OsloPress

Last fall, we finally purchased a new paper cutter. Our old paper cutter was moody, greasy, and not exactly the safest hunk of metal around. So when we finally tracked down a new one that suited our needs and was just the right price, we jumped at the chance to buy it. There was just one little catch (as always seems to be the case around here with equipment acquisition) – we would have to pick it up. But just how far away was this new paper cutter from Raleigh?  Well, it depends on the route you take, but to give you an idea, somewhere around 1400 miles away. This may seem a bit far to drive for a piece of equipment, but we had our reasons:   a) we really needed a new paper cutter,  b) it was great timing since fall is our slow season, and c)  we really really really wanted an excuse for a road trip. So, after considering the cost of fuel, food, lodging, and trailer rental, we packed up the car and hit the road.

We planned to spend our first night with family just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee,  but decided to make a quick stop in Knoxville with plans to visit Yee-Haw Industries.

Yee-Haw is a design and  letterpress studio specializing in event posters and art prints. Walking into their shop was one of those “we’re not in Kansas anymore” moments for sure. The walls of the space are lined with trays upon trays of wood and lead type. The place has been in business since the mid-nineties, and the years spent working on this collection of type have definitely paid off. And then there are the posters – both the walls and ceilings are plastered. It’s truly an inspiring sight!

It was great to visit a place where things are so different from what we’re used to. Unlike the folks at Yee-Haw, we do not have  a collection of type other than that of the digital variety. While our designs typically start on paper, the final designs are created in the computer. Then, if we’re designing something to be letterpress printed, we  create photopolymer plates. This enables us to make truly custom designs for our clients without having a  large collection of wood or lead type eating up our precious square footage. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t like to have some though.  We can’t help but imagine what it must be like to open up a drawer filled with type and just start playing around with a concept. From start to finish the job can be done without even so much the thought of a computer.

We’re thankful that owner Kevin Bradley was kind enough to give us a tour of the space and let us check out all the type as well as the presses (including a neglected Heidelberg Windmill!).  I wish I had more photos of the space – but I hate to feel like I’m intruding and tend to take less photos when there are people around (I’m totally shy like that).  And though we really wanted to stay a little longer and get some dinner in Knoxville, we knew that we had a little niece waiting on us to hurry up and arrive in Chattanooga already, so it was time to hit the road once again and continue on…

Stay tuned!  I’ll be posting about our adventure periodically until finished, though not every week in a row.  Be sure to check back in the following weeks to find out what happens!

As mentioned in the previous post, we had snow for the first time this winter. It’s a rare occurrence in this part of North Carolina; and while some may dislike it, I always welcome it. Unlike a rainy day where things are constantly in flux from all the rushing water, snow brings a stillness along with it. Even if just for a moment, there is always that sense of things being at rest as the white blankets the ground. Once the clouds have passed, the fallen snow boldly brightens up a winter day – the sun reflecting off of its surface, the partially browned grass and decaying leaves briefly hidden from view. For this reason, snow will always be a favorite of mine.

I’m happy to say we officially took some time off in honor of the snow.  When you run your own business, taking a break does not always feel like an option. So, we enjoyed a day off. We shared a couch with sleeping cats and warm blankets while remembering to enjoy the view.  It was very needed, much deserved, and most definitely appreciated.

I’m working on adding some photos that demonstrate just how we managed to move the new press.  Until then, let’s just say it wasn’t so easy.  On the bright side though, at least the press wasn’t sitting outside when the snow came!  That’s right, we recently had some gorgeous snow-filled weather.  Absolutely perfect if you ask me.  And well…  we just couldn’t resist letting Oslo have a little taste of the white fluffy stuff.

Normally, Oslo is extremely cautious and whenever he encounters something new, he very carefully and slowly examines it.  This usually consists of him lowering his body close to the floor, possibly feeling the new thing in question with a paw to see if he can walk on it, and then he will most certainly lick it.  I guess he assumes that from licking there will be two potential outcomes.   The new thing in question will either be edible (in which case he will devour it because he loves to eat), or simply non-edible (in which case he will assume it is safe to move on since it is not worth his time).

We thought for sure that Oslo would react to the snow somehow.  Instead of checking it out though, a very serious look came over his face, and without even so much as sniffing the stuff, he proceeded to march straight back to the open garage door.  We carried him outside three times in a row (photo opps, right?)  and never once did he stop more than a second or two to look around.  I suppose the cold was more than he could handle.

We had family visiting last week, so my free time was not spent in front of the computer – hence the lack of posting last week.   We did however, find the time to head out and vote; and boy am I glad I don’t have to worry about doing it today.  What really has me excited is that after the election, we will stop receiving the 10+ political fliers that have been showing up in the mail box, on the front porch, or hanging on the door handle every single day.  And each one is the same as the day before.  Really people, could you stop wasting all that paper?!

In any case, if you have not done so already, get out there and vote today.

And because it has been a while since his cute face has made an appearance, here is proof that even Oslo promotes voting:

Just a little update to let you know we are back from a quick trip to the mountains.  When you start your own business, you quickly learn that free time can become non-existent.  And vacations?  Well, you really need to plan ahead in order to make sure they actually happen and things go smoothly.  So, even a short trip is better than no escape at all.

