2009 Printers Fair

The 2009 Great Northern Printers Fair was this past weekend in Iowa. The Fair was also combined with with the Annual APA Wayzgoose this year. Wed/Thurs/Fri were work days where you could come and learn on the Museums machines. Saturday was a printers swap meet, auction and banquet.

My main goal this year was learning how to use my new Vandercook which I did and have been printing like mad all day! There were demonstrations and machines running at all times. I met a ton of really nice printers so that was even more fun.

Unfortunately, I was a super lazy about carrying my camera and just realized upon downloading the photos that I took that I ONLY TOOK THREE! I took them right when I got there and then set the camera down and played the rest of the time - sorry!

Anyway, here are the images I did take of the large newspaper printer, another large press and a windmill. Here is the link to the website as well so you can see a few more shots http://www.oldthreshers.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.printersFair. If you have a chance to make it to the 2010 fair it would be totally worth your trip!

PS - the guy printing in two of the photos is Nicholas Kennedy from Trip Print Press in Canada!

WEEKLY FEATURE: Type Frenzy

Super inspired by my time at the Letterpress Printers Fair this weekend, this weeks feature is everything type! Check out these fantastic finds:

1. Isn’t this awesome! This type skirt from Deciduous Soul is to die for! 2. Check out these little alphabet magnets by Elpy 3. Fun type tie for your guy by Tie Breaker 4. Must have for my printshop - awesome wall decal by Tasty Suite 5. Super fun mug O Type by McCheeks Mayhem 6. Beautiful alphabet pendant by Sushi Pot 7. Your choice of initial on this great bag from Loyalty and Blood 8. Dress up your couch with these great throw pillows by Alexandra Ferguson.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Make it Multi

This weeks feature is all about mixing it up! Check out these fantastic multi-colored finds by my fellow Etsy Artists.

1. Super color in this lovely necklace by Star of the East 2. Who would not fall in love the the vintage scrap clothing by Sisters Rose and Ruby - these are amazing! 3. Beautiful glass sun catcher from Hippie Chickie 4. These character paintings by Itsy Bitsy Spill are so adorable 5. Modern shoulder bag by Tago Design 6. Check out these cool journals by CinderLisa Design 7. Cool modern pottery is a must have by Jill Rosenwald 8. Simply amazing color in the great print by artist Joo Joo.

My Printing Studio

I finally got everything moved in, uncluttered and put away in my printing studio. I still have my painting/illustration studio to tackle but I thought I would share one room done and organized!

For those of you who haven't followed me long - the press to the left is a Golding Pearl #3 Platen press and the press to the right is a Vandercook SP15 cylinder press.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Taking Flight

The freedom of working for myself has been such an amazing gift and I would not have had this opportunity if I didn't take a chance on art school. This weeks selected items are about freedom and taking flight - birds. So check out these wonderful items that might inspire you to take flight or try something new:

1. What is not to love in this great babydoll bird tank by Stevester 2. Bring life into your bedroom with this cool bird pillow by Brezomayo Designs 3. Teacup twirly bird is only one adorable designs from The Peacock Shop 4. Enjoy this lovely wall print by Groovy Inclinations everyday 5. Invite more birdies into your garden with this lovely birdhouse by Tina Lewis 6. You must see these adorable bird pairs and other animals by Feltmeup Designs 7. Fantastic everyday birdie handbag from Glam Baby 8. Lovely handmade pendant by Vireo Originals.

My Vandercook is on the WAY!

My Vandercook shipped and is scheduled to arrive this Friday the 4th! How exciting is that! Here is an image I got of her all boxed up and crated. I am sure there will be no sleeping for me until Friday!