ps press

Purl Stitch Print

2009-11-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

The third and possibly final print in my knitting series is here! I have been in a creative slump lately but I've had this block carved for a while and needed to get it printed. This single color linocut joins the knit and yarn over stitches to complete a trio of knitting-themed prints. You can check this lasted print out on
Etsy along with the others.

Knit Stitch Print

2009-08-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Finally the next in my knitting series of prints has arrived! I have had this block carved for a while but some travel has interrupted my printing plans. I'm back and printed this last weekend. Its another nice single color print illustrating the basic knit stitch, foundation of many garments. You can find it for sale on Etsy now!

Yarn Over Knitting Print Finally on Etsy

2009-07-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

A while back I decided to make a series of prints based on knitting. After my trial print didn't work out so well it took might quite a while to recarve it on another type of linoleum. Well, this new print is finally done and on Etsy!

I have three more knitting stitches that I'd like to make prints from and I'm going to use the same ivory paper with probably orange, a deep blue, and maybe a brown or brick red as the color for each print. I am a bit behind on my goal of one print a month so I'll have to double up this month!

Relay for Life Print

2009-05-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Tina asked if I would donate a print to help raise money at her company's Relay for Life booth. I said yes and I'm really glad I did -- I was in a creative slump for a while and coming up with a print for this built my confidence back up and gave me some new ideas to work with. I gave myself a time limit to come up with a design and was able to come up with something I'm proud of without agonizing over it. I hope she likes it and it raises some money for the cause. If they have a website for the event I'll post it here.

New Linocut Print Theme -- Knitting

2009-04-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

I've decided to base my next series of prints on knitting -- my first trial print is one illustrating the yarn over stitch. I think I might do a series just on different stitches, but I'm not sure yet. This was carved on some old unmounted linoleum I got from Dick Blick some time ago. I really like how it carves but not so much how it prints -- the texture is too rough for me, plus I have to mount it if I want to print it on my Vandercook. My husband suggested trying to use sandpaper to make the texture better so I might try that next. I unfortunately bought this linoluem in bulk so I'd like to figure out a way to use it and be happy with it!

Trailer Print Round 2

2009-03-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

I decided to carve up the last trailer print that I did because I wasn't very satisfied with it as a single color print. I carved out most of the back and created a desert scene to be printed in another color. I like how the landscape is pretty surreal when done in the silver. Both of these inks have a little shine to them which I like, although the ink coverage isn't 100% because of the black cardstock. Overall thought I think a big style improvement over the first one. This print is now for sale in my Etsy Shop.

Kraftwork this Thursday

2009-03-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

I'll be at Krafwork again this month. I need to make room for new designs so I'll be offering a buy two get one free sale on all my greeting cards!

Kraftwork is the ATL’s monthly indie craft market hosted by Young Blood Gallery & Boutique and the Indie Craft Experience. Each month features a showcase of crafters, snacks, cocktails and good times!

Join us the first Thursday of every month 7-10 p.m. at Young Blood - 636 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306

Oregon Ink Spot Exchange Print - Round 2

2009-02-24T17:36:00.000-08:00

After I completed my last print for the Ink Spot Print Exchange I took another look at it and wasn't exactly satisfied. I decided that I wanted something more realistic than abstract so I asked my husband for some guidance on a new sketch. After some of his suggestions I came up with this version, which I prefer. I think they are both valid prints/styles, but I like this style a little better so I'm going to submit it for the print exchange instead. It was printed on black cardstock with silver Van Son letterpress ink.

Oregon Ink Spot Exchange Print

2009-02-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

I've decided to participate again in the Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange. This year's theme is "Reflections of your current studio practice". My practice involves cutting a lot of linoleum, so my print consists of a close up study of three linoleum cutting tools. I have been playing around with repeating images and I liked turning this study into a print that looks almost abstract because of the use of that repetition. I used Arches Rives BFK gray paper and oil-based black ink and drop printed on my proof press, inking by hand instead of using the rollers because the edition was small.

Trailer Print

2009-02-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Although I skipped January I hope to have two prints done in February so that I'm still on track for a print a month!

