Ladies of Letterpress | kelly mcmahon | Activity https://ladiesofletterpress.com/members/kellymcmahon/activity/ Activity feed for kelly mcmahon. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:31:01 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 23bb8bda4ac8e61013cb4181e97d1203 kelly mcmahon started the topic Press Director and Artisan at Bread & Puppet (Glover, VT) in the forum Classifieds https://ladiesofletterpress.com/forums/topic/press-director-and-artisan-at-bread-puppet-glover-vt/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:03:00 -0400 Bread and Puppet Theater, the world-renowned, 55-year-old politically radical puppetry company, is seeking a B&P Press Director & Print Shop Artisan. The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years of experience in a related field and a passion for visual/printing arts.

We are seeking an individual who will not only sustain the current press operations…[Read more]

]]> 56186e7cd9072eb12927f6a22c38e06c kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Cutting Sticks in the forum Supplies and Sources https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/cutting-sticks/#post-4240 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:11:12 -0400 Cutting sticks are often sold by the same folks who sharpen blades. Have you asked them?My cutter would also take a 1.25″ square cutting stick–but a friend did what Arie is suggesting, and made a kind of “holder” out of 1.25″ wood, and you can fill it in with .5 or .75″ plastic sticks.If your blade sharpening folks don’t offer sticks, I get mine…[Read more]

]]> 28c1cc06eaa14a1b63324a1dd1747628 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Looking to buy a 10x15 C&P. New England, USA, but open to shipping. in the forum Business Matters https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/looking-to-buy-a-10x15-c-and-p-new-england-usa-but-open-to-shipping/#post-4181 Fri, 15 May 2015 01:10:34 -0400 Ashley,I highly recommend calling/visiting John Barrett at Letterpress Things. He’s the go-to dealer in New England, and if he doesn’t have a 10×15 ready to go, he’ll likely know where you could find one!Good luck!

]]> e5cab41f1b50c5c013d5ee5902ebedc8 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Letterpress Classes in NYC in the forum Supplies and Sources https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/letterpress-classes-in-nyc/#post-4150 Thu, 12 Mar 2015 03:02:31 -0400 Alaina,Amber of Flywheel Press in California offers Windmill Workshops (and there’s one this October!). Everyone RAVES about them! https://www.facebook.com/flywheelpressKelly

]]> e14947d7466b47a9d7e31e552742850e kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Printing CD sleeves in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/printing-cd-sleeves/#post-4128 Mon, 23 Feb 2015 23:35:05 -0500 Have you tried taping them to the tympan? It would be crazy slow going, but it would keep your register. Say, use a few squares of something like this (http://www.staples.com/Scotch-Restickable-Strips-1-inch-x-3-Clear-6-Pack/product_857700) on the tympan–making sure that they’re not under an area that’s being printed, and also that the area would…[Read more]

]]> 3ac95d8a9051b76237cfe55f10a5cdc0 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Building a Business in the forum Business Matters https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/building-a-business/#post-4039 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:39:48 -0500 Gary,It sounds like you have all the makings in place to be a small, custom shop that focuses on your strengths–LETTERPRESS FOR THE PEOPLE!I loved your sneak peeks on instagram, of the young couple printing part of their invitations–that is one thing that you can certainly do differently than the other local printers.My local strategy was this:…[Read more]

]]> 4577662965199e29ba49c907fedfe681 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Building a Business in the forum Business Matters https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/building-a-business/#post-4035 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:59:50 -0500 Gary,I too am running a small letterpress shop in a not-so-saturated area…and I’ve had much better luck focusing my efforts on LOCAL business, local craft fairs, etc. The bulk of my custom work is filtered though local graphic designers, who are more than happy to have “bespoke” wholesale printer. And I’ve built a wholesale/retail line, which I…[Read more]

]]> f65740379c41da8ae4d5ffd924fccda5 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Packing for a Vandercook SP-20 in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/packing-for-a-vandercook-sp-20/#post-4052 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 18:21:08 -0500 Firstly, your bed plate shouldn’t matter to anything, as long as it’s level and brings your type/plates up to type high.Vandercook recommends no more than .03 over the undercut–so you’d want you paper and tympan/packing thickness to total .43. I find that with Lettra (because it’s so soft), you want a bit more than that–closer to .50.(I’m not…[Read more]

]]> 1f3581f0a08f0cada5c2ff2c571edaa5 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Shop logo on your work in the forum Job Advice https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/shop-logo-on-your-work/#post-3972 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 02:01:50 -0400 I absolutely do not put my logo on custom work. Clients pay me for their design, printing, etc and it should represent the best work I can do–but for them. I always include a business card (or two) in the box so if they’re happy with my work they can share my contact info easily.The one exception is sending out samples–then I do label my work.

