The Road To Letterpress

So, the letterpress is almost ready to make its first print.  I say almost because, um, well in the process of assembling Santo Vida, I broke something.  I'll admit it.  Those of you who know me, know that I am once clumsy girl.  Not a day goes by when I don't slam my knee into my desk at work...and in the process of assembling the letterpress, I banged my foot not once, not twice, but three times on that hunk of iron.  

I was beginning to think that my venture was doomed, and that the foot abuse was fate's way of saying, "Hey you, you're a scientist, damn it.  Stop this creative stuff you like and get back to work."  But I am handy and a glutton for punishment, so I persevered.  I recruited my husband, a dead blow mallet, and alot of oil, and together we got the last few pieces together.  

I believe that I snapped the spring during one of these foot banging incidents.  So, now I am eagerly awaiting 4 new roller hook springs that are on their way from NA graphics in Colorado.  Fritz, a letterpress guru I am told, hooked me up.  He also told me that the Kelsey is tough, but a good way to learn.  He said my next press would be a breeze once I've mastered Santo Vida.  Ok, obviously, he didn't call it Santo Vida.....but he did say 'your next press', and so I hung up the phone beaming, raving about how nice people from the letterpress community are, and thinking "Ha, take that fate!!!  Fritz said my next press...."  my faith was instantly restored.  Then, like magic, my BoxCar Base arrived, as did my Adobe Illustrator, and I got to work.  I've worked up quite a few designs in my pony notebook that my awesome friend Professor Sarah gave me, and I am working on recreating them in illustrator...with a little creative handholding from my artist friends at work.  Once the designs are done, I'll post them.  Hopefully, the Gallant Fox Whimsy card line will be available sometime before September.  Stay tuned.  And keep your f

ingers crossed for me, I am afraid this post may have irked fate just a bit...and I am just a tad superstitious...I didn't want to try on engagement rings before my husband proposed, thinking that the violation would jinx me.  Alas, I caved to friend pressure of my wise, married-lady friend Beth, put on the dreamy ring, and t

hen proceeded to giggle to Tom that I had "done something bad," tee hee hee.  So totally lame.  Yup, I'm super cool.  Marry me.  I am a giggling tool.  Anyway, apparently I was wrong about the whole jinx thing then, but I don't want to push my luck.

This is unrelated, but here is my hunky letterpress assembler, pictures in St. Lucia, taking one for the team, so to speak.  He does not share my love of horses, especially after his horse "Macho" bolted and took off with him.  But, I do love this photo.....What can I say,...we look good in hats.