Here's my first print of the year. It's based on the picture below taken of an old trailer in east Tennessee. I would like to make another version with a more realistic background, but I like the way the trailer itself turned out here. It is done in silver letterpress ink in on black paper.

Looking Back and Forward

2009-01-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

This past year I set a goal for myself to produce at least one print a month in 2008. I took a look back at my blog posts and counted up 18 prints for the year! I didn't produce much at the end of the year because I decided to knit a lot of holiday gifts for friends and family, but my activities in the spring more than made up for it.

Mostly to record this for myself (because I'm so happy I completed the goal :)) I've made a list of all the prints I completed in 2008:

January Hilltop Motel

February Block Print Journals (4 small prints)

March Pee Wee

March (Again!) Postcard Print Exchange

April Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange

April (Again!)More Block Print Journals (4 small prints)

May No prints

June Big Rig

July Popcorn

August Ice Cream

September Skateboard and Bicycle (2 prints)

October No prints

November Corn Dog

December No prints

I am going to continue this goal for 2009. I had fun with both very large prints (for me) and very small ones. This year I am going to go for a happy medium, working in the 5x7 to 8x10 range so that I can more easily carve multiple blocks for multiple colors.

If I have time I'll also post some of my knitting projects -- another goal I have is to keep a record of all my knitting projects with pictures so that when I give something away I remember what it looked like!

Belated best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy new year!

Kraftwork Tomorrow Night

2008-12-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

Kraftwork is a monthly market featuring Atlanta's finest indie artists and crafters. It takes place the first Thursday of the month from 7-10pm. The next market is tomorrow December 4th and will be a great place to pick up holiday gifts!

Young Blood Gallery is located at 636 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA.

Check out ICE Atlanta for more details.

Indie Craft Experience This Saturday

2008-11-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the Indie Craft Experience is this Saturday! I will be setting up again this year for my second holiday show and will have lots of my latest work available for early holiday shopping. Hope to see you there!

Latest Print in Fun Food Series

2008-11-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is my latest (and last) print in my fair/fun food series. I have chosen to honor the Corn Dog! You can see it this weekend at the Indie Craft Experience Holiday Spectacular in Atlanta, and I also have it for sale here in my Etsy shop.

Everyone loves a corn dog!

Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular

2008-11-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe but next Saturay November 15th from 11-6 is the Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular in Atlanta. It seems like we just had their summer show and now the holidays are almost here. I will be there again this time with some new prints and journals -- I am working on the final print in my food series and will have some pictures of it soon!

Check out the ICE Atlanta website for details and directions for the show. Hope to see you there!

Be Back Soon

2008-10-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

Haven't had much time for printing lately, I've been visiting in Western Massachusetts. This picture was taken on a spectacular weekend from the top of Mount Sugarloaf in the Sunderland/Deerfield area. I have been enjoying real autumn weather as opposed to the extra-long summer we get in Atlanta.

I am working on another print for my food series, and I'll have more craft show news when I return next week!

Kraftwork Tomorrow at Young Blood Gallery

2008-10-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Kraftwork is a monthly market featuring Atlanta's finest indie artists and crafters. It takes place the first Thursday of the month from 7-10pm. The next market is tomorrow October 2nd!

I had a great time at September's event and am looking forward to this one.

Young Blood Gallery is located at 636 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA.

Check out ICE Atlanta for more details.

Bicycle Print Journal/Notebook

2008-09-15T19:33:00.001-07:00

As promised here is a look at some new hardbound journals that were printed with my latest bicycle design. These are available now in limited quantities at my Etsy shop. I am unfortunately running out of these neat little notebooks and I don't have a supplier for them anymore! They are a great alternative to Moleskines.

Skateboard and Bicycle Prints

2008-09-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some quick prints I did using soft rubber stamp material. A little different style from what I usually do but I thought they turned out well. I also used the carvings to decorate some new hard bound notebooks. These were good sellers at this week's Kraftwork at Young Blood gallery, and I'll be posting pictures of those soon too. I don't have any more skateboard notebooks but I have a few bicycle ones left that I'll have to list on Etsy. The skateboard print is already listed for sale.

