Working with wood veneer

Before I had my own press, I came across images of letterpress printed wood veneer items. They looked so original and different. That is when I realized that letterpress printing does not have to be limited to using paper as the printer's 'canvass'. Printing on wood veneer seemed like such a brilliant idea! 

Now that I am able to print myself, I love using wood veneer for my prints. I get my veneer sheets from Lee Valley and they have a number of options to choose from. The fact that you can get veneer in different colours and textures makes the brainstorming of project ideas even more fun. 

Below are few examples of my projects featuring wood veneer:

Wood veneer is much more forgiving than cotton paper when it comes to even impression. It also has this charming rustic feel and could be used in many projects, from business cards to wedding invitations. Definitely one of my recent favourites. 

Out with the old, in with the new.

As a lot of us are today, I am also reflecting back on this year that is about to end. And what a year this has been! I took a letterpress workshop in March, acquired my own press in July, and for the past few months invested all of my energy into shaping and designing my dream...which I named Impressus.

I created my website and designed and printed my business cards. I learned a lot about branding, networking and entrepreneurship...and I have so much more to learn. I also participated in my first craft shows this Christmas and experienced for myself how amazing the handmade community is. 

2014 has been good to me and I have so many plans and aspirations for 2015. I want to keep this momentum going and, yes... I plan to aim for the stars! I also know that none of those dreams will come true on their own. Working hard and dreaming big is the key to success, whatever that success might be. Here is to the New Year!

One of my heroes

Maya Angelou has always been one of my heroes. I was heartbroken when I learned of her passing few months ago now. Luckily, she left us with her amazing body of work and numerous quotes, like this one, which inspire us to always look forward and strive for more.

I printed this quote using 100% cotton paper and a photopolymer plate. No ink was used during the printing process, which resulted in a delicate blind impression. 

We {heart} letterpress

impressus is now listed on We {heart} letterpress! This is a great new website for both letterpress printers and lovers alike. It features self-completed interviews with letterpress printers across the globe as well as an international printers' registry.

You can read my interview here. 

Image source: http://weloveletterpress.com/

The top 10 things you shouldn't say to an artisan...ever.

I recently learned about the Capital Artisans Guild in Ottawa. I decided to check out their website to find out a bit more about their organization. By the way, their Last-Minute Christmas Craft Show is on this weekend, December 13-14, in Ottawa. You may want to check it out!

While visiting their website though, I stumbled upon this clever list of "Top 10 things you shouldn't say to an artisan". I especially like (and can relate to) # 9 and # 8. Yes, I have been told and asked that already :) 

Image credit: www.capitalartisansguild.org

The MAC FAIR experience

This past Saturday, December 6, impressus was part of the MAC FAIR Christmas Craft Show, an annual event that supports the Immaculata High School in Ottawa. The admission fees collected at the doors went towards their Christmas Hamper Program, which provides nutritious food to hungry families within their school community. 

The event was a huge success with over 2,000 Christmas shoppers coming by to check out the show. There was so much talent in the room and I really enjoyed being able to walk around (during a short break) and check out the handmade goodness offered by other artisans. I'm glad that Impressus was part of this show and that, in a very small way, I was able to support this local school community and their social justice program.  

Here are few photos from the show.

Hidden Gems

I have been awaiting the December issue of Ottawa Woman magazine as per my post from few weeks ago. Well, it was published today and impressus was featured in the article entitled "Hidden Gems". I am so grateful and honoured. It is wonderful to read the positive things Lynn had to say about my paper goods and to be featured alongside other talented artists. I am thankful for having been noticed as there truly are so many talented crafts people out there who often foster their creativity out of their basements or homes, in their free time, while maintaining full time jobs that pay the bills. They put in the time and effort because they love to create. And the community craft shows, such as the Gowling Christmas Craft Show where I met Lynn, are a wonderful avenue for people like myself to share their work with others and to, hopefully, inspire a person or two. I am so thrilled that I inspired Lynn.

Image credit: www.ottawa-woman.com