Howdy from Chicago. My name is Kelly and I have a little letterpress shop called Paper Stories. Back in December I decided to organize a letterpress swap, thinking I would be lucky if I found 10 printers to participate. After putting the word out and sending emails to some of my favorite printers, I ended up with a HUGE print exchange with a wonderfully diverse group totally 38 printers. With a little trial and error on my part trying to figure out the best way to exchange everything, the basic premise was this: Everyone creates an original letterpress art print, make enough copies for everyone in the swap, & send them all to me with a few bucks for shipping. The printers had until March to complete their prints and it wasn't until just a few weeks ago that the massive undertaking of sorting, arranging, packing and shipping the prints back to everyone was complete.
Involved in the swap are not only some well-known seasoned veterans but first-time printers alike. Yet regardless of their experience behind the press, everyone participating took the time to create a well thought out and unique piece and as the organizer of the swap, I couldn't be more proud. I think the best part for me was the opportunity to meet some amazing folks. Quite a few of us actually met up at the National Stationery Show in May and have become cyber pals since. I have already been getting requests from folks about next year's swap or even the possibility of a holiday letterpress ornament swap. Hmmm. We shall see.
Now to the part you really want to know about... The Incredible Massive Letterpress Giveaway part! All of the printers were kind enough to include a few extra prints for giveaways and Jan was kind enough to let me share our giveaway with the lovely Poppytalk readers. So here is the scoop; We have not one, not two, but THREE prizes to give away to some lucky readers. You will have until the end of the day on Thursday to enter. Winners will be chosen on Friday.
Involved in the swap are not only some well-known seasoned veterans but first-time printers alike. Yet regardless of their experience behind the press, everyone participating took the time to create a well thought out and unique piece and as the organizer of the swap, I couldn't be more proud. I think the best part for me was the opportunity to meet some amazing folks. Quite a few of us actually met up at the National Stationery Show in May and have become cyber pals since. I have already been getting requests from folks about next year's swap or even the possibility of a holiday letterpress ornament swap. Hmmm. We shall see.
Now to the part you really want to know about... The Incredible Massive Letterpress Giveaway part! All of the printers were kind enough to include a few extra prints for giveaways and Jan was kind enough to let me share our giveaway with the lovely Poppytalk readers. So here is the scoop; We have not one, not two, but THREE prizes to give away to some lucky readers. You will have until the end of the day on Thursday to enter. Winners will be chosen on Friday.
1st Prize
a COMPLETE set of all 38 prints from the swap
-with a value of over $800-
2nd & 3rd Prizes
each get 1/2 a complete set - 19 prints each
(the half-sets will be evenly divided for a good mix)
-with a value of about $400 each-
a COMPLETE set of all 38 prints from the swap
-with a value of over $800-
2nd & 3rd Prizes
each get 1/2 a complete set - 19 prints each
(the half-sets will be evenly divided for a good mix)
-with a value of about $400 each-
So here's what you need to do. Below is the list of participants. Visit the websites from at least two of the participants whose work you really like. In the comments below, let us know your what your two favorite works are.
For a full peek at all of the prints/printers involved in the swap, visit this Flickr page complete with photographs and names (documented by Bon Vivant Press) . Many of the prints were limited edition runs and several of the printers have a few copies left for sale on their various websites so if you aren't a lucky winner, you can still pick up some kick-ass art.
GOOD LUCK!
Editors Note: We are honoured that Kelly and the swap participants have chosen Poppytalk to share this wonderful giveaway. Safari browsers note: You many not be able to comment using Safari after the list gets to 80 comments or so. If this is the case, please use another browser such as Firefox to leave a comment. If you do not have Firefox please email us at poppytalkblog[at]yahoo[dot]ca and we will enter your name for you. One comment/entry per person. Comments/entries at this post only. We are so stoked about this! Good luck to everyone!
GOOD LUCK!
Editors Note: We are honoured that Kelly and the swap participants have chosen Poppytalk to share this wonderful giveaway. Safari browsers note: You many not be able to comment using Safari after the list gets to 80 comments or so. If this is the case, please use another browser such as Firefox to leave a comment. If you do not have Firefox please email us at poppytalkblog[at]yahoo[dot]ca and we will enter your name for you. One comment/entry per person. Comments/entries at this post only. We are so stoked about this! Good luck to everyone!
