Ahhh, letterpress.
We love it. Aren't too sure of what it is? Well, to quote Wikipedia: "Letterpress
printing is a term for printing text with movable type,
in which the raised surface of the type is inked and then pressed against a
smooth substance to obtain an image in reverse. In addition to the direct
impression of inked movable type onto paper or another receptive surface, the
term letterpress can also refer to the direct impression of inked media
such as zinc "cuts" (plates) or linoleum blocks onto a receptive surface."
That just
sounds so clinical. But true. At Megan creates..., we letterpress print
using photopolymer plates. These are thin plastic "plates" made from
the
original design. This plate goes in the press and gets inked by rollers. The
plate gets pressed into the paper, leaving behind an inked impression. Although
it's not considered proper, if you pack the press, you can make the plate bite
deep into the paper, particularly when the paper is thick, soft, and cotton.
This impression can be seen and felt. This form of printing is particularly
popular right now for notecards, weddings, birth announcements and the like.
If you run your fingers over it, you can feel the impression in the paper and
even see it if you look closely.
Each card
is printed one at a time by hand and inspected closely for quality. It's a true
art and very time-consuming, but the results are outstanding and well
worth the efforts. The resulting paper treasure becomes a keepsake prized by
the owner, hidden away in a box or tacked to a wall. It's just too nice
to toss away! When you write special note on a letterpressed card hidden under
a pillow or tucked in a lunchbox, you can know that it will be treasured and
saved for a lifetime.
Megan creates...
uses Crane's Lettra paper as it's house paper. It comes in 3 colors: Fluorescent
white (a bright crisp white), Pearl White (a soft ivory shade)
and Ecru (the most yellow of the three--the color reminds us of French Vanilla
ice-cream). This paper is soft, fluffy, and luxurious. It's 100% cotton and
a favorite for letterpressers and paper-lovers all over. It feels like it's
been brushed...it has a soft tooth to it making it feel almost fabric-like.
As a paper-
lover, Megan finds herself rubbing her cheek against this paper with happiness.
And it takes a beautiful impression from the press...the recipient
will be in awe of your stationery not just because of the fabulous design, but
also the amazing paper!