Have you ever heard of letterpress printing? It might sound like something out of the printing press era, but in recent years, it has made a comeback as an artisanal and authentic way of creating beautiful prints. Letterpress printing is a centuries-old printing technique that creates a unique look and texture to prints that cannot be replicated by other printing methods. In this post, we’ll dive into letterpress printing, how it works, and some of our favorite prints from our collection.
The history of letterpress printing
Letterpress printing is a printing technique that involves pressing inked metal or wood type onto paper, leaving an impression behind. What sets letterpress printing apart from other printing methods is the depth of the impression and the texture it creates which is incomparable to other printing techniques. In the 15th century, letterpress printing was the primary printing method for almost five centuries until it declined in the mid-20th century. However, with the resurgence of artisanal and vintage-inspired designs, letterpress printing has become a popular method. Letterpress prints are characterized by their tactile quality with the ink sinking into the paper, giving the print a unique feel and texture.
How it works
The letterpress printing process starts with creating a printing plate, which can be made of wood, linoleum, or metal. The image is then inked, a sheet of paper is placed on the plate, and pressure is applied, transferring the ink to the paper and leaving an impression behind. This process is repeated for each color and image, resulting in a beautiful and unique print.
At The Bee & The Fox, we use a Chandler & Price 8x12 letterpress to print all our Letterpress Prints. This enables us to create high-quality prints with deep impressions, giving them an authentic vintage appeal. Our prints are hand-printed in-house using high-quality, acid-free paper, making them a perfect addition to any home or office.
Letterpress Prints Collection
Our letterpress prints are all about adding positivity and inspiration. Whether you're a lover of good music, strong women, or just need a reminder of the important things in life, these are some of our favorite prints that add the perfect decor accent to your space.
This beautifully designed print reminds us to cherish every moment of our lives, living it to the fullest with love, joy, and hope. Made from high-quality materials, this print brings positive energy and creativity to any living space.
This playful letterpress print offers a cheerful reminder of the customs and etiquette that make your kitchen the heart of your home.
With bold typography and intricate detailing, this piece serves as a daily reminder of the unwavering determination and power possessed by women from all walks of life. Hang it in your home or office for an uplifting, creative touch and celebrate the remarkable women who have impacted the world around us.
Home to Good People Who Enjoy Dancing to Good Soul Music is a fun and quirky print that celebrates positivity, good vibes, and the freedom to express oneself through movement.
Tom Waits' music has a way of making even the most mundane moments feel like an adventure. And now, his words of wisdom have been immortalized in this print that reminds us of the importance of spreading love and positivity wherever we go.
Letterpress printing is a unique and beautiful printing method that creates one-of-a-kind prints that are perfect for adding some vintage charm to your home décor collection. The depth of the impression and texture that letterpress printing creates cannot be replicated by other printing methods, making it a unique way to create art prints. At The Bee & The Fox, we pride ourselves on our selection of letterpress prints that are not only beautiful but also encouraging and inspiring.