Posts Tagged ‘letterpress printers’

Extreme Makeover: Letterpress Edition
ABC Designs a Letterpress Printing Studio
With the Help of the Letterpress Printers Community

Friday, December 18th, 2009

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.

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Written by Nick

Invitations by Ajalon
View our letterpress wedding invitation gallery.

4 Easy Tips for Spring Brides on a Budget
How to Have Letterpress Wedding Invitations
Without the Breaking the Bank

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Letterpress wedding invitations are a beautiful addition to any marriage celebration. In terms of generating a heartfelt first impression upon your guests, letterpress invitations are a must have. There is no substitute that comes close to the unique style, texture, formal appearance and design.

However, some brides to be shy away from fulfilling their dreams of having that perfect invitation because the costs are seemingly too high. Which I might add, is understandable considering the lack of information that most letterpress printers, wedding planners and blogs provide. But I am here to tell you that this myth of letterpress printing costing an arm and a leg is simply untrue.

I feel so strongly about letterpress invitations being affordable, that I came up with 4 easy steps that can help reduce the costs of your invitation sets.

1) Shop Around

Don’t forget that not all printers charge the same price for the same services. Call around or look at a couple different printers websites and see what they are offering at what price. Also, I suggest requesting a printed sample from the printer before you order. This can end up saving you a lot of time, energy and money.

2) DIY or Digital When Possible

Not everything in the invitation set has to be letterpress (digital printing is a less-expensive alternative) or printed by the printer. Making your own envelope liners and inserting them is a really simple way to potentially save a lot of money, and it is so easy to do! So if you have the time but not the money, think about making some of elements of the invitation set yourself.

3) Look for Package Deals

Some printers offer special offers that include a complete letterpress invitation set that will end up costing you far less than if you ordered each piece separately. Search online or call the printers in your area to find out what kind of offers are available.

4) Enlist the Help of Family and Friends

You are not alone in this process. Have your relatives help you search for deals online or ask your married friends where they had their invitations printed. Have an addressing party where your friends (hopefully the ones with good handwriting :) ) get together and help you through the long process of addressing each envelope. Likewise, do not feel shy in asking for help with the making or stuffing the envelope liners. As a group effort, everything becomes easier and a lot more fun too.

Written by Nick

Invitations by Ajalon
View our letterpress wedding invitation gallery.