Printmakers of Etsy Interview

2008-09-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by artbear for the Printmakers of Etsy Blog and the interview is up now. It was a pleasure to be interviewed by artbear, she asked a lot of great questions that made me think a lot about my art and my process. Take a look!

Kraftwork Resumes at Young Blood Gallery

2008-08-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Kraftwork is a monthly market featuring Atlanta's finest indie artists and crafters. It takes place the first Thursday of the month from 7-10pm. The next market is this Thursday, September 4th!

pspress will be in attendance with new letterpress prints available as well as new hard bound journal designs. See you Thursday!

Young Blood Gallery is located at 636 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA.

Check out ICE Atlanta for more details.

Completed Ice Cream Print

2008-08-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

I've completed my ice cream print and it is now available in my Etsy shop. I prefer this one to the earlier popcorn one, maybe because I prefer eating ice cream to popcorn! The blue ink I used for this one has a nice shine to it, alhough it isn't picked up in the pictures. I'm trying to decide what food will be next in the series -- I can't decide between hot dogs and cotton candy.

Trunkt Portfolio

2008-08-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

I was accepted to Trunkt, take a look at my
Portfolio!

It currently features items already available in my Etsy shop.

Trunkt is a design website that hosts the portfolios of many wonderful artists, designers and entrepreneurs.

New Ice Cream Test Print

2008-08-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the test print from my latest food related theme. I pulled a quick print with water based ink asa shown above. I need to make the "fudge" over the the top of the ice cream a bit more detailed, then I'll be ready for a real run!

New Print in Progress

2008-08-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided to continue on with a fair/kids food related theme after my popcorn print. Next in line is ice cream! Here is a a look at how it's going so far. This one is also large at 12"x 18".

Goodies at Young Blood Gallery

2008-07-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that I know have some goodies at Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta at its new happening location (636 North Highland Ave). If you haven't checked it out their expanded space is awesome! Here are some samples of the items in stock now:

Popcorn Prints

2008-07-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some finished Popcorn prints. I tried several different backgrounds -- a yellow version, green version, and a blue version with a blue to green background fade. I prefer the yellow for its brightness, but I do like the blue fade too. These will be in my Etsy shop soon.

Popcorn Test Print

2008-07-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a larger print now that I have some time to get back to carving. This is a 12"x18" block that I just finished. I don't know if she remembers, but when Shona sent me some prints a while back she used a popcorn box as some extra packing material. I liked it so much I saved it and this is what came out of the inspiration!

I am planning on making it a two color print, and having a solid background color behind this, although if that doesn't look good I'll probably end up carving another block to fill in some combination of the stripes or letters. I just tested it out with some old black water based ink I had lying around. I am thinking yelow and blue and yellow and red for color combinations -- I hope to do a couple different variations.

Flickr Flickr Flickr

2008-07-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Just a word of warning if you want to change your Flickr identity -- it's pretty difficult! Once you pick a url you cannot create a new one and shift the existing pictures over. I decided to bite the bullet and manually move my pictures over to my new account, because I'm a glutton for punishment. I left a few pictures up under my old papastudios account that I want to remain linked to existing groups, but otherwise everything else has been moved to my new pspress account at

www.flickr.com/photos/pspress

Sorry to report that I don't really have anything new up there, but I hope to start working on some new prints soon, now that I have some more free time coming up in July.

Blog On The Move

2008-06-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

I have completed my blog name change, so if you are reading this you have successfully navigated over to my new PS Press blog, formerly known as Papa Studios Fine Prints!

This new URL is http://psletterpress.blogspot.com. Please update your links accordingly!

Name Change!

2008-06-18T19:41:00.001-07:00

After some consideration I've decided to change my press name from Papa Studios Fine Prints (which is way too long) to PS Press. This avoids confusion with the other Papa Studios business lines and allows me to have a much shorter and easier to remember name! I have some new banners for the site, and will be switching over the blog URL to reflect the name change in the near future. I'll also be moving my Etsy shop from http://papastudios.etsy.com to http://pspress.etsy.com gradually as things move out of the shop.

Indie Craft Experience Lucky #7 Atlanta Craft Show

2008-06-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Indie Craft Experience Lucky #7 show held this past weekend in Atlanta. The weather was brutally hot and I'm sure kept some people away but it was a good experience for my first outdoor show!