Overall our trip was great even though we encountered a few hitches along the way.  I think we returned home feeling like we need another break as soon as possible!

Oh, and all that worrying I did about the weather?  Well, as it turned out, yes, there was rain.  However, those days weren’t so bad as they scared away the tourists and there were views such as this:

and this:

And then…   when the rain really cleared up, it left us with this:

I think that made up for the rain and the minor hang-ups we encountered along the way.

Phew… long title but don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.  When a big event is around the corner, it is hard not to constantly check the weather.  In my case, it is not an approaching wedding.  Instead, we are just trying to take a short break and head out of town for a bit.  Over just a few days, the forecast has gone from it’s totally going to rain on you to just a slight chance of rain as of the last time I checked.  Between Weather.com (10-day forecasts available) and AccuWeather.com (15-day forecasts available), I’m feeling a bit stressed out.  I think I need to hold off on checking the weather for a while and just set my mind to the fact that we are leaving no matter what.

I will mention that Weather.com has some interesting features, such as a wedding planner section as well as a way to check the fall foilage across the country.  In case your wedding is still months away, you can always head on over to the Farmer’s Almanac as well.  But beware of checking too often and stressing yourself out, for as the Farmer’s Almanac so thoughtfully reminds it visitors, “It is obvious that neither we nor anyone else has as yet gained sufficient insight into the mysteries of the universe to predict weather long-range with anything resembling total accuracy.”  Hmm… I think that just said it all.

Just in case you are curious as to why I am currently obsessed with checking the weather, here is a glimpse of what we plan to be doing with our few days off.  No computers.  No internet connection.  No television.  No news.  And, brace yourself… all cellphones turned off.  (Notice to Glenwood:  this is company policy as of today, please take note.)

Do we have a backup plan?  Well, the parents don’t live too far away from where we will be staying…  so maybe I should give them a call.

If you were to look out of our studio window right now and spot all of the green leaves on the trees, you would never guess it is officially fall.  It has been a hot and sticky summer here, but it seems to finally be cooling down a bit.  Let’s hope those pretty fall colors will be on their way soon.

Until then, this photo above will just have to hold me over.  At the request of a recent couple I was working with, I created this motif based on aspen trees for their invitations.  Also incorporated throughout the set, were the pair of aspen leaves that can be seen in the background.  Perfect for fall, they chose to combine copper ink and ecru cotton paper.  Not seen in this photo are the actual invitations, which were made out of walnut. In addition to the invitations, we also created some table cards and place cards – all out of walnut as well.

Nicole and Taylor were recently married in Aspen, Colorado – so congratulations to the happy couple!

Fall is officially here and, while a bit exhausted, it appears we have survived the wedding season.   Unfortunately, I found myself in need of a blogging hiatus and the past few months went by without any documentation.  Yes, I feel bad about that…  but I’m here now and doesn’t that count for something?

As usual, it has been crazy around here – even more so lately as everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong.  This goes for both the business and our personal lives.  I won’t bore you with in-depth details, but here is a little recap of what you have been missing:  equipment blowing up, people walking on my car, a leaky roof… and well, you get the picture.  (dare I even mention the economy…)

Needless to say, it is about time that things start running a little smoother around here.  So, I’m starting my new year right now.  Forget January – way too far off.   Nope.  New year.  Begins.  Now.

So here’s to reorganization, more initiative, getting back in touch with my creative side, and getting things done.

*specifically the verb, however  i wouldn’t mind some of the noun as well…

As mentioned in the last post, I will try and upload several sneak peek images of the new designs that are on their way. Above you see a sample utilizing a combination of spring green and chocolate inks, maple wood, and crisp white cotton paper. The selected typefaces are Bolivar and Trajan – a combination I find elegant with  just a touch of attitude.

I would like to mention that this motif was created at the request of a bride. We felt it would be a perfect addition to our catalog, so we are keeping it around.

Enjoy!

We have had quite a bit of rainy weather around here for the last few days, and while we oh so desperately need it, I never find myself enjoying it. You see, for me, rain usually leads to nasty headaches and of course bad hair days and just the overall urge to climb back into bed and hide under the covers. Fortunately, I was able to combat this gloomy mood a bit with a few pick-me-ups:

1. Crepes – for lunch! We discovered a small shop that sells coffee and crepes in the area and decided to give it a try yesterday. While Glenwood had a healthier option of eggs and veggies, I just wanted yummy and dived into a strawberry and Nutella-filled crepe. I highly recommend this as a rainy day treat. It also got me thinking about wedding food. How delicious would crepes be at a wedding? Maybe a late night snack after a long evening of dancing? One word: yum.

2. Enjoying the fact that all this rain would hopefully give my car the much needed bath I have been unable to give it myself. Recently, everything outside has been coated in a nice shade of yellow-green due to all of the pollen – my car included. Thanks to the severe water shortage our area has been going through, car washing is out of the question. (Oh – and to that neighbor I spotted washing his car not so long ago – don’t think I didn’t see you. I think I snarled a bit as I walked past your house. Shame on you!)

3. Listening to a few select songs by Beirut. Over. And over.

4. Last but not least, finally getting my hands on a certain typeface by the name of Futura. Futura Small Caps that is. Around here, this is our idea of hot:

Sometimes, it really is the little things…