Letterpress Printing Service
Your invitations or stationery will be printed by hand on a historic press, creating tactile impressions you can feel with your fingertips. Unlike commercial letterpress operations with motorized equipment, each impression is made individually on a foot-powered press. This slower, more intentional process results in an artisanal letterpress quality with natural variations in ink coverage and impression depth that are characteristic of this kind of letterpress printing.
You supply the design files and paper (maximum size 5x7). Ink choices are black, white, reflex blue, process blue, warm red, green or yellow. Custom Pantone colors are available for $40 per color.
Pricing
Each design to be printed is priced separately based on quantity and number of colors. For example, a wedding suite of 100 one-color invitations + 100 RSVP cards + 100 detail cards (total of 3 designs, single color) would be $450 + $450 + $450 = $1350 total.
Quantities ordered in increments of 50. If you need 65 pieces, you'll receive pricing for 100.
Pricing is regardless of size; maximum size is 5x7.
What's included
- Polymer plate production from your print-ready files
- Letterpress printing for pre-determined quantity
- Standard ink colors (black, white, reflex blue, process blue, warm red, green, yellow)
Add-ons
- Custom Pantone ink color: $40
- Design file formatting for plate production: $25
- Specialty paper ordered by Open to Being: Paper cost + 15% (the 15% covers ordering, handling, and delivery)
How to order
1. Email hello@opentobeing.com with your inquiry and project details.
2. Within 48 hours, I’ll reach out to set up a consultation to discuss your project.
3. If you decide to move forward, you’ll receive an invoice for 50% of the total project.
4. Final balance is due before delivery.
Important Info
Your design files, ink colors, and paper selections must be final at time of deposit. No changes can be made to the design, colors, or materials once project work has begun.
Delivery date will be mutually determined in advance of deposit. Production typically takes 3-4 weeks once all files/materials are in hand.
Production begins after 50% deposit is paid.
Designs with more than one color require extra time and work, as each color is a separate print run.
Letterpress is a hand-operated printing process. Each piece is individually printed, creating natural variations in ink coverage and impression depth that are characteristic of authentic letterpress work.
FAQs
What file format do you need for polymer plates?
Artwork to be printed must be Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or PDF files that meet these requirements:
- CMYK color mode with 100% black (K)
- Fonts outlined (Type > Create Outlines in Illustrator)
- Final print size (the size you want printed)
- Minimum line weight: 0.25 point (thicker for small dots and fine details)
If you prefer, I’ll format for $25.
Do you provide paper?
No, clients provide their own paper. However, I can order specialty paper for you at paper + shipping + 15%.
What paper is best for letterpress?
Uncoated, cotton-based papers show the best impression. Recommended brands include Boxcar Flurry, Crane’s Lettra, Reich Savoy, Mohawk Strathmore, and Legion Bamboo. Avoid coated or glossy papers. Paper should be at least 80# cover weight.
Handmade paper is possible but may require an upcharge due to the additional complexity on my press.
Contact me to discuss your specific paper if you're considering handmade options or something different.
How much paper should I order?
Order 5-10% extra beyond your final quantity for test prints and potential mistakes. For example, if you need 100 finished pieces, order at least 110-120 sheets. Any unused paper can be returned to you after printing.
What's the maximum print size?
5x7 inches
How do quantities work?
Orders are priced in increments of 50 pieces (50 minimum). If you need 65 invitations, you'll pay the rate for 100.
Can you print photos?
No. Letterpress works best with line work, text, and vector graphics. Photographs don't translate well to this printing process.
Do you offer double-sided printing?
Yes. Each side counts as a separate color run. Note for double-sided printing, there will be little or no depth of impression.
Do you provide proofs?
I will do a test print a few days before your full run and will send you a photo for approval.
What's your turnaround time?
Usually 2-3 weeks after artwork and materials are finalized and approved.