Comments
So my two very favorites, although it was hard to pick, are Dear Deer by SeesawPress. I also love Sneakers by Olivia San Mateo of Olive-Route.com. It's a beautiful print, and Jack Purcell's happen to be my most favorite shoe :)
I just discovered green chair press. There type coasters will be going out to some special folks this holiday season
From bespoke press I love the print "And in the sweetness of friendship..." and from Seesaw press the print "Dear Deer".
Oh, this might be the best competition ever and I just can't wait until the winners are presented - they will be three lucky people! :)
I really like the statement in elisejoy's 5x7 letterpress - 3rd Edition and how cute are 12fifteen's bug letterpress coasters?
Yea!
I also loved Hijirik's Live What you Love print in yellow. It's bright, bold, and motivating! Everything I need to start the day off right.
A really close third for me was Night Owl Paper Goods' fork & spoon jotter. Adorable for jotting down recipes!
and a new favorite! the onward & upward print by SeeSawDesigns!
Paper Stories has the best must have (still need) letterpress holiday cards. the pine cone design is my absolute favorite! and i like her quail card! hooray for Chandy P.!
And i can not say enough about the awe inspiring twang and design genius of Yee Haw Industries! i yearn to someday have the whole farmers market card series and the blue trees series!
thank you to poppytalk and paper stories for hosting this giveaway which is making my hyperventilate! xo, Katy
kisforcalligraphy@gmail.com
Good luck everyone!
I love (LOVE!) Mire Ink Press and Olivia San Mateo
I loved Bon Vivant Press and Robin Beth!
I was poring through all the photos and sites, love letterpress so much, it's hard to decide. But if I had to pick I would say the folk series by Sycamore Street Press, because it's just beautiful and classic! And also the vintage chairs by Bespoke Press - so lovely chic!
I also really like a. favorite design's "original laptop" postcard of a typewriter. It's so true!
Thank you so much to Jan and to Kelly for giving all of us this opportunity!
I love the work of night owl paper goods and cindy tomczyk. Just wonderful!
*Jeanette*
I love the iris print from Hijirik and the 'me + you = <3' print at a. favorite design.
I hope I can score at these great prints!
Paring my favorites down to just two was quite the task... but I think my two overall favorites are Golden Folksy Floral Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods and Onward & Upward by Angela of See Saw Designs.
There really are so many lovely pieces though. Thanks for the awesome opportunity!
x+o
Amy
I love the Golden Folksy Floral Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods and the Cobalt Print by Sycamore Streetpress. Teapots and Loops by Paperstories are a close third!
I've enjoyed looking at them all (over and over again)
I really really love HIJIRK Studio and DELPHINE Press: their prints would be great on my home green walls...
Let's choose, but I'm sure will be most difficult, just two!
1.- From Green Chair Press, the Ampersand print, because I've always loved this letter.
2.- From Elise Joy, the 5x7 letterpress print - 3rd edition, because it's a quote that made me think, and feel happy.
Aaaand, I was sure I couldn´t choose just two! I also love the Chronology - letterpress clocks print from Albertine Press, I think I have something with Einstein, ha-ha-ha.
Good luck for everyone!
mi.microcosmos(at)gmail.com
Blue Patterned Garden by Sycamore Press and Hiking Bunny by Yee Haw Industries
I adore the "lark" collection from Sycamore Street Press. They're quirky, funny cards and beautiful too.
I also love the oversized Keep on the Sunny Side postcard from YeeHaw! That's one of my favourite songs and the design is just perfect on the card! I like the idea of oversized things too and it works so well with this card!
I adore the "lark" collection from Sycamore Street Press. They're quirky, funny cards and beautiful too.
I also love the oversized Keep on the Sunny Side postcard from YeeHaw! That's one of my favourite songs and the design is just perfect on the card! I like the idea of oversized things too and it works so well with this card!
What a wonderful, generous giveaway!
