The images are terrible, but I’m excited about the progress. Photo 1, no packing. Photo 2, heavy packing on the first line, Photo 3, light packing on the first line, Photo 4, light packing on the top line and two runs through the press.
It’s not perfect, but we’re getting there.
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
The new rollers arrived for the tabletop press I picked up this summer, and though I am not too familiar with how to use one, I decided to jump in:
I felt like I was on the right track, and even printed one card with the word “hope.”
But then things started to go downhill. I have several magnesium cuts, so I tried printing one of those. If you look closely, you can see spots where the ink isn’t covering well.
Next I tried a line of a cut, thinking that the one above was too big for the press (5×8). The line didn’t work well either :(
Finally, I set some type– and as you can see– disaster
Well, maybe disaster is too strong. But the ink isn’t covering well. And from what I understand, this can be for a multitude of reasons. So I need to tackle them one by one. I’m excited, actually. I love problem solving:)
1) too much ink? too little ink? 2) type from different families needs “make-ready”? 3) paper? 4) roller adjustment? 5) ink on cut after cleaning with mineral spirits?
Instead of jumping around, I am going to start with one line of set type using my Caslon with one kind of paper. If I can make that work, I’ll go to a cut and work with that until I have success.
Despite the issues yesterday, I had so much fun sharing my experiences-the successes and failures– with people who visited our studio for First Friday. My partner, Elizabeth, actually had to drag me out–and that’s unusual. So, onward. More posts to come….
We happened upon a tv show last weekend, one that caught our attention because it focused on folks living to 90 and beyond. When you get to 62, 90 doesn’t seem so far away. The program addressed factors that determine who will live to 90 and beyond successfully. The keyword there is successfully, isn’t it? Who wants to live to 90 with severe mental and physical limitations?
I was excited to hear that folks who lived into their 90s with strong mental faculties typically drank two glasses of wine a day! But they also exercised up to 45 minutes a day. Genetics also plays a role, though not as much as I thought. What surprised me was no one interviewed paid much attention to what they ate. Or took vitamins.
In our house we’ve been exploring the non-inflammatory diet (arthritis), taking vitamin D and fish oil like we’ve been told, and watching our sugar intake. Oh, and here’s the kicker. In this study, people with higher cholesterol and a little extra weight lived longer than skinnies. Go figure.
I know research can be read in a variety of ways, and any one thing doesn’t guarantee lifelong health. But paying attention to what researchers are learning can’t hurt.
And speaking of learning, keeping our brains active is important. I’m about to get rollers for my new press (maybe today, USPS?). Once I hook them up, I should be able to figure out how to make this thing work. I love a good challenge :)
Hmmm, no, I”m not the Six Million Dollar Man, but my printing process is improving. This week I was able to lock up some 14 pt Caslon for Lynette, who is making a book. She wanted a peek-a-boo window with some letterpress type showing through. I also created a quick card for one of my students using my wood type. And then I printed several cards to share with my Rhode Island friends.
A few months ago, all this would have taken me weeks. Now I have system.
But I know something else. I think I need a bigger press. Mine has been a great starter press, but I’m ready for more. I’m limited by what I can actually carry up the stairs to our second floor studio, and I’m limited by not knowing where to find one. You know these presses are vintage? I spend hours watching ebay, craigslist, and Etsy. I have feelers out in Colorado and Massachusetts. I know when the right press comes along, I’ll be ready for it.
Ready and broke!