]]> 74a85dbd6bc2acbb2a3f4e1a3ea9a7b3 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Shop clean-out #2: Italian Cotton Ribbon! in the forum Classifieds https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/shop-clean-out-2-italian-cotton-ribbon/#post-3942 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 15:37:41 -0400 Just replied to your email, Lise!

]]> 1f79618a3423b6e675c924827eecfff6 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Envelopes, Coasters, and Packaging clean-out! in the forum Classifieds https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/envelopes-coasters-and-packaging-clean-out/#post-3938 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:22:53 -0400 Hi Liz,Yes! I can ship to the UK for an additional cost. Let me know what you’re interested in, and I can get you an accurate shipping quote.Best,Kelly

]]> d8d3c8f0260b652e691c1b7b759bbff8 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Pregnancy and lead type? in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/pregnancy-and-lead-type/#post-3701 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:16:19 -0500 Elana,It’s a good habit to have the MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) on file for all of your inks and solvents. Van Son Rubber Base is one of the lowest-toxicity inks you will find. (see #11 on the sheet)Again, from my own experience, my little one is robustly healthy, and has been meeting all of her developmental milestones at or ahead of…[Read more]

]]> d1f300bfea692f15fef8ec6f7da26b70 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Pregnancy and lead type? in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/pregnancy-and-lead-type/#post-3699 Fri, 01 Nov 2013 22:47:22 -0400 Hi Elana,Congratulations! I just went through this myself–I now have a six month old baby girl.I had my lead levels tested at 18 weeks, and was on the low side of normal…and I set type fairly regularly, though not every day, but I work around it 60+ hours/week. My doctors didn’t seem that concerned, either.That said, they were a bit more…[Read more]

]]> 955b4c046a4fcde51950acc42f077ab8 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Impression heavier on edges of text block in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/impression-heavier-on-edges-of-text-block/#post-3562 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:49:19 -0400 Cool–the only suggestion I have is to try running text parallel to the rollers. I was taught that this will eliminate the “end-of-line” inking variation, because then the line of type itself holds the rollers up. If the rollers are only hitting one letter at a time, then they put much more ink/pressure than you want on the sparse areas of your…[Read more]

]]> e51a39ff3a08a3a9d42f09669324fd8b kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Impression heavier on edges of text block in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/impression-heavier-on-edges-of-text-block/#post-3563 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:48:32 -0400 Allie, a few more details should help narrow down your trouble.(1) What press are you working on? (You might be exceeding the impression strength of the press.)(2) Is the impression that’s heavier, or is there more ink at the ends of the lines? (Check this by taking an impression with no ink on the press.)(3) Are you running the lines of type…[Read more]

]]> 4e8b7f506054b4fa66a9c907a4bc908c kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Legion Lettra 15% discount? in the forum Supplies and Sources https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/legion-lettra-15-discount/#post-3410 Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:09:51 -0400 I’ve used the code several times with no problem. You definitely have to order from letterpresspaper.com.You’ve seen where to enter it right? It’s a link at the bottom of the shopping cart pop-up window.Hope that helps!Kelly

]]> 81521a471db43fb154ac8fc46a88b3e4 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Ecru in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/ecru/#post-3220 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:25:57 -0400 What’s the project? What’s the budget? Cotton or tree-fiber?There are a lot of other-than-white papers out there: Stonehenge, BFK, and French come to mind easily.

]]> 545725d435e276c820c1c03d115406cd kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Kelsey 6x10 Help in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/kelsey-6x10-help/#post-3118 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:38:54 -0400 Maggie,In your second pic, it looks like your right side gripper is in front of your base–make sure that it’s totally out of the way, or your press won’t close properly (and it would look like improper inking, even though it’s an impression issue).And I wholeheartedly second Camille–go down and get friendly with your local mom-and-pop hardware…[Read more]

]]> 276a41deaf70ab78e14d66e9a10973c2 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Please Help an Amateur Printer decide the next step up in letterpress printing. in the forum Business Matters https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/please-help-an-amateur-printer-decide-the-next-step-up-in-letterpress-printing/#post-3094 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:32:47 -0400 Both the Poco and C&P Proof Presses are hand inked, with no option for paper registration. (You may be able to rig something for the Poco, but it would not be included with the press).The C&P platen presses would require a large amount of dedicated floor space (and a sturdy floor at that!), and are wide enough that they would cause some challenges…[Read more]

]]> 57e23308fc9e908220a48984b8d580d8 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic What's that Vandercook part? in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/what-s-that-vandercook-part/#post-2866 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:22:56 -0400 Are you talking about the “spacer” bar at the head of the bed?  The one that prevents you from smashing your form with the grippers? If so, I’m not sure what that’s called. The bar at the end of the bed (that makes a fourth “side” of the bed) is a lockup bar if it’s spring loaded, or a deadbar if it’s one that’s dropped in place (and doesn’t e…[Read more]