'Golden Folksy Floral Rosette' by Night Owl Paper Goods & 'Cobalt Print' by Sycamore Street Press are my faves. It was a tight choice though, the're all wonderful!!!
The name "Night Owl Paper Goods" definitely caught my eye (since it's almost 3am here in CA). I like their button flower card collection that reuses their paper scraps to create more unique cards. I love that it's a greenie idea.
I also love the simplicity of 12fifteen's works. My favorites are the Indian Summer prints. They're lovely, and it's my favorite season!
My second favorite is "Iris" by HIjirik Studio. Such a simple idea, but still fresh and clean.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway and for sharing pictures of the exchange. What a great idea!
two of my favorites are the feathers and twings by cindy tomczyk and the detailing on the swap card by robin beth designs. they're all just lovely!
thank you for offering this giveaway!
and Chairs by Bespoke Press
LOVELY!
w
I think I love them all, but forced to choose its Unfinished Indian by Mark Maroney of Mine Ink Press and Teapots and hoops from paperstories, however I must say I think Roll and Tumble are brilliant too!
My two favourite prints:
the Dissected Frog by Bon Vivant press
love the motif and the colours.
And Winsome Girl by Roll and Tumble press,
it looks like a pretty tattoo.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!
It is great meeting some great new artists I hadn't visited before.
I fell in love with Parrott Design Studio. I love their color palette, the concept, their naturalistic themes in beautiful new colors. Since I have to peak one, it will have to be her peonies. (and her frogs. And the strawberries, so juicy!)
My other favorite is Zara Gonzalez. I loved what she writes about herself:"I’m a twenty-eight year old girl going on twelve or forty depending on the day". It feels so me! I pick the girl in rollerskates because it so makes me feel like moving forward. Very encouraging.
Please count me in!
I love the visual buffet of styles and colors that have been collected. Pretty awesome.
i love the tactile contrast of the sparky yellow stitching on Sycamore Street's gorgeous Cobalt print.
and i have a wall in my living room where I like to display sharp line-based and architectural prints, where Bound Staff Press's 'Empty Nest' would sit wonderfully!
Fingers crossed... :) x
I love Chairs by Bespoke Press and also Poppy Print by Delphine but really they are all so fab.
-teapots and loops by paper stories
-bon vivant press surgery room by bon vivant
and then 2nd would be the Moon by Reservoir Press... simply beautiful.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Beautiful, inspiring works! Thank you!
I think I have to say I really like just about everything from Night Owl Paper Goods, and from 12fifteen I really like the Indian Summer & Winter Wonderland prints :)
This is such a great prize...good luck to everyone! :)
Thanks for putting this together!
It was difficult to pick just two prints, but here they are:
- Golden Folksy Floral Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods
- Bird in the Clouds by Adam (Yee Haw Industries)
From the websites, I loved:
- The Last Duck by Albertine Press
- all the letterpress Thank You Notes by Night Owl Paper Goods
I hope I can get my hands on all those gorgeous prints you have to give away.
i've had my eye on the antique chairs print by bespoke press for some time now, and i also really love the onward & upward print by angela of see saw designs...perfect for a kid's room.
thanks for such a great giveaway!
I also love See Saw, "A Ship in the Harbor." My husband has a sailboat...hmmm good Father's Day present I think.
I love the baby annoucements from Birddog. and I adore the Alphabet posters from Sycamore. I'm expecting a new nephew so I think I have baby sweetness on the brain!
I had eight favourites written down! Of those, my TWO FAV's are: Chair by Amy Stocklein (the composition, the colour, the texture...wow) and Colbalt Print by Sycamore Street Press (beautiful pattern... oh so crisp!).
Thanks for organizing this terrific event!
My favorites: Poppy Print by Delphine Press and Cobalt Print by Sycamore Street Press.
MissPompadour.etsy.com
Beautiful work everyone!
&
May '08 Letterpress Limited Edition of 100. 8x10" Original Print. Eva Jorgensen from sycamore Street Press.
Thanks so much for this giveaway and turning us on to new artists!
My faves... Piora i Gatazki (Feathers & Twigs) by Cindy Tomczyk and Chairs by Bespoke Press.
What a fantastic giveaway!
