And indeed it is.
We welcomed 2018 gently and quietly and hope that it will be a wonderful and kind year for all.
As is our custom, Barry and I spent the time in between Christmas and New Year preparing and printing our New Year cards.
This year we both chose letterpress, and used the cards I had test-printed as postcards which was good fun.
I fiddled and faddled for a bit trying to get Empire 72 pt to print nicely with some Empire 36pt, and in the end admitted defeat and went for consistently sized type.
I also realised that I didn't seem to have any 8s in my 72pt - only what I think are really ampersands! Still - I could have gotten away with it I think; that little curlycue adds a certain je ne sais quoi?!?
Truth be told, I like the similar sized type better in the end anyway.
Not that it was all smooth sailing to this point, where the cards are lined up of drying on the stairs..
My first proof was close but not quite. If you look really closely you can see the first 2+0 are riding a tiny wee bit higher than the rest of the characters on the line...
So I had to fix that. Much happier!
And then it was on to adding the embossed logo for deckled edge press - our letterpress imprint.
Lots of trials to check how to align the new die.
But doesn't it look great?
It was good to use the postcard prints I had prepared earlier and to see how the pressure on both sides had pushed thorough; something I need to work on and hoped I could rectify, but didn't really manage to.
Still, they are kind of nice and are headed out into the world, wishing folk happy 2018.
I think I hope for a year that is kind; and that is gentle. I wish for a year where we get to spend time on things we love, and with those we love. And I wish for year that has moments of making and creating; and precious precious peace.
To 2018.
We welcomed 2018 gently and quietly and hope that it will be a wonderful and kind year for all.
As is our custom, Barry and I spent the time in between Christmas and New Year preparing and printing our New Year cards.
This year we both chose letterpress, and used the cards I had test-printed as postcards which was good fun.
I fiddled and faddled for a bit trying to get Empire 72 pt to print nicely with some Empire 36pt, and in the end admitted defeat and went for consistently sized type.
I also realised that I didn't seem to have any 8s in my 72pt - only what I think are really ampersands! Still - I could have gotten away with it I think; that little curlycue adds a certain je ne sais quoi?!?
Truth be told, I like the similar sized type better in the end anyway.
Not that it was all smooth sailing to this point, where the cards are lined up of drying on the stairs..
My first proof was close but not quite. If you look really closely you can see the first 2+0 are riding a tiny wee bit higher than the rest of the characters on the line...
So I had to fix that. Much happier!
And then it was on to adding the embossed logo for deckled edge press - our letterpress imprint.
Lots of trials to check how to align the new die.
But doesn't it look great?
It was good to use the postcard prints I had prepared earlier and to see how the pressure on both sides had pushed thorough; something I need to work on and hoped I could rectify, but didn't really manage to.
Still, they are kind of nice and are headed out into the world, wishing folk happy 2018.
I think I hope for a year that is kind; and that is gentle. I wish for a year where we get to spend time on things we love, and with those we love. And I wish for year that has moments of making and creating; and precious precious peace.
To 2018.
clink! (sound of coffee cup to computer screen) to 2018, I can feel it in my bones, magic is afoot, revolution is in the air, love will guide the way!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2018 to you, Fiona! I very much enjoy your description of the process of designing your New Year's cards and I love the blind embossing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dana and to you - and the embossed mark really is gorgeous isn't it? Go well.
DeleteI love them and especially the little quirky touch to the bottom of the 8. I hope you and Barry have a happy and inspiring 2018. Oh and somewhere I read about making mistakes, they inspire you to search for a result. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence Penny - I do think mistakes can be helpful...
Deletereading above, i hope mo is right. and i love the energy you and barry put in to the printing. the holidays here have been a bit of a trial, the bitter cold has taken the starch out of me. but there is always respite between cold spells. you and barry inspire me always.
ReplyDeleteAhh V I hope you ar feeling brighter. The holidays can be tough even more so with such bitter weather. Nevertheless I remain hopeful! Go well.
Deleteyes, let's hope for a year that is kind and gentle! I love reading the technical jargon of your craft -- and agree about the curly cue adding a little sumpin' sumpin'.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Dee - peaking into other worlds is great fun! Go well.
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