Field Books

I made a small series of one of a kind, letterpress printed "field books" this month. I've wanted to do this for a long time, ever since I bought an old copper printing block of graph paper.

This allowed me to print my own graph paper in whatever color I choose.

I made softcover and hardcover versions. The softcover has a pocket in the back for storing notes, feathers, postcards, and whatever else you might find while out in the field.

Many pages also have random ornaments like the one below, also letterpress printed.


If you're interested in purchasing one, I have a couple of the hardcovers left. They are 60.00 a piece. Contact me and I can send you images. I'll be making two, one softcover and hardcover, with pink graph paper soon too.

Greensaw Business Card

Hey there.

Sorry for the radio silence.

I was in North Carolina for three weeks. Promise I'll be posting regularly again.

Here are some business cards I printed for Greensaw Design & Build, an eco-conscious construction company based in Philadelphia. Three colors printed with deep impression on Muscletone Paper from French Paper Co. I think they turned out pretty nice, plus working with Greensaw was a pleasure. Thanks Greensaw!

The Pictorial Webster's

I'm sure you've heard about The Pictorial Webster's and have probably seen it passed around or own a copy yourself. If not, it's a visual dictionary, hundreds of pages of beautiful, antique engravings of animals, gadgets, and other goodies. Really neat.

the edition you may already know

But there's more to this story, which I learned from Kevin Mercer, a fellow printer who makes awesome posters, and that is that Pictorial Webster's started out as a small, handprinted, handbound, handeverything edition by Johnny Carrera of Quercus Press.

(my birthday is may 25th)

(just sayin')


Watch the video below, for an information and amazing description of the process that literally left me mouth agape.

thinking.


:: Anselm Kiefer ::

Thinking about drawing and ideas for a book. Lines and shapes. Grey palettes. The feeling of winter.

:: Anselm Kiefer ::

:: Thea Djordjadze ::

:: Sofia Arnold ::


:: Anette Blaesbjerg Orom ::

:: Anselm Kiefer ::

:: Anni Albers ::

Me, you, and a whole lot of avocado green

Guess what! I've been looking at seventies kitchens. I'm working on opening an Etsy vintage store, and all those earth tones are starting to influence me.

:: me & you mugs ::

I go to the thrift store a lot and am often drawn to items, especially kitchen ones, from this era. And I'm drawn to the objects that you can't tell right away if they're hideous or beautiful.

:: established & sons ::

I think my grandmother had that same double oven. I just ordered a book from Taschen all about advertising in the 70s, which I also love.

:: vintage clock ::




Hmmm...edge painting

Edge painting. So hot right now, and apparently the most highly guarded secret in letterpress. Folks get a little mum about this one.

:: edge painted cards designed by Pickett's Press ::

Well, I'm determined to figure this one out. I haven't tried it yet but I think I have the basic premise and thought I'd share what I've managed to track down so far. These process pictures help.


I think the first thing I'll try is a stiff brush and some oil-based ink (fast drying and there's also the benefit being able to easily match the color you used to print). I know some people out there are using an airbrush, but I'm not willing to make that kind of investment just yet, and there' also the possibility of using water-based dyes or inks, or even a stamp.

Hmmm... I'll get back to you on this one. Hope this helps, if like me, you're searching away on the internets for a tip, a lead...anything! Good luck and godspeed, fellow edge painters. I'll let you know how it works out.






Books & Cups



A sampling of the new books in the Etsy shop. I've been really enjoying these simple, classic, one-of-a-kind hardcover journals. Each one has the personalized touch of a vintage illustration. As always, acid-free, recycled, and made to last with the greatest care.


And while you're there, take a look at MarkWarrenStudio's beautiful slipcast faceted cups.


I know I want one!

And...Journal #4

The fourth and final custom journal in the series. Birds, bunnies, deer and other things.

:: front cover ::

:: the inside back cover, with a pocket that will hold a card ::

:: desert critters ::

:: deer ::

:: collage of thread, an old photograph, and handmade paper ::

Journal # 3

The third custom journal. For a musician who likes cars, the Adirondacks and Vermont, had a beloved retriever, and enjoys the finer things in life.
:: cover, with racecar ::

:: retriever ::

:: vermont! ::

:: wining and dining ::

:: sheet music ::

To see more books like this one, please visit my website

By the way, I'll be away for a week on vacation in Michigan. When I get back, I have over a dozen new books I've made, so I'll be sure to share some of those with you.

