Lately I’ve been prowling the typecases as I plan my next project: a Wayzgoose signature. After some sorting and reorganizing (I finally managed to sort some of the wood type!), I decided to print up a few of the blocks and fleurons that I’ve admired for years.

Oops!

One of my objectives was to test the quality of the bird and cow blocks I had found, because they may just fit into my Wayzgoose plans. So, a broadside of sorts, printed using Caslon bold in 60 point, with Caligo safewash inks.   Five good proofs, printed for fun.  And I was glad I took this photo:  it forced me to proof-read more closely!

After finishing up the Christmas cards,  I printed the title page and cover for a special Christmas gift.   It gave me the opportunity to prowl the typecases for a special typeface.  I was very happy to discover I had a complete font of Columbus in 48 point.  I love the shape of the serifs on the swash capitals — truly an added bonus.

Form for Venice title page

The ink was mixed to match the colour of the paper I used to bind the album.  While there were a few glitches while making the album (like ordering too many photos!), generally the binding turned out quite nicely.  The boards matched up well, the hinge was firm and strong, the lined pattern of the paper stayed true on the vertical.   A limited edition of one.

Venice photo album

Inspired by the precision and beauty of the work produced by the Ottawa Press Gang, I decided to make another attempt on my season’s greetings. This time, I’m relying on the grumpy eloquence of Ebeneezer Scrooge, whose word-perfect sentiments match my own when it comes to decrying the mindless, noisy and greed-driven behaviour of most people at this time of year.

Sentiments by Scrooge

The challenge in printing this piece is the precise registration required for the two-colour print of the poinsetta sorts. Given that my trusty, cranky Reprex is missing its micrometer paper guides, the make-ready for the second impression is finicky indeed.

Tricky two-colour registration

The red ink impression is slightly off – noticeable mainly on the poinsettas – but the text is aligned reasonably well, and the holly borders add a certain seasonal touch to the message. Generally, I’m quite pleased with the results. Now, I must sit down in my chilly den and address my sentiments purposefully to a few well-deserving recipients. Humbug!

Today we had the opportunity to visit with several printers in the Eastern Ontario area. The Ottawa Press Gang gathered this morning at Gaia Java Coffee Company in Stittsville to share stories and laughter, good conversation and excellent coffee.

Having been out of the loop for so long, it was wonderful to see so many of the Gangsters again — many of whom have become very proficient (and prolific!) in a few short years. Grant Wilkins was there with a sampling of Christmas tags, letterpresssed on his gorgeous handmade papers.

Christmas tags by Grant Wilkins

Larry Thompson (Greyweathers Press) and Holly Dean (multimedia artist) made time in their hectic schedule to stop in. Hugh Barclay (Thee Hell Box Press) brought a copy of his most recent book of poems, limited to an edition of twelve copies. Steve and Gayle Quick (Weathervane Press) were on hand with copies of their lovely 2011 Christmas Keepsake, and Jason Byers shared some of his letterpressed keepsakes as well.

Marin Press, Christmas cards

It was a pleasure to meet some of the newest Gangsters as well, including Ian Bristow and Jennifer Kibbee, owners of We Do Printing, Nancy Trottier, (Trottier Calligraphy Studio and Ducks in a Row Press, Deep River) as well as a few other newbies.

Paul Jay, owner of the café, graciously provided a space for Gangsters to promote and sell their work, and an impressive assortment was on hand. Gina Marin (Marin Press) printed a wonderful assortment of greeting cards; Grant Wilkins (The Grunge Papers) had a stock of Christmas tags letterpressed onto his gorgeous, handmade cotton papers. Larry brought a selection of his beautiful lino- and woodcut prints as well.

With the demands of life filling my days, it’s been a long time since I’ve had an opportunity to meet up with the Gangsters — and I’m glad I managed it this weekend. I had almost forgotten what a talented and innovative group of people make up the Ottawa Press Gang. Each time I see them, I am struck by their various talents and unique styles… and when we gather, I’m always inspired by the originality of their work, the breadth of their skills, and their generosity of spirit.  Truly, their enthusiasm is contagious. And for all this, I’m very grateful to be part of this Gang.

Press work continues on a small scale, with seasonal greetings, courtesy of Ebeneezer Scrooge.  I am still learning the basics of  two-colour registration – and while I am generally pleased with the cover of the card, I was dismayed to see that the green ink had begun to clot. I suspect that this is due to improper sealing of the ink tin.

For the interior message, I tried Franklin Bold, a sans serif typeface that I thought would compliment the cover text and provide a nice contrast to the blackletter I wanted to use for the word “Christmas.”   I had never used this typeface before – and this fit nicely with my plan to proof every set of type that came with my print shop acquisition.

Humbug.

After an unplanned hiatus that lasted nearly two years, I am glad to be working on my press once more. I’m starting with a small project intended to reacquaint me with the press and process. This time, a set of bookmarks (in time for Christmas?!) featuring the wit and wisdom of Wilde, Eagan, and Marx (um, Groucho, that is).

In the long absence from my press room I realise how much I had missed the tranquility and solitude of the work.  Yes, the Devil is in the details – and I continue to wrestle with him – but also present is the comforting ka-chunk of the carriage rolling back into position, the subtle scent of ink when you first open the tin, and the heady feeling you get when your first print rolls off the press.

This little project will serve to calibrate the rollers again – and to teach me about two-colour registration (one of those devils, I mentioned), in preparation for a signature I’m planning for the next Wayzgoose anthology for Grimsby…unless, of course, procrastination kicks in again.