Letterpress Christmas Card

So here is a funny story. From the moment I decided I wanted a printing press, I decided my first project would be our family Christmas card for this year. I wanted to keep focused on something to get me going on this new adventure. I looked and looked for the right price and a nice little tabletop press. I found "Kelsey" on ebay and got it last week.

Here is the interesting part. Kelsey came with some extras. One of the extras was a (linocut stamp-I believe) that is a Christmas card that someone made. It just gave me chills...to think that someone-maybe like me....decided she wanted a printing press and made her own Christmas cards. Here is the linocut print that I could not wait to do by hand so I could better see the impression.

I don't really get the ship but it is well carved and still lovely. I think it would have print better on paper better suited for this purpose but I just had to see it now. Anyway, on the back of the carved stamp-it reads "Joe and Wendy Cards Xmas 1940 Black on Grey w/grey deckle". I'm so thrilled to have this piece! I think I will get some nicer paper and print in red or green and frame it as a tribute to my new found art!
This week I will be deciding on where to get my rollers and learning more about boxcar press and how to get photopolymer plates etc. I'm also thinking about the perfect Christmas card. I want it to be very special and unique to our family. Thinking about a fireplace with all of our stockings hung with our names! Or maybe just a word that is the essence of Christmas to us. That is my update for today.

More important, it is a special day. September 11.....a day for us to stop and remember all of those who lost their lives, loved ones, and their feeling of security on that dreadful day 9-11. We will never forget.

Comments

Susan said…

I worked in commercial printing for a long time, and am familiar with letterpress. Lots of time there are attachments so you can do foil stamping with them. That's usually what we did to Christmas cards at the shop. We could also take pre-printed cards and add names and designs and such. Very cool. Have fun with it!

7:09 PM

Paper Flowers and Fabric Flowers

Well, I'm kind of in a creative funk again. I hate it when this happens! I'm so glad that next weekend I am going to Fredricksberg, TX again to the trade days. I know it will inspire me in all kinds of directions. Meanwhile, while I am trying to get my groove back........I have been making a lot of little short term projects in the paper department. I made this little posey pin from faux vintage post/letters etc papers from the scrapbooking department. I actually wore it yesterday on my jacket. Then I spotted this book on Fabric Flowers by Elizabeth Helene Searle at the fabric store and I had to get it. I used her instructions to make this first fabric flower. I want to try several of her other flowers instructions. Now, what will I do with them? Who knows? Does it really matter if I am enjoying myself? Probably everyone will get fabric or paper flowers for Christmas! Heehee Have a great day.

Some Work Humor

Cows...A Poem by Richard Armous Cows Do nothing but browse And drowse And now and then moo. That's all they do. Yet even while grazing They aren't lazing. Even while snacking They aren't slacking. If not illustrious Thay are inner industrious, Making milk with all their might. With every bite. Cream too, With every chew. I'd like it fine Could I combine In such measure Business with pleasure . Happy Friday from the Funky Art Queen.

Found Object Jewelry

First of all I have to say a big thanks to all of you who commented about Cody's departure. I feel like printing all that out and sending it in Cody's first letter. He knows how I am about my blog friends. You are all precious to me and you don't know how much it helps to hear your comforting words. I'm doing better. Just kinda antsy to get our first call. I have paper and pen ready by the phone so we can get his address. They are not allowed to give it until they get there. Enough about that! I have dove into my found object box and started making some found object jewelry. This weekend, I learned how to drill metal, hammer it out if needed and make it have a faux patina. I played for several hours with many pieces like washers, watch parts, and all kinds of things I have found on the ground. Well, most of it I found. My husband finds little treasures for me as do some of my friends. It's funny because when they give me some little metal object they picked up off ...

Funky Art Queen

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