Welcome In the New Year!

Each year goes by faster than the last. When I think about all that I have done in the year, it does not seem like much and maybe I could have done more. Where does the time go? I do not really make new year's resolutions because I constantly have goals for myself. 2010 will definitely be a year of major change for a lot of people. Change is always good. For some, it will be new jobs, a new place to live, an entirely new career. For myself, it will probably be all of those! Welcome the new year with open eyes and see the possibilities. Make it happen!

This year, on my infinite to-do list, I am going to create a cohesive look for Blushing Pearl. Starting with this blog post-- new colors, maybe even a new font for the year? I always wonder how studios come up with a look for themselves, I think I have too many to just stick to one! 

 "The most successful people are those who are good at plan B." -James Yorke

Happy New Years to you and may 2010 take you places you may have never dreamed of! 

*photo credit: marthastewart.com

Straight Lines Please

I have been printing consistently for 5 months now. There is such a huge difference in my prints from when I first started! I am still a novice compared with those who have mastered the letterpress trade, and I can only become better. The hardest technique for me, is knowing how and when to adjust packing for an even, relatively deep impression. There are discussions on Briarpress about how deep an impression should be- just a "kiss" to the paper or an obvious indentation. A veteran printer will tell you that one should not even see an indentation in the paper. Modern letterpress junkies will tell you their clients want to see and feel the texture on the paper, and that is what they are paying for. If they wanted offset printing they could have paid for that, but they want letterpress and would like to see that it is indeed, pressed into the paper.

A few things I need to play around with:

* Registering a straight line to be straight. Ever draw a line with a ruler and it ends up not straight? Sometimes I feel like my eyes are playing tricks on me and my print looks straight, but to the graphic eye, it's not. What is the best method of measuring and registering a straight line? Any tips on technique are welcome.

* Cutting a straight line. If you look at the posting of my newly acquired Challenge 19" Guillotine, you can see that this is one serious paper cutter. My only issue is, when I cut down, the cut line shifts and ends up crooked. I put about 25 sheets of 110# paper, maybe I need to decrease the amount per cut? Or maybe I need to tighten the grip on the paper before cutting? If I can master the art of cutting paper, I can do more cut downs on my own instead of sourcing it out and paying a fee.

If you have any tricks of the trade, please leave me a comment. I could use some advice on these!

Spice It Up!

People seem to dig the Textile Pattern gift tags I printed a few months ago. I decided to do another color variation with one of the patterns that was popular among my Etsy buyers. Turmeric Yellow, Sunburned Red, with Curry-colored envelopes on Neenah Cover stock. Sounds like an exotic dish!

Now that I have gotten the technique of adjusting packing, printing on Neenah cover stock seems just as grand as printing on Crane's Lettra. (although I am partial to Crane's pillowy lettra!) More hard packing was required when printing on this paper stock. I have to say, that I am pretty satisfied with the final print!

:: spiced textile tags are available on etsy ::

Erin Note Gets Less Personal

After working on Erin Personal Notes, I found that I really liked how the pattern I designed turned out. I decided to to a "less personalized" note set: Erin Notes with Acai Berry purple and Sunburned red. I am thinking about doing another color combination? Any preferences? 

 :: erin notes are available on etsy ::

Choose Your Own Business Card and Icon Notes

These days, it seems everyone is scrounging around for a new job.. Including myself. This year I've been forced to sit down and reinvent myself as a graphic artist. An official Blushing Pearl website is still in the works, but at least I've mustered up a make-shift site for the time being. It seems there are so many things on that to-do list when making an identity for yourself! The worst part of it all, is your own self criticism... when will it ever look "perfect"?

For those of you who are reinventing your identity, business or personal, I have created some custom business cards or calling cards, and icon notes. It's easy- just pick a design layout option, color, and convo-mail me via etsy the details. In a few weeks you will be getting your snazzy, letterpress printed cards, ready for you to distribute and market yourself as the "new and improved"!

:: choose your own business card ::

:: customize your own personal stationery ::

Hey Stranger!

Time passes by too quickly. Before you know it, it's been months since you've last had dinner and a catch-up session with that good friend. Or you've been playing phone tag, leaving messages and texts postponing that dinner or lunch date. I am guilty of that. Hey Stranger, let's mark our calendars and catch up! (And this time no one will flake!)

:: This single card can be found on etsy ::

Erin Inspired Notes

Hot off the press: Erin Notes! Inspired by a good friend of mine, these folded notes make a pretty cool, personal gift. Her birthday is coming up next month and it's a big one to celebrate. Fingers crossed she doesn't see them before I mail them out to her!

:: If you are in need some gift ideas, I have a few customized pieces available on etsy. Go ahead and take a peek! ::