Surprisingly again my block print notebooks were hot sellers at the show, which is in contrast to Etsy where I sell more prints and cards. Go figure...

Also, on an "it's a small world" note, my booth neighbor Breanna (I didn't get a website she may have) was the same as at the ICE Holiday Show. And as I found out between last year's show and this one she is a friend of Shona at LALA dex press. It is amazing that they put us together both times, not to mention that we know someone in common. Anyway, it was great to have her next door with her wonderful fiber work!

Looking forward to the ICE Holiday show with some cooler temperatures...

New Big Rig Print

2008-06-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

What with working on a more complicated two color print and being away for a while I have not had much printmaking work to post. Here is the latest, an autobiographical two color print. I tried to challenge myself with the design on this one and I like the direction it went in. I am really satisfied with how the semi truck came out, and I learned a lot by trying to move away from printing in more simple blocks of color. Here are a few pictures of the fresh prints:

You can find this print and see my other work on Saturday at the Indie Craft Exprience Lucky #7 in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. This should be a fun event!

Indie Craft Experience Summer Event

2008-04-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have been accepted to the Indie Craft Exprience Summer Event this year in Centennial Olympic Park. I was very happy with the ICE Holiday show and am looking forward to this one!

Look What I Got in the Mail!

2008-04-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

I just got this selection of cards from my blog friend Shona at LALA dex press (who I hope to meet in person someday)! We are trading prints and I just wanted to share the wonderful batch I received. I had sent out a copy of my Pee Wee print along with some other goodies but they got lost in the mail so I'll be sending out a replacement soon, unless they happen to turn up!

More Block Print Journals for Spring

2008-04-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

I've done some more printing on this stash of hard bound Moleskine-like notebooks/journals that I have. I came up with some quick abstract designs that I carved in the soft rubber stamp material Speedball has. It is nice for quick designs, although I don't like to use it all the time. These are a little different for me but I like how they turned out. The blue abstract branches notebook is now in my Etsy shop, with others to follow.

Oregon Ink Spot Exchange Print

2008-04-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is the latest print I've been working on -- its a two color linocut for the Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange. It is based on a vintage kitchen wares advertisement that had nothing to do originally with hot dogs.

Off Topic: Knitting

2008-03-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a print for the Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange, I hope to have results to show soon. In the meantime, here is my second ever official scarf that I knitted last month. I gave it to my mother so I took some pictures for posterity:

It's just a big ol' ribbed scarf, nothing fancy!

On another (on-topic) subject), the Atlanta Craft Mafia of which I am a "made" member had a great Craft Happy Hour last night in East Atlanta that was open to all area crafters. It was a great time and I met some really nice people. I think they are planning more events like this so check out their website if you are in the Atlanta area!

Etsy Letterpress Treasury

2008-03-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Without really meaning to, I was browsing around the Etsy Treasury tonight and was able to snag one! Take a look, it features some of my Letterpress Heroes.

Postcard Print Echange Final Version

2008-03-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well I scrapped the original background I showed earlier in favor of this one block print with a multicolored inking effect. This is for the 7th Annual University Print Society Postcard Print Exchange. This year’s theme is "BOGO: Buy One Get One Free".

Postcard Exchange Print in Progress

2008-03-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

I discovered the 7th Annual University Print Society Postcard Print Exchange in time to participate this year. The theme of this exchange is "BOGO: Buy One Get One Free". This is the background, and I carved a linocut of some hamburgers that will be going on top of all this. I can't wait to see the different prints I receive from this!

Latest Pee Wee Print

2008-03-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to change the colors on the Pee Wee print I did previously. I also moved the quote up to the top -- changing the size of it made too much overlap in the middle I thought. I may do some in other colors later but I will be listing this in my Etsy shop soon!

Pee Wee Test Print #2

2008-02-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to post this yet as it needs some re-work but I thought my fellow Pee Wee Herman appreciator Shona at LALA Dex Press would enjoy seeing it.

