tank you very much!
I finally took some time out to print my first project. In searching for my letterpress, I knew I eventually wanted to give thanks to those who have helped me along the way, so this first card is dedicated to a certain handful of individuals. Though there are still a few supplies I would like to acquire, I committed myself to printing a thank you card using the moveable type I received from Tooknap Press and a little vintage army tank dingbat I scored on eBay.
COLOR FORMULA
Even though this was my first print job, and I had not yet attempted a 2-color piece, I was up for the challenge. I knew ahead of time that I wanted the colors on this card to consist of army green and olive drab. I started the process by mixing my inks following the Pantone formula breakdown. A little ink goes a long way with letterpress, so as a test, I kept my color portions small.
LOCKED AND READY
I had originally locked up my type, tank and stars together, before realizing the need to be adventurous and attempt a 2-color job. I knew registering the artwork without proper gauge pins was going to be a challenge, but I was up for it. I was forced to improvise. I disassembled the chase as you see it here, and broke it down into two separate passes. I printed the bold type first, then the army tank together with the stars.
TANK YOU!
Through trial and error, here is the final result. Some of the challenges I faced were figuring out how to properly pack my press, mixing and laying the proper amount of ink on the ink disc, and registering multi-colored elements. I also realized that I wasn’t thrilled with the quoins and key I currently have, and could use a second chase to have ready to go.
I’ve been pretty bad with sending out thank you cards in the past, and now, I have no excuse.
3 Comments, Comment or Ping
BootB
Hi Cat!
Very interesting and I’d say even detective story!
Before I was sure that this tool can print only with special foil and not colors…
How it works? With color?
Oct 3rd, 2008
admin
Hi BootB MG!
Yes, I learned a lot through trial and error. My press can print any color, and almost any design I can think of if I set it up properly. I just need to hand-mix the PMS formula and voila! I think I know which machine you are talking about, but no, this one does not print foil, just inks.
In a nutshell…with this letterpress, I pretty much think of a design, use vintage letterpress blocks or have custom plates made, and once the plates arrive, I mix up my inks, insert the paper, pull the level, and out comes a print!
I’ll try to document the entire process for my next project so you can see how it works. I can even mail you a printed sample if it turns out okay. =)
Oct 4th, 2008
BootB
That will be very kind of you!
Oct 9th, 2008
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