You know that rush of excitement when you open an envelope that comes in the mail? You pull out a tactile invitation with beautiful lettering — and immediately understand the kind of event this is, appreciating the care and attention given to every detail of the celebration.
If you’re planning a celebration - a wedding, a milestone birthday, a retirement - you might be curious about what’s involved in creating custom letterpress invitations.
Letterpress is a heritage artisanal printing method. Designs can be crafted from vintage letters and decorative elements or from a digital file that is made into a reusable plate.
In my Arlington studio, I print on a 1910 Chandler & Price press. It requires attention and presence. Every piece is placed into the press by hand. Each color in an invitation is a separate press run. There are beautiful variations in the printing because a human being manages the entire process.
For people who love art, design, and craftsmanship — or who have simply heard about letterpress and wondered what’s involved — I’ve created a one-of-a-kind experience for YOU to print your own letterpress invitations or announcements on my press.
Can we actually print ourselves?
At Open to Being, you can!
I’ve designed a workshop for two people who want to spend meaningful time together printing their own designs on an antique press in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind studio space.
I bring my experience as a letterpress printer and educator to support you every step of the way.
The invitations you print will have the quality and impression you expect from letterpress. And the memories you create together will last a lifetime. You’ll learn, laugh, and love every moment.
How does it work?
With my advice on what works best for transforming your ideas for letterpress, you’ll design your invitation, choose your paper, and decide on color(s).
I’ll prepare your design to be made into a printing plate. Before you arrive, I’ll test the plates and ink colors, checking in with you to make sure we’re on track to realize your vision.
On your workshop day, I’ll welcome you into the studio where you both print your invitations with my guidance throughout.
What should we expect?
When you walk into the studio, everything will be ready for you. We’ll go through any final decisions that need to be made and review the flow of the workshop.
You’ll get to learn how my press works and about letterpress in general as you treadle and print every invitation.
When you’re done, you leave with beautiful work. You’ll be proud to say “we printed this ourselves.”
And - I handle all the cleanup!
Who is this for?
This workshop is ideal for people who value design, craft, and artistic opportunities.
It’s for couples who treasure the experience and process.
It’s for anyone who enjoys learning something new.
And of course, it’s for lovers of letterpress!
Will this work for us?
If the idea piques your interest, let’s talk. I will answer your questions and share more details. Email me at hello@opentobeing.com.
Where is Open to Being?
My studio is located in Northern Virginia just outside of Washington, DC. The address is 2424 26th Rd S, Arlington, VA 22206.
The Details
Paper + design
You create the design, and I’ll help you prepare it for letterpress. You choose and bring your own paper, with guidance from me on options that work best for letterpress.
Quantity
Workshops start at three hours for up to 100 pieces (one color). We’ll discuss your project in advance to determine if additional time is needed, so you know what to expect.
Scheduling
After an initial conversation and workshop purchase, plan for at least four weeks to schedule your studio time.
Additional FAQs can be found here.
Learn more here.
