sapling press

it's 1995

2010-04-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

as much as i'd like to make this blog full of pictures and inspiration, it's not. why? probably because i think i'm too busy to grab the camera, take a picture, take a good picture, upload it, adjust it, resize it and post it. kudos to those who do because i love looking at your blogs. keep up the good work.

my day to day life at the studio changes but music is a constant. maybe after the stationery show i'll post some more letterpress related pics and blurbs, but for now i've decided to share what i listen to in order to keep myself sane, motivated, pleasant, and sometimes awake. feel free to sing along if you know the words.

local natives

2010-04-13T21:51:00.001-07:00

do you have a card?

2010-04-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

now that the stationery show is less than 6 weeks away, it's time to create some business cards. here are a few examples of what i WON'T be doing. enjoy.

loving this song right now

2010-04-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

if you could be doing anything else other than printing, what would it be?

2010-03-27T09:46:00.001-07:00

hmmm...i've asked myself that question on more than one occasion when the biz has been in at its lowest, but i don't think i've ever decided an answer that i could stand by. i think i'm a maker at heart so it would have to involve my hands.

i also have a personality that makes me think i could do anything i wanted. that's probably why i have about another dozen business ideas in my head at all times. hmmm...maybe my profession could just be "entrepreneur";) thanks for asking!

Ask me anything

proceed and be bold!

2010-03-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

if you love stories about people who love letterpress, then you'll most likely love this movie. i just ordered my copy today.

YES WE CAN!

2010-03-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

BRAT

2010-03-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

are you happy?

2010-03-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

wish i'd thought of this

2010-03-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

what's the scenario?

2010-03-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

thanks to dane for the write up in steeltown anthem. she's got a crazy cool little blog goin on so make sure you check it out.

also, we've got lots goin on this month in the shop. my first studio class is this saturday and i'm excited to see how it turns out. i had a few cancellations so right now there are still 2 spots open:

monday, march 15th night class :: 6-10 (1 spot open)
sunday, march 21st class :: 10-2 (1 spot open)

next week i'll announce the class schedule for april so stay tuned!

the boys

2010-02-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

when i'm not at the studio running the press, i'm at home running after these two. introducing casper and keller, ages three and two.

and this is my husband bill. he was looking exceptionally saucy that day.

sapling press letterpress classes

2010-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

WOW! the response to the intro letterpress classes i'm offering has been totally ridiculous. as promised, i'm officially opening up the classes to everyone, but as of now there is only ONE spot left. here are the details:

CLASS DESCRIPTION ::
This intro class is perfect for those who want to learn the basics of letterpress printing. In this first class you’ll learn to set lead type and print with photopolymer plates on a proof press. Each student will get to print their own business/calling cards, OR personalized note cards/thank you cards and envelopes.

Students will either choose a design from the options on the following pages, OR they can submit their own design one week prior to the class they will be attending. All jobs will be printed on Crane’s Lettra 110# white cotton paper and in the ink color of their choice. All jobs will be one-color. * send me an email and i will send you a pdf of the design options.

CLASS SIZE :: 3 Students

COST ::   $125 for 200 business cards
                $150 for 100 notecards and envelopes
                All materials are included in this cost

CLASS SCHEDULES :: This class will be offered 3-4 times a month and will be a mix of both weekend and weeknight classes. The class will be filled on a first come/first serve basis. All new classes will be announced on my blog and sent via email one month prior.

MARCH CLASS SCHEDULE ::

Saturday March 6, 2010 :: 10am-2pm this class is full
Monday March 15, 2010 :: 6pm-10pm sign up by March 1 :: one spot left

Sunday March 21, 2010 :: 10am-2pm this class is full

HOW TO REGISTER ::
Step 1 :: Sign up. Please send me an email me at info@saplingpress.com to specify which class you would like to attend and your choice of either business/calling cards OR note cards/thank you cards. After you receive email confirmation I will bill you via paypal.

Step 2 :: Choose your design. Once your payment has been received, please send me an email with your choice of design and the information you would like on the card. I will send you a PDF proof of your artwork to approve. You will be allowed one round of revisions after your proof is sent to you. Once the artwork has been approved there cannot be any further changes.