I need to figure out a better font for the quote in blue -- the classroom I did this at had a good selection of lead type that I was eager to use, but I think I need to go even bigger with it. I may also play around with the color choices too...

Pee Wee Test Print

2008-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a test print of a linocut background I'm using in a Pee Wee Herman themed broadside. I am taking a class to get more familiar with hand set type and using a platen press -- very fun! This is the background for a piece I'm doing that will use the platen press for the other layers. This was printed using a Vandercook.

Prints featured in eat.shop Atlanta guide!

2008-02-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

While browsing at my local bookstore, I happened upon a copy of "eat.shop atlanta", which is billed as "the indispensable guide to inspired, locally owned eating and shopping establishments". Looking through it I found a page for Young Blood Gallery, where I have some of my items in stock. Lo and behold in the listing was a picture of my motel print display and a mention in the "covet" section for things to buy. I don't know the authors of this book, but thanks a bunch!

Unfortunately, Young Blood Gallery is now in the process of moving to a large space, but in the meantime you can purchase the prints found in "eat.shop atlanta" at the Papa Studios Online Store.

Knitting Instead of Printing

2008-02-05T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of my latest project, my first ever scarf that actually turned out ok. I tried to knit about 10 years ago and it didn't turn out well so we won't count that one. I tried to get Dutch the Boston terrier to pose with the scarf on but that didn't work out so we compromised and he sat by the scarf. My friend Lynne helped me get started again, and after her great instruction I was off and running. I am addicted now...

New Block Print Journals

2008-02-03T11:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some new block print journals I've been working on, soon to be in my Etsy Shop. The blocks were carved with soft rubber stamp material instead of the usual linoleum that I carve, because these journals are hardbound and won't fit through my press. I printed first in special white ink that will stick to the vinyl journal cover, then in silver over the white to create a layered look.

These are hard-bound journals similar to Moleskines in that they have an elastic closure, and a convenient pocket on the inside. I'll be posting them to Etsy soon!

Broadside Featured as Related Item on Etsy Storque Valentine's Article

2008-01-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

I was selected as a Related Item on the Etsy Storque article "Etsy Finds: Will You Be My Valentine?"

It's always appreciated when someone links to your work! If you are interested, check out my "A Good Man is Hard to Find" Letterpress Broadside.

Hilltop Motel Print

2008-01-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished version of the Hilltop Motel print I was working on in another post. I now have three two color motel prints in this series, and I may do one more, although I have exhausted my primary colors. I will be putting this up soon in my Etsy shop.

New Broadside

2008-01-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

A new broadside I finished last week. I finally got to use my wood type in a broadside after getting my dad to cut me some spaces to use with them! I thought this saying / Flannery O'Connor short story title would make a good anti-Valentine's day gift for someone out of the Valentine's mood. Available now in my Etsy shop.

Periodic Table Printmaking Project In The News

2008-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in posting this, but I need to mention that this wonderful project I was a part of was mentioned in Etsy! The Periodic Table Printmaking Project has been featured in the Etsy Storque (I was Cadmium.)

More Motel Sign Printing

2007-12-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

I had this two color motel sign linocut partially finished for about a month. I finally had some time to do it this week and I am excited about how it is coming out so far. Here are a few pictures of the work in progress. The block on the press is the first color I printed, and the uncolored block shows the black outline that I'll print next. So far so good! Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

Holiday Card

2007-12-04T19:05:00.001-08:00

I've been working on some holiday cards for myself and also for the last craft night I'll be going to. I love chartreuse so I couldn't resist this paper from Paper Source, but it turned out to be more difficult than I thought to come up with design and colors that worked on the paper. This is the final result, along with some of the linoleum blocks I used in the process. The card is now available on my Etsy shop too!

Holiday Gift Guide

2007-11-24T14:32:00.001-08:00

Fluffy Flowers was nice enough to include me in her Holiday Gift Guide. This is a wonderful list of Etsy shops she has bought from throughout the year. A great resource if you are going to buy handmade for the holidays this year! Thank you!

First Craft Show

2007-11-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

I participated in my first craft show this weekend -- the Indie Craft Experience Holiday Spectacular in Atlanta. It was a great time and went better than I would have thought. Having never done a craft show before, I really didn't know what to expect how or my work would be received. I got a lot of positive feedback, and found that the journals I have been printing on were the biggest hit of all.