On a sadder note, I just learned Dennis Hopper died. I hope he's up there, fishing with john, drinking a pabst blue ribbon, and generally raising hell. He will be missed.

Journal # 1

So for the last week or so, I've been working on four different custom journals for my friend, Catherine. Each one is going to be a gift for someone on graduation day. Catherine sent me a list of each person's likes and interests so that the journal could be tailor-made to their aesthetic. This one was for someone who liked the prairie, the midwest, beige and red, and the woods.
:: cover ::

:: vintage sewing pattern ::

:: old book page and printed ephemera ::

:: turn over this page and there's a surprise ::

:: a pocket in the back with small notebook ::

Each book is made with one of a kind inclusions. For example, the pocket above was part of a handprinted banner I received as a gift. I regularly scout for old picture books at the thrift store to add to my collection of paper bits.

If you would like to commission a journal like this, please contact me for more information.

Stay tuned for Journal # 2...

Pizzaz!


Three books in the oven! Almost done, and when they are I'll post plenty of new pictures. I've been working hard this week on a set of custom journals for a friend...
And what is fueling these endeavors? Pizzaz! Let me tell you a little bit about pizzaz...
Pizzaz is a pizza native to South Philadelphia without sauce and topped with...wait for it...american cheese slices, tomatoes and banana peppers and it is so freaking good and cheap making it the perfect lunch to bring to the studio.

Maybe I should go get a slice.

Nice Day.

I had a nice day in the studio. I cleaned the press more, now that it's upright, I can reach spots I couldn't get to before. I tore down paper for some journals I am going to make, and thought about ordering bookcloth.


This is my paper tearing knife, it was a hand-me-down, I really like it.

I unpacked a bit more.

these will be the studio coffee cups

All the while, I was watching this, and cracking up.


Then my friends came by and we sat out on the roof and talked and had a beer. It was a nice day.




Is that a press?

Is that what I think it is? A Chandler & Price Old Style 10 x 15? Sans flywheel? Why it is! Yes, for the first time since its purchase and dismantlement, the C&P is back on its own four feet and looking like a press again. Sort of. We still need to reattach the flywheel, drive wheel, and other important things.

Upon closer inspection, we also realized we're missing some nuts. 30 years of sitting in a basement unused will do that. I keep picturing the previous owners doing something like this:

- I need a nut for this bolt.
- Just get one off the press.

We should be able to get replacements at any hardware store. Otherwise, things are looking pretty good so far. The mechanism behind the ink disc needs some work but the platen looks great, as do the gears and the rails. Not bad for a 120 year old machine.

Pretty exciting stuff, people.

:: pretty drawers ::

I brought home my new type cabinet last weekend and spent some time looking at what was inside. My favorites are 14pt Stymie Light, 12pt Pabst Oldstyle, and a sans serif simply named Airport. I'll have to do a little more research on that one. Last but not least, a humble little drawer of wood type!

:: wood type ::

I was also thrilled to see this again.


It's a short film about the making of crayons and when I saw it, I had a Proustian moment of childhood memories. I can't really explain why, but I believe this film has a lot to do with who I've become, someone who makes things.

Networks within Networks

Huldra Press is all grown up now (it actually has a physical address!) and therefore a Huldra Press Facebook page was due.

And so, dear readers, I ask of you, become a fan! ... or "like"... whichever Facebook is calling it these days. That would be swell of you. I'll be thrilled and you'll be privy to all kinds of tidbits, photos and invitations as the studio develops. It's a win-win situation.

I was searching around on the internets today and found Meet Your Printmaker, a non-profit directory of independent printers. I especially liked this little piece of ephemera by Thomas-Printers.

by Thomas-Printers :: awesome ::

Also interesting, the work of Anna Fewster, over in England, who's doing some pretty interesting stuff. It's so nice to people working with handset lead type in a unique fashion!

A book by Anna Fewster

So remember, check out the Huldra Press Facebook Page! And tell your friends.