The type requires a little Tetris-ing to get those ascenders/descenders to work.

This postcard features the typeface Parsons, designed by Will Ransom, in 1918. It has a few extended ascenders & descenders for discerning use. This card is paired with the lantern ornaments that were designed to play well with Parsons. #letterpress

These 19th century ornaments represent about 5 different foundries. Since I don’t have complete sets of any, they are now proofed and housed together in a sort of chosen family based on similar characteristics. #letterpress

And the final proof cards, which serve as a record of the studio collection that can also be used for developing design work.

Here’s the rest of the gang that was set to proof.

Spent two days organizing, cleaning, setting and proofing new-to-me 6 point type. After a cosy lye bath, these revealed a rare Cincinnati Type Foundry pin mark on the sides, meaning they’ve clocked about 130 years of action. #letterpress

Cleaning up inventory of custom commissions and found all 6 cards printed for @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social.

New collab between Moore Wood Type & @threecheerspress.bsky.social and I’m here for it.

Just finished hangin’ & printin’ with my favorite kids on the planet at We Rock! Chicago camp (formerly Girls Rock! but altered to include the gender expansive rock stars).

Fashioned a 7-color nod to the beloved Polaroid from modular metal type ornaments. Shipping now for the Print Club. #letterpress

Chicago dogs are the best dogs. Printed so many years ago before I had a saw for kerning type.

This baby got back. #letterpress

Beautiful new type cut by Virgin Wood Type (Rochester NY) that’s going to play well with old type. Building out a collection of complementary families improves design possibilities and is super satisfying; one is not better than the other. #letterpress

Working today is the most American thing to do. #letterpress

The one and only commission I’ve ever received for the Fourth, printed a few years ago. #letterpress

My kid got me the clock cleaning solution I wanted for my birthday and now every bit of brass printing rule in the studio is getting the business even if it takes a year. #letterpress

All new-to-me type and ornament coming into the shop is cleaned, identified & proofed for a visual record and so it can be put into action asap for print jobs. These are the two galleys of items ready to be proofed tomorrow. Lot of work but huge win for preservation. #letterpress

Here’s the print.

Made a window for a print out of borders cast on a Linotype, then filled it with plants. #letterpress

One of my fave quotes on a small print resting on my Chicago-made Vandercook press (c. 1962). #letterpress

‘Web’ ornaments by Barnhart Bros. & Spindler after a good lye soak and scrubbing. Almost new, 130 years later! #letterpress

And a close up of the form for printing.

I love my clients who commission work for other things I love, like the writing of @praddenkeefe.bsky.social. The prompt this time was ‘vintage typewriter’. Metal type challenge accepted. #letterpress

If ‘derp’ was a typeface. Caprice, offered by Barnhart Bros & Spindler in Chicago, around 1889ish. What would you use it for? #letterpress

Bringing this cutie to pull prints tonight at @dovetailbrewery.bsky.social. Join us. #letterpress

CTA bus driver prints are back in stock. Inspired by an absolutely wild ride on a bendy bus a few years ago. #letterpress

Got a show Friday night at @dovetailbrewery.bsky.social. Come and support three small businesses at once! #letterpress

And an inky version of the wood type used to print it.

Happy Pride, especially to my kid who says entertaining things like this all the time. #letterpress

A few form shots.