WHAT IS LETTERPRESS?
Ella Letterpress was created purely out of my passion for the craft, and so I love explaining the rich history behind this old fashioned art form. Developed in the 14th century by Johannes Gutenberg, letterpress is the oldest form of printing and remained the primary print method until the mid 20th century. Letterpress is a method of relief printing in which raised surfaces (plates) are covered in ink and pressed down into the paper making a deep impression.
Historically, movable wood and metal type were used, but have been replaced with photopolymer plates. Setting type involves placing each individual letter on the base to make your desired word. Today, designs are created on the computer and any design can be transformed into a plate. Letterpress has recently become the go-to printing technique for wedding invitations because these photopolymer plates allow for the use of design elements that make a paper suite more unique than the traditional method of engraving. The main appeal of letterpress is the use of soft cotton paper, which makes the impression feel luxurious to the touch.
Although plate making has become modernized, the printing process is still done by hand, one at a time. Each sheet of paper must be run through the press and press set up and getting the perfect alignment is very involved. Also, a separate plate is created for each color and each color requires an additional run through the press. The system of registration comes into play which requires consistent placement for every print.
The hands on nature of the craft is what makes letterpress printing an art worth celebrating. My hope is that this brief history lesson will influence my clients to appreciate the art of letterpress and what goes into to creating these luxurious paper suites. Ella Letterpress production consists of everything from start to finish, including design, platemaking, printing, cutting down paper to handcutting and lining the envelopes, so a lot of love goes into each piece of staitonery. Printing is FUN and I encourage those that are interested to take one of my letterpress workshops in Alexandria, VA. Hopefully my enthusiasm has sparked an interest in the process :).
Historically, movable wood and metal type were used, but have been replaced with photopolymer plates. Setting type involves placing each individual letter on the base to make your desired word. Today, designs are created on the computer and any design can be transformed into a plate. Letterpress has recently become the go-to printing technique for wedding invitations because these photopolymer plates allow for the use of design elements that make a paper suite more unique than the traditional method of engraving. The main appeal of letterpress is the use of soft cotton paper, which makes the impression feel luxurious to the touch.
Although plate making has become modernized, the printing process is still done by hand, one at a time. Each sheet of paper must be run through the press and press set up and getting the perfect alignment is very involved. Also, a separate plate is created for each color and each color requires an additional run through the press. The system of registration comes into play which requires consistent placement for every print.
The hands on nature of the craft is what makes letterpress printing an art worth celebrating. My hope is that this brief history lesson will influence my clients to appreciate the art of letterpress and what goes into to creating these luxurious paper suites. Ella Letterpress production consists of everything from start to finish, including design, platemaking, printing, cutting down paper to handcutting and lining the envelopes, so a lot of love goes into each piece of staitonery. Printing is FUN and I encourage those that are interested to take one of my letterpress workshops in Alexandria, VA. Hopefully my enthusiasm has sparked an interest in the process :).
PRINT METHODS
Ella Letterpress mainly focuses on letterpress printing, but I am pleased to announce that I am expanding to include a variety of print services. All of these print methods are done by hand using antique machines. I will show you the differences in our initial consultation.
LETTERPRESS
Letterpress is a method of relief printing in which raised surfaces (plates) are covered in ink and pressed down into cotton paper making a deep impression.
ENGRAVING
Unlike letterpress, engraving is the method of raised printing. A copper plate is used to etch words into the paper and ink is applied as the next step to cover the etching. You can tell if something is engraved by etchings on the back on the invitaiton. Engraving is very traditional and more type oriented, but equally as elegant.
FOIL STAMPING
Foil stamping is the same process as letterpress, but used with foil instead of ink. Foil allows for a true metallic look that cannot be achieved with letterpress ink. It is very common to combine letterpress and foil stamping, especially if trying to achieve a true gold accent.
CALLIGRAPHY
Calligraphy is hand lettering done by a professional calligrapher and is traditionally used for guest addressing. Hand lettering can also be digitized to be made into a letterpress or engraving plate should you want truly unique lettering for your invitation and coordinating pieces rather than a standard font. I work with many calligraphers that can provide custom lettering that fits your style.
Letterpress is a method of relief printing in which raised surfaces (plates) are covered in ink and pressed down into cotton paper making a deep impression.
ENGRAVING
Unlike letterpress, engraving is the method of raised printing. A copper plate is used to etch words into the paper and ink is applied as the next step to cover the etching. You can tell if something is engraved by etchings on the back on the invitaiton. Engraving is very traditional and more type oriented, but equally as elegant.
FOIL STAMPING
Foil stamping is the same process as letterpress, but used with foil instead of ink. Foil allows for a true metallic look that cannot be achieved with letterpress ink. It is very common to combine letterpress and foil stamping, especially if trying to achieve a true gold accent.
CALLIGRAPHY
Calligraphy is hand lettering done by a professional calligrapher and is traditionally used for guest addressing. Hand lettering can also be digitized to be made into a letterpress or engraving plate should you want truly unique lettering for your invitation and coordinating pieces rather than a standard font. I work with many calligraphers that can provide custom lettering that fits your style.