The Green Press
Over the last few years we've been greening our printing operations, which isn't the simplest task in letterpress printing. The old work horse presses don't always take too kindly to the newer less toxic materials.
We think it is important to use the non-toxic low VOC inks and solvents as it keep us stay healthier in the printing process and allows our customers to bring a greener product into their home.
Here are some of the products that we've found really work well on our Vandercook!
1.Ink:
Soy Plus Ink
We get this product from Gans Ink (http://www.gansink.com/). If you have a Pantone Formula Guide you can get almost any color you want!
2. Solvents:
To clean the ink off of our press we use an extra mild citrus based solvent. This one we get from our neighbors to the north, from a company called Eco-House (www.eco-house.com). You can also use vegetable oil as well as Simple Green to clean up ink from other surfaces (besides rollers) on and around the press.
Island Getaway
The winter doldrums have definitely set in. I know you east coast folks hear me. In California we are suffering from a significant drought. All said, doesn't hopping on a plane to an island resort just sound perfect!
That thought kept going through my head as I made this map of the Virgin Islands. Not a bad thought to have on loop.
Woodland Critters Chart
I've always loved the wild creatures but have renewed this love by seeing through my baby son's eyes how facsinating animals are. Just watching our kitty play with string makes him giggle.
I've started a number of sketches for some new prints that focus on the animal world. Getting inspiration from the creatures in the forest that surrounds Quail Lane here in Tahoe.
On a side note, although the animals are inanimate, I always have loved a good diorama. Here are some elk from the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History.
Reflecting
I actually like celebrating New Year's but not in the traditional partying down sense. It is a great time to reflect on the wonderful things that have happened during the year. 2013 was a great year for QLP. Our family business brought a little person into the world, we are gained much satisfaction from the new artwork we created, and once again we enjoyed living in such a beautiful place.
We hope you had a great 2013 and send wishes for tranquility and bliss in this new year.