As for faves - the carnival treats series from Yee Haw is a.w.e.s.o.m.e. The cotton candy hair and the corn dog/caramel apple couple and fantastic!
I also love this simple card from enjoy design. Enjoy is one of my very favorite words, and I love this simple little phrase as a reminder to enjoy things as best you can.
I love Antlers by Zara Gonzalez's and the Golden Folksy Floral Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods.
love the typewriter post card from a. favorite design:
http://www.afavoritedesign.com/nxtbigpostcardclick.html
and the
YOU
AND
ME<3 one love design from visual chemist:
http://blog.visualchemist.com/2009/05/you-me-one/
"besos" card from yeehaw industries, and the "mind your p's and q's" print from green chair press.
I love Bon Vivant Press! the frogs are divine! and I love the story behind their creation! and I'm a long time fan of 12 Fifteen, the Indian Summer print is my favourite!
I discovered lots of new paper makers. I especially liked Sara Parrott's Peony and the frog surgery by Bon Vivant Press!
Great, inspiring work everyone!
count me in!!
my two favorites are:
1. a. favorite design - click clack clunk a2 letterpress postcard
i just inherited two of my gramp's antique typewriters and am anxious to get them up and running!! this is adorable!
2. night owl paper goods - water otter wood postcard
sometimes i think my pup looks like an otter...hehe! i love how this postcard is wood, too! i'd be tickled to receive this in the mail!
thank you for the chance at receiving all of this lovely art!
*
This is the BEST giveaway. Everrrr.
Rad.
It's really hard to pick a favorite, but if I'm being forced...
I LOVE the Golden Folksy Floral Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods, and also Yellow Floral by Sycamore Street Press. I'm really feeling all the warm yellows and oranges right now while I get myself all jazzed up for the hot summer days around the corner!
It is so hard to choose, but I really love the Sneakers by Olivia San Mateo and Onward & Upward by Angela of See Saw Design(such a great work!).
Good luck for everyone!!!
I can't pick just two, they are all really amazing and beautiful
The prints that stand out to me are:
Bird in the Clouds by Yeehawindustries
Teapost and Loops by Paper Stories
Golden Folky Floral Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods
Yellow Floral by Sycamore St. Press
Wind Powered Wishes by Visual Chemist
Sneakers by Gina San Mateo
Thanks so much for this opportunity.
-Katie
Visit me here:
BRAND NEW! web: http://www.savegocco.com
shop: http://www.paperdaystudio.etsy.com
blog: http://www.savegocco.blogspot.com
Two of my favs are the cross-stitch coasters by 12fifteen (I have two sets of their coasters - love 'em!) AND Alphabet in Blue by Green Chair Press - love it for a kids room!
12fifteen's Indian Summer and A.Favorite's "You're a Knockout" are my favorite.
but I love paper stories & hijirik. hijirik's love what you love is very amusing. ;D
This giveaway is just too awesome. Just RT you in twitter. hope to spread the love a little bit.
How can you not love this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24438978
Someone is going to be very lucky! Awesome!
i really love Starshaped press and the many art nouveau and art deco styles. beautiful! favorite is the wedding announcement for gretchen and erik.
good luck everyone!! :)
It is so hard to narrow it down to two favorites, but here it goes.
Oliveroute's Water Letterpress Print
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18266233
and
Sycamore Street Press' Letterpress Alphabet Poster
http://shop.sycamorestreetpress.com/product/alphabet-poster-modern-design-tulip-and-water
two favorites are Night Owl Paper Goods and EliseJoy/Enjoy Design.
(but you know none of us can really pick just two!)
Roll & Tumble's Be Brilliant is a recent favorite.
Also, love the Cobalt print by Sycamore Street Press.
Still, some of my favorites were on here, so they're hard to resist.
Fave #1 is Parrott Design Studio. I love Sarah's work, especially her record coasters:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23039537
Also a big fan of YeeHaw Industries. Bought their little thank you notes awhile ago and need some more! They're the perfect size:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26032497
and the Smile poster from rollandtumblepress
:)
Bespoke Press- vintage chairs in Magenta
Night Owl paper goods- love birds
All others are truly fabulous also!