I didn't have a lot of time to take pictures, as I was alone for part of the day and busy for most of it -- lots of people around -- but I have some of the event space, which is a very cool artists space made from an old industrial building, and my setup. I think I need to get some shelving for my displays next time, but this worked well for the first time.

Here is a second picture of the setup, notice the fine hand-painted sign! My husband does hand painted signs among lots of other things like pinstriping and airbrush work in the larger Papa Studios enterprise.

Here's the space, and a shot of the overall table:

I wanted to do more "reporting" and talk about some people I met during the show but I was kind of overwhelmed with talking to people and manning the booth. Next show I hope to do more!

Business Cards & Postcards

2007-11-11T10:11:00.001-08:00

Here is a business card I just finished for myself in preparation for next week's craft show. The text was printed using a polymer plate, and the men are from some vintage letterpress items I picked up on eBay. No idea who the men are except that they came from Minnesota, and there were at least fifty of them! I've found it to be a challenge when I have been printing linocuts, and then I switch to printing with the polymer plates or the halftone plates like these. When I print linocuts I am trying to get as much ink as possible on those wide surfaces, and then I have to concentrate on getting just the right amount with the polymer or halftone plates.

Speaking of the contrast between polymer plates and linocuts, I also finished a promotional postcard for the show based on my earlier "resolve" design. Here it is:

Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular

2007-10-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

I will be selling at my first craft fair, the Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular in Atlanta this year. I went to this event last year as a shopper and was very impressed with the great mix of vendors they had. Come check out this event and support craft in Atlanta!

Resolve

2007-10-16T17:50:00.001-07:00

As promised, here are some pictures of my latest print. It's a linocut on soft non-mounted linoleum that I printed by hand. I wanted to try another tattoo art piece to see if it could also be translated into a print. This is currently printed on two different notebooks and is available in my Etsy shop.

Goofy Golf

2007-10-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

I will have some new prints to post tomorrow, but in the meantime I leave you with some images from a vacation I took last week to Florida. This is a Goofy Golf Course in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. We played both courses and this was one of the highlights of the week! Way better than the modern mini golf courses with fake volcanoes, mountains, and no personality.

Georgia Street Team Online Trunk Show

2007-10-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

My Etsy shop is participating in the Georgia Street Team Online Trunk Show from October 12-15th. Make a purchase from the shop and receive a free note card.

Also check out all the other participating shops in the Georgia Street Team for other great deals.

Out of Town

2007-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have not been printing as much, due to some day job travel and some studio travel to a motorcycle rally to work. After the rally we stayed at this motel in Panama City Beach. It was was pretty seedy on the inside, but the view from its porch was amazing, and more than made up for the interior flaws! Apparently the owners have this huge block of land including the motel that they want to put a huge condo complex on. However, the city won't approve the condos because the land has a bunch of public beach access right of ways. I'm sure this will be gone soon but it is a nice reminder of the way Florida used to be!

Hopefully I will be back to some printing soon, and will make it to my first craft show in late fall!

Have you ever ridden an alpine slide?

2007-09-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

I had not until a few weeks ago when I rode the one in Gatlinburg, TN. It was so much fun and it inspired me to start a set of prints based on the attractions in Gatlinburg. The first one is of course the alpine slide:

We now want to seek out and ride all the alpine slides left in existence! Kind of like the people that visit all the major league baseball parks I guess...

Aloha Monkey

2007-09-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

I did this print just for fun, but it turned out so good that I went ahead and put in on Etsy! This is based on a great old piece of tattoo flash. I included a look at both the print and the linoleum block. Aloha!

Another Motel Print

2007-09-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the next print I attempted in the series of motel prints I just started. I again printed on brown and white card stock -- and I still like the white version better. I could have done better with the use of negative space I think in this one, but it was more difficult than the first motel print to pick the right elements to transfer from a photograph.

Motel Sign Print

2007-08-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished a new two-color print that I will be sending to the Print Exchange Five, an exchange I was invited to on printmakers.info.

