I was recently watching ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition recreate another extremely lucky family’s home when I saw something that caught my eye. Actually, it did more than catch my eye, it piqued my interest and made me super excited! Part of the project was to build a fully functioning letterpress studio in the room of 12 year old Aariel Dore. Her room was equipped with a vintage desk to hold her hand operated press and space for her computer and design station.
Because letterpress printing is such a vintage art form, it was rather difficult to find individuals or businesses that had extra parts, pieces or presses that they could donate. So initially it looked like little Aariel’s dream was not going to be realized. However, thanks to the help from the awesome letterpress printers’ community and some internet savvy organizational skills, Aariel received a fully restored press from Seattle’s School of Visual Concepts. In addition, countless printers donated inks, instruction manuals, plate-making materials and other necessary supplies.
It was a dream come true for Aariel and her family. She got what she most wanted, and it was all thanks to the generosity of the letterpress printers community. It is little reminder like this that always make me feel proud to be part of such a well preserved, amazing community of artisan craftsmen and letterpress printers.
Written by Nick
Invitations by Ajalon
View our letterpress wedding invitation gallery.