Step 3 :: Send your custom artwork. Please send final artwork via email to info@saplingpress.com. You will NOT receive a proof for final artwork unless changes need to be made due to possible problems on press. Please send illustrator EPS files with all text converted to outlines, exactly to size, and in 100% black.

REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS ::
Things happen. If you have to cancel for any reason, your payment will be put towards another class to be taken at your convenience. If you decide not to take another class then I can offer a 50% refund paid via paypal. After final artwork has been approved, I cannot offer any refunds for classes missed.

Since the classes have filled up so fast I MAY offer another march class, but if not then check back here on march 1st for the april class schedule. I can't wait to get started!!!

this video puts me in a trance. enjoy.

2010-02-05T12:26:00.001-08:00

Vanishing Point from Bonsajo on Vimeo.

happy studio tour day!

2010-02-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

so this past saturday, the PCC was kind enough to host the studio's 2nd annual letterpress studio tour and demo. we had over twice the amount of people as last year and they were all letterpress newbies to boot.

my friend lisa, from ella studio helped me out for the day and i couldn't have done it without her. splitting into 2 groups, everyone was able to print a few valentine's day cards on the vandercook, watch the windmill in action as it cut the envelope liners, and witness the greatness that is the challenge automatic paper cutter.

photographer stephanie casey was kind enough to take photos of the event and post them on her beautiful blog. the studio never looked so neat and tidy and i can't wait to work with her sooner than later.

thanks again to those who attended. you made my day.

wish i'd thought of that!

2010-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

seriously, how cute are these? i've seen them a few places online, but you can check them out here. nothing says good morning like a nice fresh cup of 186 C.

TYPEFACE, the movie

2010-01-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

wow. i think i could spend a whole day just watching them make the wood type. way to go wisconsin!

TYPEFACE: The Movie Trailer from Zach Dodson on Vimeo.

sapling press studio tour

2010-01-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

IT'S ON! next weekend i'll be giving a little studio tour and demo of my not so big, but very productive studio. we did this last year and it was a big success!

here's the stats:
saturday, jan. 30th
2:00-4:00
5001 baum blvd. suite 348
pgh, 15213
412-802-6565

the building doors will be locked but i'll have signs on the door for you to call so someone can let you in :)

everyone who attends walk away with their own valentine's day cards & lined envelopes that they will complete from start to finish. plus i'll have some super yummy sweet treats.

emily at the pittsburgh craft collective is putting this whole thing on, and if you're not a member of the PCC then a $5 contribution will be accepted to benefit the PCC and all the super cool things they do. be sure to check them out and i hope to see you there.

clothing of the future according to the 1930's

2010-01-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

had this really been the look in the year 2000, i'm pretty sure there would have been plenty of single men to go around. enjoy.

national stationery show – twenty ten

2010-01-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

sapling press will be exhibiting at the NSS this year and we're looking forward to showing everyone what we're made of. that would be blood, sweat and tears usually brought on by a really bad paper cut. more details and pics to come of my progress in progress.

this is why i love what i do.

2010-01-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

wow. this video made me want to walk away from the computer and print something. enjoy.

Letterpress Coasters from Quarter Productions on Vimeo.

first show of the season

2010-01-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

it's on! come out on feb. 6th to the union project for the i made it mine! show. there will be a lot of great vendors as usual, and i'll be showing off some new prints and valentine's day cards. skip the chocolate this year and give the gift of handmade!

new year resolution

2009-12-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

my new year resolutions are pretty basic for 2010. the usual suspects include getting into shape, drinking more water, being on time and not procrastinating on pretty much everything i do. i feel confident that those will never change and that's almost comforting in a flabby, dehydrated, running late kinda way. i'll work on another word for "procrastinating" later.

on a deeper level i have a few goals that i've made which i plan to share with no one but myself. i've written, typed, and laminated a business card size list of goals that cannot be broken this year no matter what. do you think the laminating was to much?...yeah, me neither. laminated or not, this chick means business! each morning i plan to pull out that card in hopes of keeping my eye on the prize. my goals are attainable and that's all i need to know to keep me going for the next 365 days and beyond.

i'm looking forward to what is coming my way.