I LOVE Yee-Haw industries -- I'm partial to them because I have one of their zombie posters in my living room.
But ooooh, Resevoir Press. The moon print is stunning. And did you see the business cards they have up on their blog? AMAZING.
I love all of the Farmer's Market prints from Yee-Haw industries, and the Indian Summer print from 12 fifteen!
Thanks for the give awya!!! So exciting!!!
My two favorites are Tangelo by SeeSaw Designs and Tools by Elizabeth Weston.
lesjoujou AT gmail DOT com
I choose See-Saw Designs b/c I love her little added touch of stitching.
And Green Chair Press because I have been looking ALL OVER for a modern collection of the entire alphabet that an adult could showcase, not just something for a baby's room - her coasters are perfect!
Congrats to everyone and thanks Poppytalk for sharing these artists!
On the flipside (and for its simplicity) I love Amber Favorite's Ligatures because I think it might be the sweetest designer-to-designer love note that I've ever seen.
I’ve spent my whole morning drooling over these amazing prints…imagining them in my home, thoughtfully placed in a collage on the wall, or placed in picture frames leaning on the mantle. The picture in my mind is so beautiful and warming…I may need to purchase a few of these if I’m not the winner of a prize ;)
Though seemingly impossible and completely torn, I have chosen two prints:
Golden Folksy Floral Rossette by Night Owl Paper Goods – What an absolutely perfect print. The contrast of the delicate and intricate golden flower and wooden background surrounding the print are exquisite. I am currently imagining it against my grass green walls, and am in love!
Teapots & Loops by Paper Stories – I love the colors used in this unique and fun print. How perfect would this be for a tea party invitation for yourself or a little girl?! I just love the playfulness of it all.
ps…I absolutely love that you had a letterpress swap…If only I were a printer :)
Thanks for hosting such a wonderful giveaway. I'm amazed at the artistry of these prints- they're all gorgeous!
What a great giveaway!
Night owl Paper Goods &
Starshaped press.
But they are all so lovely.
What I liked the most:
Live What You Love from Hijirik Studios
Golden Folksy Floral Rosette from Night Owl Paper Goods (I love their stuff in general) I'm collecting tiny yellow prints for my kitchen.
And because I found more than just two while checking out all the links...
Mandala Art Print from Shimmer Studio is awesome. I love those colors.
And from the always awesome Yee Haw Industries I liked the Blue Trees Letterpress mini prints and envelopes.
Links that didn't work for me were:
Kissing-Bug Press, Parrott Design Studio, Three Red Hens Etsy store link and the Visual Chemist store was closed.
What a great contest Poppytalk! I loved having to look at all the stores to provide an answer. Thank you.
My favorites are Sycamore Street Press (I love trees, especially Sycamores), Elizabeth Weston (I love the theme and colors), and, I had to pick three, Albertine Press (time, time, time...).
Thanks!
Rachel
The quote on Amy Stocklein's print "Chair" really struck a chord with me. Absolutely LOVE the whole print. Second would be "The Moon" by Reservoir Press. It's so hauntingly beautiful and realistic that I'm amazed it's letterpressed.
I have looked on the websites and flickr set and although I have many more than two favorites I'll mention two. 1} Alphazomby by YeeHaw and 2} Pink Peony by Sarah Parrott.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Fingers crossed,
Sarah
I'm keeping my fingers crossed - I LOVE letterpress!
No. 1 is Poppy Print by Delphine Press to celebrate the total reversal of how I used to feel about the color orange and in honor of my little boy, who adores the California Poppy.
No. 2 is Sometimes You Just Gotta Twirl by Elise Joy. Because I am working harder at being a more playful person lately.
Grazie!
Jess
Thanks for having this amazing giveway, and encouraging us to explore the works of a whole bunch of wicked-talented letterpress artists. :)
I love Night Owl Paper Goods and a. favorite design. The 'peacock feather' i love you card from Night Owl is simple but oh-so-cute.. and my boyfriend would like it too! I also can't stop looking at the carnival birthday card from a. favorite design. I love the theme and layers of color.
Thank you so much!
vkhuong[at]gmail[dot]com
What a fun giveaway. :)
Great idea for a giveaway!