I did two versions, one on glossy white card stock and one on rough cardboard-y card stock. At first I liked the one on the brown cardboard better, but the white one grew on me so I have decided to send that one out. Here they are:

I am very happy about these prints, because I have tried several times to make prints from my motel sign photographs with little success. In the past I was trying to get too much detail into the prints. This time I concentrated on stripping out a lot of detail and including very bold outlines, which seemed to work a lot better. I had so much fun with this one I am going to attempt a series!

some old pictures from Rogersville, Tennessee

2007-08-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Back in May we worked at a car show in Rogersville, Tennessee. I had been meaning to post some pictures of this but I forgot about them. The car show is a benefit for local charities, and each year is held on the land of a man who has recreated a small town from the fifties on his property. He has a Texaco gas station, a car dealership with an original curved class window, a railroad car style diner, a metal Sears house (I think it is Sears, anyway) and lots and lots of vintage antiques to furnish them. And the buildings are not just reproductions -- he has purchased the actual buildings and has had them moved to his property. It really is like a museum -- he should open for business and charge admission.

My camera ran out of batteries partway through, but here is a sample of some of the sights:

Blast Off print completed

2007-07-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the completed print from an earlier sketch I posted. This was one of my most successful three color prints. I am encouraged to start doing more of them -- that third color can make a big difference!

diy:mia TEAR/OFF art show

2007-07-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

Through some photos I had posted on flickr I got invited to participate in this street art and DIY art show in Miami called TEAR/OFF. You can get more details and see the artwork being submitted on their flickr group
www.flickr.com/groups/diymia. I submitted these older prints:

The show will be up at Miami International University’s Main Gallery from July 19th through August 24th.

Atlanta Etsy Treasury

2007-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thought I would mention that a member of the Georgia Etsy Street Team has created a Treasury of Etsy items from Atlanta.

Blast Off!

2007-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted much lately, thought I would show something I'm working on for my next print. This one will be a three color linocut. I think I may enter it in a print exchange I've signed up for, and also print it on some journals.

custom order completed!

2007-07-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the completed custom sketchbook/notebook order I've been working on for a while! I think this was a really unique commission, and I'm really happy with how the turned out.

Have a happy 4th!

Vandercook Party!

2007-06-30T05:57:00.001-07:00

You have to visit this post from the Vanderblog of some employee photos from Vandercook & Sons, makers of these fine presses. The photos were posted courtesy of Fritz Klinke/NA Graphics.

I want to know what the woman with the according was doing at the party!

more custom order details & progress

2007-06-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the first color I've printed for the custom sketchbook order I'm working on. Next will be the light blue color. As I said in my last post, its a two color print made from linoleum blocks. I can't wait for them to be finished!

custom order details!

2007-06-08T11:17:00.001-07:00

After some trials and tribulations, the commission I've been working on is finally proceeding! It's a limited edition hand-printed run of 50 signed and numbered sketchbooks. It's a two color print done solely on linoleum blocks. The sketchbooks have been ordered and should be here next week.

Here's a closer look at the sample I produced and more details:

Plaid Sketchbooks Move Forward

Bird card linocut on the vandercook -- printing brown

2007-05-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

Thought I would post a little about my press. It's a Vandercook SP15 and this is a picture of the bird card I've been working on. Here the press is inked up in brown and I'm ready to print from the linocuts I completed last week:

And here is the second color being printed. Just a small block for the bird, the wire the bird is sitting on will remain the color of the card:

I'll post a picture of the completed card tomorrow!

custom order, no time to post

2007-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've been working on both a custom order and a website recently (two separate new customers), so I haven't had much time to post lately. I thought instead I'd post a picture of one of my favorite motels. This was taken back in 2001 when my husband and I took a month off to take a road trip around the US. We covered over 8000 miles, and went from Massachusetts to Tennessee, out to Arizona, up California to Seattle, then east through Colorado and the midwest, and finally back to Massachusetts. This picture was taken in Kingman, AZ on Route 66. This is the motel that Timothy McVeigh stayed at the night before he bombed the federal building in Oklahoma City. We did not know it at the time we took the picture.

periodic table print project -- cadmium completed!

