Tuesday 30 November 2010

❄ the more it snows ❄

As I type this, the snow is falling, those fat drifting flakes that float to earth. I really love the first snowfall, the soft padded silence that insulates my street and with the lack of traffic I could be anywhere, I could be in Narnia. Of course, by tomorrow the novelty will have worn off and the dog and I will have cabin fever and be ready to maim for fresh supplies.

inside out

This morning, I am off upstairs to my temporary letterpress studio to finish printing my Xmas cards...Using a very old Ajax press (which is a variation on an Adana) I am slowly learning his personality and his need for cajoling and fine adjustment. I have written off a fair few days on this Ajax beast but I have learned so much that I can't consider them wasted days but let's just say my achievements amounted to zero. It's always a hard fact that things don't always come easy or fall in your lap with such romantic outdated printing methods but the smell of ink and the tack of the rollers and the increasing pile of success is infinitely more satisfying than the whirr and click of a digital printer. Eventually, I become proficient and I get my rewards.

mixing a green

If you are a regular visitor to my blog and lover of handmade and hand printed then make sure you are following me and then drop me a message with your postal address and I'll send you a letterpress postcard. My way of saying thank you for sticking around when I am busy and don't get here so much.


xmas postcards

18 comments:

nath said...

me, me, me, me, me!

Unknown said...

Wish I could nip round and give you a helping hand! And if all else fails we could hit the mulled wine and karaoke ;o)
jax x

Louise said...

Oh Jax, you've more than helped me through emails but yes, I do wish you were within visiting distance...the learning curve has been ENORMOUS but very enjoyable. I think I may have sussed it.
Can you email me your address please? Thanks xx
Nath~you are on the list xx

chocolategirl64 said...

{hands up}
❥ a new one for my collection please:
we've got floury hands, bread on the rise:
lovelove being snowy holed up!

Francesca said...

ooh yes please. i'll email you my address, please send me yours too. big snow here. x

Rebecca said...

I miss that padded silence. Like I miss crunchy footsteps. And I miss the thu-thump of the letterpress. And I miss you. Ohhh man do I miss you. XXXOXOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

I'd love a card, please. And I'll flick you one from The Big Apple! (see email)

Anonymous said...

I want one too, pleasee! But save a stamp and give it when we meet next. No postie today anyway. I think he must have fallen over in the snow... xx

Bex Stonehill said...

Yes pleeeeeeeeeeease Lou! You've got my address, haven't you? BTW, keep picking up and admiring Benjamin's book, it really is beautiful and you could definitely get a ton of commissions if you wanted them xxx

alan98 said...

You have an Ajax! — a 'Major', I think. I have their tiny Number 1 flatbed.
Did you know they were made in Southend?

Louise said...

Alan, yes it is the Major...and I did hear that they were made here in Southend, very near to where I live. I can't find out much at all about them, just a brief note on the web. I'm loving it, it's working out to be a great press. Wish I knew more....Can you help?

Abigail Thomas said...

* tiddly pom *

lovely little press

Mise said...

You can print beautiful money too, right? I'd love a postcard and am just about to email you my address.

Carol said...

I'd love a card too, Louise, and I'll send you something from Australia. I'll also send you an email which has my address on it. I'm very envious of your little press but I'll keep looking for one.

alan98 said...

Help will be on the way by real-mail soon, Louise — the web doesn't know everything.
Here's the Number 1 flatbed
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alan98/1452907117

Louise said...

Mise, I have received your address but don't ever ask me to say it...
Carol, I don't think I have yours yet?? and Abigail, can I have yours?
louisenaomi@btinternet.com
Thanks
{*}

Unknown said...

Hello Madam, I'd be affronted if I didn't.

xx

Sarah said...

I love the look of your cards and would love one! The press sounds challenging but fun. Glad you are enjoying the advent calendar!