I esp. love the grocery totes from yeehaw industries - the graphics are to die for! And their posters! My husband esp. loves the Zombies posters. might have to get some of those purchased for him.
Also, the Parrott Design Studio has some awesome record coasters. I don't know if I would be able to actually use them, though! (P.S the link for Parrott doesn't work. I think it's just missing one of the Rs in Parrott.)
So difficult to choose, but I think my two favourites are Chairs by Bespoke Press and Happiness & the Absurd by 3 Red Hens.
and this from NightOwl Papergoods: http://www.nightowlpapergoods.com/product.php?productid=439&cat=11&page=1
TOO CUTE!!!
I have my eye on the Rosette by Night Owl Paper Goods and the Unfinished American by Mark Maroney of Mire Ink Press...great!
My favorites: YeeHaw's The Other Kind of Socialist print -- I'm an advertising major and this just spells solid gold design, tagline, and branding to me.
Rollandtumble Press' You Are All I Need print -- Can you say romantic wording that doubles as a perfect Radiohead quote? Sweet typography and coloring? It's a home run!
**Also the Parrot Design link is misspelt in your coding somewhere, it's missing an R :)
so. here's what i love.
first of all seesaw designs, has beautiful work, and one of my favorite prints of theirs is the "onward and upward" print. It makes me feel so happy!!!
second of all, the cool Sherlock Holmes coasters from green chair press!!! how fun are those???
thanks so much for the chance to win some absolutely amazing work!!! crossing my fingers!
I also adore the "surgery" frog print from Bon Vivant Press. Love!
my 2 faves at this very moment are:
Bespoke's limited ed. Birds print &
Sycamore Street press's children's animal alphabet print.
yeah for letterpress!!
"Vintage Chairs (magenta)" by Bespoke Designs and "Dan + Erin" by Starshaped Press.
The link to Parrott Design is incorrect, you might want to change it. They could be missing out on some votes! Their stuff is pretty too.
I'll keep everyone bookmarked in case I don't win.
I adore Alphazomby by Yee Haw Industries. I also love the Cobalt Print by Sycamore Street Press.
I'm going to have to check out each of these letterpress shops! I'm drooling with paper lust. Beautiful work!
Oh I do hope I win one of these prizes!!!!
My second pick is the weird alphazomby mask by BJ of Yee Haw Industries. I like the pixel-like print, kinda 3D colors.. very original!
What a lovely and creative giveaway!
I wish I had more time this morning to look through every one of these sites, and I’m really happy to have discovered some new letterpress designers and shops through this giveaway. Based on a quick first glance, two of my favorites are Delphine Press (have really liked their stuff for awhile; favorite today is the 2009 Letterpress Calendar with easel) and Albertine Press (chronology clocks print).
Wow, I am crossing my fingers for this one!
i love love love enjoy designs.. been following her for awhile.
i also love the smile poster from roll and tumble. in fact i may have just bought it!
That being said:
Have always loved GreenChairPress and the Make The Numbers Dance is really cool.
From Yee-Haw Industries I love the new grocery totes.
I love Yee Haw Industries work! It was hard to narrow it down to their "My Grass Is Blue."
And I like Roll and Tumble Press's "Think Before Speaking."
My favorites are Cobalt by Sycamore Street Press and Birds in the Cloud by Adam @ Yee Haw. But I have no doubt that most of these prints would end up in treasured places around my house and studio!
It was really hard to pick, so needless to say, I'd love to win them all. But, rules are rules so, I liked Tools by Elizabeth Weston and Sneakers by Olivia San Mateo.
if i have to pick only two, they would be: Hijirik Studio's "Iris" and A. Favorite's "Ligatures".
-junie
am loving their stuff.
my favorites are: "bird in the clouds" (yee haw) and "around the block" (greenchair press)
I like A. Favorite by Bon Vivant Press and Antlers by Zara Gonzalez.
There are a few prints in the photos that I have been eying for a while now. I am not sure how I'm going to type for the next 2 days with my fingers crossed, but it'll be worth it.
I love Seesaw and Green Chair... and ALL letterpress. It's a sickness, really.