“Letterpress is undeniably special and luscious. This print method originated in the 15th century and is known for its timeless beauty and rich, tactile feel. Type and image are impressed into the paper through the pressure of a clam-shell-like printing press, resulting in a luxuriously textured imprinted surface.”
If you’re on our blog, you’re probably already familiar with Paper Source’s elegant letterpress stationery, wedding invitations, and greeting cards. (For those of you who aren’t familiar see the definition from our website above). Letterpress products are artisan crafted in a centuries-old print method and, until now, there really wasn’t an option for the average Joe to experience this art form at home.
Enter the Letterpress Machine Combo Kit! This all-in-one kit contains everything for the home crafter to create beautiful handmade cards, stationery, gift tags, and prints. Now, this kit is not a vintage Chandler and Price press, but it’s not 4,000 pounds either. It’s not a Vandercook, but you also don’t have to apprentice with anyone to use it! Bottom line…you can set up shop on your kitchen table and crank out some lovingly made, beautiful cards that 99% of recipients won’t believe you made yourself.
The Letterpress Machine Combo Kit contains everything you need to get started from paper to ink and of course, plates of images and text. I recommend playing at first and doing some test runs before you leap head first into your wedding invitations. Although this kit is small and good for home use, you still want to get a feel for how to move the ink over the plate with the brayer, and figure out exactly what techniques work best to get the impression you desire. One thing is for certain – you’re sure to have fun throughout the whole process, and you’ll be so proud of yourself when you create cards that have the tactile, elegant quality of fine letterpress printing.
p.s. See this Letterpress Machine video for a quick demo!
–Gretchen, PS Buying Team
PS colors: fuchsia & moss
Latest fave: Poppies Flower Kit
This looks great! Perfect idea for my grandaughter’s birthday in June.
Is there a way to make your own plates to use in this guy? I’ve heard of plate makers making rubber stick on plates too, would they work in this little guy?
To think what the original letterpress artists from the 15th century would think of us doing practically the same thing at the comforts of our own homes! Great kit – will need to check it out for my brides and grooms!
Can the letterpress be used with a Cuddlebug? Yes I understand you want to sell another Quickutz, I am trying to figure out why another pressing machine?
Hi Jenny,
There is a way to get custom plates. Visit the link below to learn more!
http://lifestylecrafts.com/customPlates/
Elum Designs will make plates for this machine:
http://www.letterpressplates.com/quickutz-l-letterpress/
I’ve ordered plates from them for my Kelsey 3 x 5 letterpress. They were very helpful and the plates arrived quickly. Pricing is reasonable as well.
Deebi27… Yes, the letterpress components do work with a Cuttlebug machine.
I just purchased a letterpress from PS and am so excited to use it. My fiance and I are planning to make our wedding invitations with the press. But I’m frustrated. Where does one find good quality letterpress paper?? I’d like to visit a store to be able to see colors and feel the weight, but Paper Source doesn’t sell any. Any ideas of where I should look?
Boxcar Press can also make plates for this. More info on plates, along with helpful printing tips & techniques here:
http://boxcarpress.com/us/blog/2009/11/24/l-letterpress-printing-techniques-from-boxcar-press/
I don’t have a QuickKutz Letterpress machine and haven’t ordered plates from Boxcar before, but I *have* ordered ink from Boxcar and was happy with the service.
Is it possible to get your own custom designed plates made? That would be really awesome if you could. Anyone doing this?
Hi Meghan,
When you say letterpress papers are you referring to something a bit more textured? Or thinking of something thicker? Is it the color of paper or the weight which you think will help you make the final decision? We do sell several papers which are ideal for letterpress.
Before I make loads of recommendations, it helps to understand what you are envisioning. We have a Luxe Fino cover weight paper that can be letterpress printed on and depending on the impression you are looking for – you can add a bit more packing under the plexi-glass and run a few tests to see if you like the results. Or are you are thinking you want a larger sheet of a cotton watercolor paper to cut down to print?
Give me a few examples and I’ll send you a followup! 🙂
Thanks,
Linda
Workshops, Demonstrations & Special Events
Can you purchase the system without the epic 6 since a cuddlebug machine can do the same thing? If this is purchased without the epic 6, what is the cost. Are there any classes available to help a person get started more easily?
Looking for paper? Any good art supply store will have paper used for Printmaking. I like to use Rives BFK for everything from rubber stamping to graphite pencil drawing. It is soft thick nicely-textured paper with a deckle edge. You can simulate a deckle edge by placing a sharp metal-edged ruler on top of the paper and pulling from the upper right towards you and down along the edge. Enjoy.
I’d like to use this letterpress for my wedding invitations, etc. Does anyone know about how much use you can get out of one container of ink?
Hi!
Boxcar Press does awesome custom plates for this. Ask for the KF152, since it’s the same thickness as the plates that come with this. They also have an amazing blog post about how to make this machine work a little bit better.
Betsy, since you only need a pea-sized amount for a couple of impressions, a tube of ink should last a while. Depending on how many you’re making, get one or two to start.
Linda, you sure can! It’s a lot cheaper without the Epic 6. Amazon had the best price. I think it’s the Starter Pack instead of the Combo Pack.
How large can this machine print?
I used this machine for my daughter’s graduation. I had difficulties keeping the excess ink from getting onto my paper. I had shadow lines. I had to keep wiping with a tissue around the edge of the plate every time. Perhaps I was doing something wrong. But the announcements were beautiful. I wish I had done some better planning and had ordered some custom plates for the date time info. But it all worked out none the less. Great little product
Is there anywhere to buy small letters for this press? I own it and most of the plates made for it, but there are no letters that allow me to make invitation font for the entire invite (everything is too big). Any suggestions?
Meghan – we do not sell small letters and we’re only familiar with ordering a custom plate through Boxcar Press. You can contact them to see if custom orders extend to individual letter plates. We’ve only seen plates with all text included.
Can this letterpress do a blind deboss or does it just print on top of the paper rather than putting an impression into the paper?
Kelly – Yes, the machine will let you blind deboss. The inked plate leaves an impression in the paper – it’s not as deep as a industrial letterpress print, but the impression is more substantial than just ink on top of paper.
A very useful article to read. Thanks a lot for sharing this. Fine work. Keep it up.