You should also check out Bovine Press, run by Ladies of Letterpress member LauraThoms – http://www.bovinepress.com/. She’s in Austin.

You can do this with a linoleum block. Get a block that’s already mounted on a wood base (it’s actually particle-board), then you’ll need one piece of museum board to lift it to type-high (I think 2-ply is enough). The golden color is supposed to be easier to carve than ‘battleship gray’, but I’m not sure if this comes pre-mounted.Linoleum tends…[Read more]

My handle on today’s tech isn’t great either, but I’ve jumped on the social networking bandwagon. (Let’s face it – I think we’re perfectly happy to be immersed in *yesterday’s* tech :)I’ll post about this today, with a few updates in May, and send everyone your email address as a contact. Let me know the states (and maybe cities) of new…[Read more]

I like Memorial Day (May 31) as the cut off, Labor Day (Sept. 6) as the due date.Camille, do you mind if I send a ‘direct message’ to all members along with posting this elsewhere, like Twitter and FB? I really want to get printers from all 50 states involved, but don’t want to overwhelm you with too many entries to deal with.Could you list what…[Read more]

Yes, the adhesive plates are slightly less slightly less expensive than the metal-backed, but buying the adhesive sheets for them might add up to about the same price. I’m not sure about the price difference between the magnetic vs. aluminum bases.

Oh, I get my plates (and the base) from Boxcar Press.

I started out with metal backed plates and magnetic bases at school, but I’ve switched to using sticky-backed plates on an aluminum base now. I just find them easier to make small adjustments, since they don’t ‘smack’ down onto the base, and I like being able to see through them when putting them in place. I also like the flexibility of the…[Read more]

yeah, right after labor day is perfect!

How about making this a summer project, and set the deadline for the end of August? (This is the timeline that works best for me – sorry if it seems like the distant future for everyone.)

I have an idea, from your postcard suggestion. What about an exchange of postcards about the places where we live, like those “Hello from…” postcards?

Oh, fantastic! Thanks for the link.You’ll need to use an Eyelet Setter – http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Paper-Source-Eyelet-…. Put the eyelet/rivet in place, then put the eyelet setter on the rounded side, and gently tap the back of the setter tool with a hammer a few times, until you get the thickness you need. (no need to…[Read more]

I’ve been getting mine from Paper Source – http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/color/Eyelets/2904.012/702.html.I don’t know about tightness – I hammer mine down tight for book binding purposes, and don’t want anything turning, but they seem high enough to stay loose for turning paper.But they don’t have brass, which I’m also looking for. I…[Read more]

well, don’t let my obsessions take over your project. if you’d rather, we can start a swap with bookmarks or postcards, and i can always propose another bookplates swap after that. :)have you have many responses?

Hi Camille,I’d be interested in joining in on another swap! I recently made my first bookplate for a show, and now I’m a little obsessed with them. What do you think about a bookplate/Ex Libris swap?

Hi Ondine,I suggest you check out the San Francisco Center for the Book. I’m not sure how far away that is for you (I’m on the east coast), but they have a really nice printing facility, fantastic classes, and opportunities to volunteer. They might also be able to point you towards opportunities more local to you.Jessica