Work equals fun at Petal Press. This little film says it all.
Letterpress Printing
Johannes Gutenberg invented the first letterpress way back in the 15th century, so letterpress printing has a rich and extensive history. The craft has enjoyed a revival in the past ten years as a younger generation has taken to the unique character of letterpress. Lots of artists and designers have gravitated to the handmade, tactile quality of letterpress in comparison to the mass-produced, flat, characterless look of modern printing technology. People today use presses that were manufactured between the 1880s and the 1960s. Petal Press has three antique presses. They each have their own personalities, temperaments, and talents (a bit like children?).
Letterpress printing requires patience, skill, care, and attention. It's a labor of love! The person and the machine work together from start to finish in the printing process. The level of care that goes into each piece shines through in the beauty of the finished product. The impression of the design into the pillowy cotton paper makes it tactile and dimensional. A piece of letterpress stationery feels truly luxurious to the touch.
Annie Broderick
At my core, I am an artist. I always have been and always will be. Color, pattern, textiles, and modern art inspire me. Other good things to know: I love bright red lipstick, late 50s/early 60s fashion, Paris (or anything French), and gentlemen with manners. I like to say that "pop Americana" is the signature Petal Press style—it's kitsch with a kick!
My mission with Petal Press is to create and spread art. I hope my creations inspire people to connect with those they love. I dream that Petal Press products might be used to write a note to a dear friend, to rest on a bedside table, to tuck in a favorite book, or to frame as a gift. This "project" of creating and spreading art is enough to make me do a little jump for joy!
Annie, age 1