for some reason that wasn’t working. the file is 48×48 (with more white on each side). I’ll try a few other tricks and see if it works.

new icon for our group up now!! http://www.flickr.com/groups/ladiesofletterpress/After a few tries, I was unable to keep it the right proportion so if anyone has any tips let me know.

I just stumbled upon a great blog post about this, better than my rough description.http://threeredhens.blogspot.com/2008/02/letterpress-step-3-making-photopolymer.html

I remember buying some “letterpress” scrapbooking paper, and then realizing it wasn’t real. I’m sure she will have some unhappy customers who will will purchase thinking it’s really letterpress printed. It’s interesting to see what lengths she goes to imitate letterpress, and the question is why? It also seems that she knows enough to purchase photopolymer plates, wouldn’t it just be easier to save up some money and buy a press?

I would love to, I’ll get it set up tomorrow and let everyone know how to find it.

I print out of the San Francisco Center for the Book (sfcb.org) and they have a plate making machine. I’ll try to give a quick over view so hope it makes sense.It involves starting with having the design put on film (clear area is the design, the rest is black). I have a printing place that does this for me, for about $15. Then at the center, I place it and the plate material in a box that seals and then a light exposes the film to the light. After that there is a special cleaning machine, that basically lightly brushes off the non-exposed areas. The plate then goes back into the light machine, and it hardens the polymer even more. That’s basically it. No chemicals besides what’s on the plate, but similar to developing photographs.On the other hand, since my time is limited, I go to a local guy to get mine made, they don’t cost too much more.let us know what you decide to do.

update: I found some clear plastic boxes from clearbags.com that work well. They are the right length and height, but are a little too deep. For now I put a couple pieces of cardboard in there and it fills up the box, but wish they fit perfectly!

thanks kseniya, I was just going to print with some jewel tone colors this evening and I may try it with some transparent white and see how it looks.

I don’t have much experience doing this, but I did recently print on some fabric bags and I love how they turned out. I printed with rubber based inks. Not exactly sure if they are washable though. Anyone else know?http://www.flickr.com/photos/christienicole/3316552593/

I just printed on coasters for the first time last week, which I ordered from Amer. Coaster. I have the thickest weight and luckily they printed fine, but I was also warned that they could crack. Think I’ll get the medium weight next time.

oh, and to add a quick question to this. If I print on the coasters with rubber ink, will it run if the coasters get wet. I’m assuming not, but want to be sure.thanks!!

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