Edge painting, edge coloring, colored edges – whatever you call it, is the hottest trend in business card design. The process is not new by any means, but it’s definitely getting a lot of exposure these days and with good reason – it makes a huge impact. When using engraving ink for this process you can expect a shimmery edge on metallics or a flat, matte effect on colored edges. For the uber-shiny look metallic foil edges are the way to go. Double the wow-factor when combining with other special print techniques like letterpress or embossing.
Letterpress
Road Trip: Mackenzie Printery Museum
I’ve always loved Canada. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, Canada felt like an extension of home. It is just on the other side of the Niagara river, accessible via four bridges from the greater Buffalo area. As a kid, my family traveled to Canada often, passports weren’t necessary then and traffic was nothing like it is now. There is still something magical about Canada to me. Even with the added inconveniences I still love visiting our neighbor to the North. So when I realized summer was almost over and we still hadn’t taken a trip of any sorts, I set my sites on one of my favorite spots – Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Paper Inspiration: Strathmore Pure Cotton Letterpress Papers
I’m not not sure exactly when it happened but at some point during my career I fell head over heels for letterpress. Really, what’s not to love? From a light-weight kiss (slight impression) to an impressive bite (heavy indentation), letterpress imparts a tactile, hand-crafted feel that’s second to none. Which is probably why everyone from … Read more
Tips for Designing for Letterpress
With the National Stationery Show happening in NYC this week, letterpress lovelies are all we can think of. If you’re like us you’re thinking of how you can use it on your next project. We thought we’d share these tips for designing for letterpress from Boxcar Press. Letterpress has come a long way, with more … Read more
Paper Inspiration: Mohawk Introduces Strathmore Notes
True to form in their celebration of craft and the maker movement, our friends at Mohawk are celebrating their historic Strathmore fine paper brand with the launch of Strathmore Notes, a new line of fine paper journals. Also making headlines is the introduction of Strathmore Pure Cotton Papers (more on that in a bit). With … Read more
Hatch Show Print Giveaway
If you’re a fan of music, design and Americana then chances are you’re already familiar with the work of Hatch Show Print. Founded by Charles and Herbert Hatch in 1879, it’s one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America. Located in Nashville, Hatch Show Print posters have featured a host of country music … Read more
Salty Letterpress
We found this cute little video from Inkwell Letterpress using salt water from the Atlantic mixed with ink for a self promotion “The Official East Coaster.” A new twist on sustainability? Perhaps, we just thought it was quite clever on a Monday morning. Enjoy.
So Many Techniques, So Little Time
One of the things we love about our work is that we have access to tons of beautiful papers – but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. I mean there’s ALL those colors and textures, then add in the finish techniques and the possibilities are endless. Lucky for us we found this little gem … Read more
Thanks Mom
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. These beat the selection in the checkout line at Walgreen’s. For more Mother’s Day inspiration, check out our board. Crane & Co., Rifle Paper, Lily and Val, Ink and Iron, Sycamore Street Press.
Foil and Letterpress – What’s Not to Love?
We stumbled across this beauty on FPO, invitations for a celebratory birthday BBQ. Featuring foil stamping and letterpress printing on Crane’s Lettra 110#C Ecru. Don’t you love the kraft envelopes? According to the designer, it seemed a few printers shyed away from the project claiming the tight registration required would make it impossible. Love it when … Read more