. daily daydreams . a blog by love ardently design studio

My calendar swap buddy, Barbara, sent me a letterpress calendar from Lark Press. I think the concept of this calendar is so, so great. Each month takes me to a different story. I really, really love the concept for January–a lovely poem by Robert Frost, “Stars” with simple illustration of constellation. Letterpressed poem is my new obsession now!

Each month’s concept and story are so wonderful and so well thought-out. I think a well designed calendar should represents a journey. This one definitely makes me look forward for the year of the tiger and start my new journey soon! Also, I’ve never had any letterpress calendar before in the past, so I’m definitely excited for this one. Thanks, Barbara!

Check out what I got Barbara on her blog.

Remember my post about the L Letterpress machine from Lifestylecraft? The iDiy blog is giving away one Letterpress L machine to one lucky winner. Boy oh boy! Talk about a cool giveaway!

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This book has truly stole my heart! It’s filled with vintage design, typefaces, ornaments, borders and it’s just so, so charming.

This particular type treatment (Restraint) is actually designed by Marian Bantjes, one of my typography hero.

Letterpressed paper goodies. How do I love thee? I’ve been admiring Studio On Fire for a while and look at what they have on their Designer Series Deskline. This is called the Polkaville Party (what an appropriate name!) and designed in conjunction with two designers, Kelly & Kindra. So, so inspiring.

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How charmingly sweet is that envelope! I’m loving the randomness of the design and the happy colors. And they are all letterpressed, yo! Those stationery are all available to purchase at their website.

So, I’ve been wanting to learn letterpress for quite a while and thanks to my college friend, Jeanelle, I found out that there is actually a letterpress class in Dallas, over at Inky Lips Press. I’m so excited!

Well, I certainly don’t need this just yet (at least until I have a kid :)), but this is just so adorable, I wouldn’t resist to keep it for myself :) Look at the letterpressed certificate. The adorable deposit pouch. The logo. Cute! This whole kit is created by the Notion Farm and priced at $16 each.

I don’t know why but I was thinking that I can see this product being sold at a store like Paper Source. I could spend hours and hours in that store all by myself. I just love those keepsake-ish things at Paper Source that you don’t REALLY need it that bad if you REALLY think about it, but they are so nicely designed you just have to get them for yourself! :)

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DIY Letterpress? What, what? Is it possible at all? Yes, yes!

I have been DYING to learn how to letterpress. I’ve been trying to find a local class here in Dallas but have not been successful. While I am still so interested in learning about the real deal, I was *so* excited to read this post at the DIY Bride blog about this new baby!!! This DIY Letterpress machine is soon to be released this coming Fall by Lifestyle Craft. The whole kit looks among the same group like Yudu and all those Cricut machines.

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This is one of the premade printing plate.

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So, at $149.99 retail, the whole kit comes with everything you need to start letterpress printing right away:

• Epic Six Letterpress and Die-cutting Tool
• Letterpress
• Clear Packing Mat with Grid
• Paper Placement Guides
• Ink Base
• Brayer
• Ten A2 flat cards
• Nine Printing Plates
• Tube of Black Ink
• Circle Cutting Dies

Of course as graphic designer, my first and foremost question would be, “Can we make anything we want with it? Can we make our own “pre-made templates”?” See, I bought a Cuttlebug machine back then and it was just left alone under my living room sofa unopened. I thought I was going to use it for several projects but everytime, I always need something custom, not just taking whatever they have on the premade templates.

To answer my first question, it was said that they are going to have some kind of “custom program”. Now, I AM BEYOND EXCITED. Not sure how customized would this be, but Michelle from Lifestyle Crafts actually mentioned that we can create our own words, phrases, and designs. I’m sure there will be limitation, like the ink colors that we can use, booo… :(. All in all, though, this would still be one cool machine to own. I’ll be looking out for that “custom program” announcement.

Let see… Now, I’m considering to get either this or a new Wacom Tablet. Maybe Wacom for Christmas and this for my birthday, haha *winks at the husband* :)