We're going to be talking a lot about letterpress this week.  We realize that a lot of you are experts with the tool, but that some of you new readers may not know how it works.  Today we'll discuss the basics of letterpress!  

Not sure what letterpress is exactly? Well, it's one of the hottest trends in stationery and it's been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. Letterpress is an ancient printing technique that involves printing words or designs with ink while simultaneously debossing the image into thick, soft paper. See the images above? The photo on the left shows the deboss aspect of letterpress with no ink applied to the printing plate. The photo on the right shows the combination of the deboss and ink. With the L Letterpress system you can create stylish handmade projects like cards, invitations, gifts, stationary and more, all from your own home. From simple day-to-day expressions and correspondence to momentous occasions like weddings and babies, the L Letterpress enables you to creatively celebrate every event in life. 

 

Now here's how the tool actually works.

  1. Open the L Letterpress and place an adhesive-backed printing plate on the clear lid.
  2. Ink the printing plate evenly with the brayer tool.
  3. Place paper in desired location on base of letterpress tool.
    Use registration grid and Paper Placement Guides for greater accuracy and alignment.
  4. Close lid and roll L Letterpress through Epic tool.
    For a deeper impression, add additional packing sheets.

Here are a few resources for beginning letterpress users:

-Check out this video by designer Carissa Wiley.  She shows you exactly how the tool works and shares her tips and tricks! Click here to view.

-Check out the Letterpress 101 series here on the L Blog.  Here you'll learn specifics like how to use Paper Placement Guides and Cleaning Cloths.  Click here to view. 

-The Idea Gallery is full of beautiful letterpress projects. Check them out here. 

Tomorrow we'll be back to share some fun project ideas to make with your L Letterpress system.  Stay tuned!