A few weeks ago I noticed on Instagram that Hammerpress was hosting a one-day letterpress poster class. I messaged it to a friend who texted back, “YAY!” (These are the best types of friends to have.) A few days later we were standing in the back room (where I always want to be) and learning how to set type.
The sign-up form had suggested having some idea of what you wanted to do when you arrived and we both at least sort-of did.
I have a number of regular sayings that I use with my children in predictable situations. “Healthy people take the stairs,” and things like that. My oldest had suggested his favorite, which turned out to be too long for a beginner project. I regrouped.
I selected type and laid it out and shifted and changed until I had it right-enough. The very talented team of professionals made gentle suggestions and then showed us how to fill in negative space (a good skill to have), apply the ink and make the prints.
“Nothing bad is happening” is what I say to myself and the people who are close to me when any of us begins to go down the rabbit hole of “what if..” or “maybe then..” or “if this..” It can also be a good reminder when I start to fret about something like a renovation.
Even when you’re doing something new and working backward, perspective is everything.
Hammerpress is holding regular workshops for both cards and posters. It’s not difficult, the staff is lovely and I promise you will have a lot of fun.
And, no, I’m not saying that because they paid me, because they didn’t. It’s just true.
What was the favorite saying of your oldest child that was too long for the printing project? My Commonplace Book would be most grateful to know. I learned to do letterpress work in my 30’s and I ran the press for 10 years. What a revelation that became. Thank you for sharing your joyful encounter with paper, ink and type!
David – it’s, “You don’t get better at something by doing it less.” I hope to make this one soon.
You’re not afraid to try anything, are you? That should be your next poster: NOT AFRAID TO TRY ANYTHING
Some things. One of the sayings is – TNT- Try New Things. It’s good advice.
Yours is “healthy people take the stairs?” mine is “we’re all gonna die” in response to “what if it explodes and then we die?” from either of my boys. “Nothing bad is happening,” is a very good one too. You could probably sell those posters.
I have another one – Nothing’s permanent – which I think is soothing, but a friend thinks is sad.
I’m actually exploring selling them right now!