Letterpress Now

Finally, my book, Letterpress Now: a DIY Guide to Old & New Printing Methods is out! (It was actually released January 1st, but I'm just now getting around to blogging about it, oops.) It was so exciting to walk into Malaprops, a local favorite bookstore, and see my book on the shelf.

To purchase a copy and get started on your own letterpress printing adventures, stroll in to Malaprops (55 Haywood St., Asheville, NC), order from BarnesandNoble.com or Amazon.com, or get a personalized signed copy directly from me by ordering from my shop.

You can see a  preview of the book at Lark Craft's website here, or read a review and take a look at some sweet pics at the Mint Design blog.

If you're interesting in what it was like for me to write the book (plus some personal tidbits about me), check out my interview with Felt & Wire. This is the first in what will be an ongoing series of DIY letterpress posts by me for Felt & Wire, so check back regularly to learn more tricks and tips for printing!

A New Kind of Book Project

After a few years of hand printing and binding my own limited edition books, I am now embarking on an entirely new kind of book project - I've just signed on with Lark Crafts and Sterling Publishing to write a how-to book on letterpress printing! The book will have fun printing projects and step-by-step demonstrations on the techniques used to create each one. Projects will include greeting cards, personal stationary, posters, zines/pamphlets, calendars, invitations, playing cards, paper dolls, and even t-shirts!

Also in the book will be spotlights on printers (and their presses) who have inspired me over the years, information about community print shops where presses and classes are available to those just starting out, and a comprehensive guide of resources, both in print and online. Essentially, I'm writing that book that I wish I had when starting out as a printer, and one that I'll be able to use as I continue to teach printing classes and workshops. I hope that it will be informative, but also fun and challenging to printers at many levels.

The working title so far is Letterpress Now, but that might change down the road. I'll keep you updated on progress, and look for it in Fall of 2012!

Craft Corps - a new Lark book

I just got my own copy of Craft Corps, a recent release by local Asheville publisher Lark Crafts (I'm adjusting to the new name, and still tend to call them Lark Books, one of my favorite publishers of how-to crafting and art books. I also love their 500 series.)

This book is a collection of interviews given by master crafter Vicki Howell, who says she was inspired by National Public Radio's audio project StoryCorps to record her conversations with a variety of  crafty folks. I'm only just getting into this book, but I'm surprised that I'm not devouring it like most craft books. I've found myself reading each interview, then wanting to give it a little time to sink in before moving on to the next one. I really appreciate reading the stories that people share about their own experiences, not only to be inspired, but also to find similarities in my own crafting life; making connections that help me feel like a part of a larger crafting community. Also scattered throughout the book are personal anecdotes by Vicki about how she knows each person she interviews, and vignettes of other crafters around the country and their "Words to Craft By".

I'm surprised by, and really appreciate, the range of artists interviewed in this book. Not only are there the ubiquitous 20 to 30-something young women crafters, but Vicki interviews men and women in all ages. There's also a range of superstars like Amy Butler, Jenny Hart, and Mark Montano alongside regular folks like me. Vicki covers ground on a lot of different types of crafting, but is heavy on the fabric-crafts side and light on my personal favorite, paper-crafts. I also suggest that you look past the un-inspiring cover, which is one my little irks about Lark's publishings. Like this book, their covers tend to look outdated, but don't let this fool you - what's inside is inspired and very much current.