]]> 265e9fcb3a9e2420e91ac42bdf3265ac kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Coaster sources, and wetting them first? in the forum Supplies and Sources https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/coaster-sources-and-wetting-them-first/#post-2849 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:25:54 -0400 You are so welcome! I haven’t tried dampening coasters, but it’s an interesting thought.  I had some cracking with the last box I ordered from Katz, and it made the fine detail look yucky (to me, anyway, but I doubt the client noticed). I also haven’t seen any other brands/suppliers out there for pre-cut coasters, but I’d be interested to know i…[Read more]

]]> 33d3383c442ff5e855e240f8e8cbfa56 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Requests for what you would like to about from Judith Berliner / keynote in the forum Conference https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/requests-for-what-you-would-like-to-about-from-judith-berliner-keynote/#post-2586 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:21:40 -0400 Ooh, excellent question (and I don’t mind at all!).  I’d love to hear about the little things that inspire you–what makes you get up every morning and print. Kelly

]]> 4e9aabaa61dd6235d2be0304b3b0261f kelly mcmahon replied to the topic I need your questions! in the forum Conference https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/i-need-your-questions/#post-2582 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:33:45 -0400 Thanks Jessica, and Val! I’m bringing my own 5×8 (so I’m familiar with it’s setup) and will definitely be talking about limitations and abilities! Cheers,Kelly

]]> 45da88252a4a8b53b999332c5c806fef kelly mcmahon replied to the topic I need your questions! in the forum Conference https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/i-need-your-questions/#post-2581 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:08:48 -0400 Thanks, Samantha!  I’ve only got 45-minute sessions, so there’s so much to cover–but this is a good start. Keep your questions coming!Kelly

]]> de9c9e46822cb1727d9f9735db32eaf9 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Putting on and taking off rollers on an 8x12 C&P in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/putting-on-and-taking-off-rollers-on-an-8x12-c-and-p/#post-2459 Sat, 07 May 2011 19:58:16 -0400 Sorry for the strange lighting, but this is what the pin on the right saddle looks like:

]]> 7c96907b53ecb112d66dc266366bb9a7 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Putting on and taking off rollers on an 8x12 C&P in the forum Press Troubleshooting, Tips, and Help https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/putting-on-and-taking-off-rollers-on-an-8x12-c-and-p/#post-2452 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:09:22 -0400 Laura, If you’re looking at the press from the front, the right-hand saddle should have a little 2″ long rod that sticks out, and you can use that to wedge the saddle up over one core.  There is a whole lotta tension in those springs, and you’re not really going to be able to pull them very far. Good luck!Kelly

]]> 966802837eea157a4835b7118170efc1 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic what is this layout? in the forum Supplies and Sources https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/what-is-this-layout/#post-2364 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:34:35 -0400 I’ve never seen a two-thirds case like this…it looks to me like someone chopped the right-most section off a full-size job case.  Does the left edge look thicker than the right to you?

]]> c38441a64292566b214efd26189fd079 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic bookplates in the forum Business Matters https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/bookplates/#post-2194 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:41:12 -0400 Jodi,If your client doesn’t want a super-thick printmaking paper, there’s also the option of already-sticky paper. Neenah and Mohawk make a label stock in several lines.Cheers!Kelly

]]> 439fae3f97c7746f6bd70d64bb591a0f kelly mcmahon replied to the topic wine labels/bookplates in the forum Supplies and Sources https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/wine-labels-bookplates/#post-3607 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:36:51 -0500 Mohawk makes a stickyback paper in the Superfine line, and I think Neenah has one, too.

]]> bc34b400158b7a390d7853531cf1bf39 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic Vandercook No. 17 in the forum Job Advice https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/vandercook-no-17/#post-3548 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:59:11 -0500 I haven’t, but would recommend trying to contact one of the folks on the vandercook census (http://vandercookpress.info/vanderblog/census/) and ask them! It looks like the 17s don’t have grippers, which would mean no registration, but still, it’s a vandy!kelly

]]> debf85f1832a292251dcc99101d14395 kelly mcmahon replied to the topic custom binding question..... in the forum Business Matters https://ladiesofletterpress.com/topic/custom-binding-question/#post-3474 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:59:04 -0400 I haven’t found a really satisfactory way to do this, but I definitely price out materials, and then usually do a substantial first book charge (say $200 for something really complicated, or with lots of gluing + sewing) then step it down for each book thereafter (say $75) since you’ve already worked out the kinks.Good luck!Kelly

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