Law spent a chilly January Saturday to drive from Oklahoma City to Kansas City to pick up a press I had found to be restored and waiting to be brought to its former glory.
Fitzgerald was brought to my garage January 15. He is a 1926 Chandler and Price 8x15 Platen Press. He was stored in an abandoned print shop in downtown Kansas City since the mid 70’s and was previously owned by a man named Roland. Fitz weighs about 1500 pounds and is the third love of my life, besides my husband and daughter.
He lives in my garage next to my husbands work bench where we have the opportunity to work together. He oils and tightened bolts, and I mix ink and test paper impressions. We three make the dream team.