See What’s in the June AAPA Packet

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Randy

Watch as I go through the latest AAPA packet at the print shop. As a member of the American Amateur Press Association I get this packet monthly filled with other members’ work. It’s a source for ideas and inspiration at the Conestoga Press as well as providing some great stuff to post on the walls. You can check out the AAPA web site at http://www.aapainfo.org/

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Obelisk Type Identified

Posted on July 2, 2016 by Randy

IMG_0102We have this in 36 and 60 point. Identified on page 399 Specimens of Type – ATF 1981 reprint of 1896 copy. Originated with Mackellar, Smiths, and Jordan Foundry, Philadelphia. Photo of type in compsing stick here is reversed.

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Follow Bronstrup on Twitter

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Randy

IMG_0109Yes, Bronstrup, our 1850’s Iron Press is now on Twitter. He’ll tweet discoveries and unscheduled openings of the Print Shop at Conestoga Press. And he’ll follow other presses and letterpress tweets to participate in the conversation of the craft.

Check it out at https://twitter.com/ConestogaPress

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Crafts at the Museum Saturday, June 11

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Randy

carpenters-scroll-saw-1878-lgOur annual little gathering of traditional craftsman at the Historical Society is Saturday from 10 to 4. Stop by and see some scroll saw work, tatting, printing, and other crafrs. It’s free.

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Combination Border Series 98

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Randy

CC84CD17-07B5-4294-BAB1-A102D31C43FDScattered among several places upstairs we found the parts of this series. Some are difficult to recognize on their own, but we finally placed them as part of this interesting border. It seems at this point we have a fair amount, with certainly more to surface, especially the smaller parts.

The American Bookmaker – July 1890

“A new combination border from the foundry of MacKellar, Smiths & Jordan is presented. The general impression is that of a sheet of paper torn away from a frame, the ragged edges being plainly that of paper. On the part that is left there is a geometrical design. The border seems to be good, and while it will not probably be much used, as the popular taste does not now incline to type borders, it can be made useful. It is known as Combination Border, Series 98. The first section [which is what we have @ Conestoga Press] consists of twenty-one pieces, the second of fourteen and the third of seventeen. Each can be used or bought separately.”

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Chine-colle’ Printing at Conestoga Press

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Randy

IMG_2737We are fortunate and honored to have John Myers, a local art teacher, coming by the print shop and introducing some new ideas and techniques. Here he is standing in front of some experiments in Chine-colle’. Thin paper is added to a portion of an inked block so that when the print is made on a sturdier paper the very delicate paper adheres to it. In this case, the cut paper from a map forms the detail for a woodcut that John made of himself holding a map. It was printed on the Bronstrup Press.

We look forward to John helping us explore wood cutting / engraving and other ways of creating media to print… and crossing the street to the Black Forest Brewery now and again as well.

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Printing Classes at .918 Club in Lancaster

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Randy

Screen Shot 2015-12-28 at 7.54.07 AMIntroduction to Letterpress Printing Workshop

The .918 Club in Lancaster is offering a great opportunity to learn all about letterpress. This workshop introduces the history and fundamentals of letterpress printing. Hand setting type, computer plate composition, proofing, lockup, and printing are all part of this hands-on experience. The 5 session workshop will be held on every other Tuesday night in February and March. Complete session descriptions, costs, dates, and directions are here (pdf).

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Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Randy

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Christmas Open House @ HSCV

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Randy

Come by 12219352_1116161468409096_4646181119453737738_nthe Historical Society on the corner of Main and Oak streets December 6 from 1 – 4 PM. We’ll be printing a special card in the print shop, there are special displays, music, decorations, and of course, COOKIES!

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Emanuel Rau Press on Loan

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Randy

IMG_2680The Emanuel Rau Press shown was converted by Harry Stauffer to demonstrate letterpress printing. We’re still trying to understand how the press was originally designed to function but plan to use it as Harry did, to demonstrate printing at various events. We know that Emanuel Rau seems to have been mostly involved in envelope manufacturing. The press is graciously on loan from it’s owner, a member of Harry’s family.

Check out the calendar and come by the Print Shop to see it.

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