2007-05-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

I've finally completed my cadmium print for the Periodic Table Print Project. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I printed on both heavy white paper and this brown card stock, but I think the brown color is better. The white paper I used had too rough of a texture and it grayed out the black a little too much for me. If you are interested in seeing the progress of this project, check out the flikr group for this project.

periodic table project linocut

2007-04-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at the linoleum block I'm carving for my cadmium print. This is the finished block for laying down black. I'm about halfway through the second color block -- hopefully I'll be able to print something this week.

periodic table print project #2

2007-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a sketch of what I'm planning to carve for the periodic table print project. Its just a rough drawing in Corel of what I'm planning to do. I've got the block so now all I have to do is carve!

i'm a bad poster

2007-04-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Real life got in the way of blog posting, but I hope to be more reliable soon. In the meantime, here is a picture of a new card I'm working on. It started out as a piece of art I created for the house, but I thought it would be perfect for a card. It's going to be a #10 business size with a nice Kraft paper envelope.

periodic table print project

2007-03-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've joined this new print project that Azure Grackle has started, its called the PERIODIC TABLE PRINT PROJECT. Basically different printmakers each choose an element to make a 6x6 block print from, and they will be assembled into one giant periodic table! I chose Cadmium. I'll post pics of my blocks here as they are carved. By the way, here are still elements available if there are any interested printmakers out there!

etsy treasury

2007-03-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

I got an Etsy Treasury -- its called "See th USA in yr CHEVROLET"!

If you don't know what a Treasury is , from the Etsy wiki it says: Have you ever wanted to pick the Etsy home page items? Do you have the desire to choose and feature only 12 items from the list of thousands currently available for sale on Etsy? Satisfy your inner curator - the Treasury has arrived! The Treasury allows you to create a visual list of your favorite items on Etsy. You can choose to pick items in a theme (colors, animals, holidays, or whatever tickles your fancy) or you can create a wish list for the holidays or your birthday.

I picked car-related items. It was harder than you might think to find items featuring or based on cars! So far I've got some really good comments. And it's addicting - I'm already thinking about themes for my next one...

young blood gallery

2007-03-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

I should have mentioned that I also have some prints for sale at the Young Blood Gallery and Boutique in Atlanta. They are prints of vintage motel signs from Route 66, the Jersey Shore, and Myrtle Beach on heavy watercolor paper, and they have these cool display clips I made to show them. My husband also make (from scratch!!!) a really nice display for the prints. Young Blood has a great selection of crafty items for sale, if you are in Atlanta you should stop by -- they have directions at www.youngbloodgallery.com.

to do list

2007-03-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some things on my spring to-do list:

Work on some #10 size card ideas to go with some cool kraft paper envelopes I have -- see my earlier tiger post.
Start going to the first thursday of the month craft get togethers at Young Blood Gallery.
Print a backlog of some Christmas card designs I made last winter but didn't get to print before the holiday.
Promote commissioned letterpress posters at the car shows this summer.

Inspiration

2007-03-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the ceramic planters that I've collected. I'm thinking about using it as the basis for a print. For my next project I'd like to do another two color card, using just linoleum blocks. I was thinking about working on an owl design, but this might be better!

new etsy store

2007-03-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

I just accomplished one of the things on my list -- to create an etsy store with the designs I have already completed. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. (I'll also have to post my list of things to do later on.) The new etsy store is papastudios.etsy.com. Check it out!

Here is a pic of one of the things I added, its a Moleskine journal that I printed. I used to do some book making, so I'd like to try making something similar from scratch next time, instead of buying the Moleskines.

first post

2007-03-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Since this is my first post, I should explain what I am trying to do with this blog. Basically I'm trying to keep myself focused on all of the letterpress, printmaking, and craft projects that I am currently doing or want to do. I'll use the blog to keep a record of my progress and that way I can keep myself honest, and also show others what i am doing. Let's see if this works!

Since I always like to see pictures on other people's blogs, here are some for the first post...

This is Dutch, my buddy. He provides moral support:

And here is a letterpress card I did using him as an inspiration. I link to think of this as the Dutch graffiti tag version -- sort of Dutch as Andre the Giant: