BETTERPRESS LETTERPRESS CARDS

Hello again

I have been away from social media for a few weeks because I needed to recharge my batteries, garden, make jam and create some new projects just for me.

I treated myself to the new Spellbinders Betterpress Letterpress System because I felt that it was a tool that would enhance my skill set. I also love typography and lino prints so this style of artwork appealed to me.

I placed my order on the Spellbinders UK website, hoping the stock would be in the country. I was not in luck and patiently waited SIX weeks for the Betterpress to arrive! Their online chat system is also based in the USA so a word of warning when using this site – do not expect a fast response. The only advantage seems to be that the prices are set in pounds rather than dollars. Other than that, it is no different to ordering from the US site.

Having said all that – it was worth the six-week wait and I have been delighted with the results I achieved using Betterpress.

I filmed my first session using this system and talk through the different elements within the starter pack in my YouTube video. But here is a quick explanation of the Spellbinders Betterpress system.

Letterpress Printing is an old art form of relief printing using raised metal plates. The plate is then inked up and pressed onto the paper/card. It can then be repeated as many times as you like. It reminds me of John Boy Walton setting up the rollers of his printing press before printing the community newspaper. Spellbinders have made this art form more accessible to crafters because you only need to use the table top “platen” and “chase” which is available in their starter pack. They are already selling beautiful decorative plates and specialist ink and the whole system can be rollered through regular die-cutting machines (please read the Spellbinders website for full details and the list of compatible machines).

My first set of cards was made using the “Pressed Bouquet: plate. I wanted to try out one colour at a time so stuck to using a limited colour palette within each card. My trusted polychromo pencils came in handy too. (the first photo shows the very first print I made which is easily achievable)

I plan on trying different techniques with the Betterpress System and sharing the results with you via YouTube so remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Have you ever tried letterpress art? Or have any questions about the Spellbinders Betterpress system? Leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments below; I’d love to hear from you!

I found the products I used on the Amazon UK website at reasonable prices. DO check the lead times though before placing your orders. Let me know if you will be joining me on the Betterpress journey. It is going to be fun.

Best wishes

Elisabeth

SHOPPING LIST (WITH AFFILIATE LINKS)

Spellbinders BETTERPRESS Letterpress System (BP-001), White, ON https://amzn.to/3OzBLZ8

Spellbinders BetterPress Cotton Card Panels A2 Porcelain, White, ONE https://amzn.to/3KmG6fL

Spellbinders Always and Forever Sentiment Strips Betterpress Plate, Metal, ONE https://amzn.to/3Kl0opK

Spellbinders Pressed Bouquet Betterpress Plate, Metal, ONE https://amzn.to/3Ki203C

Faber-Castell F110012 Polychromos Colour Pencils Tin Of 12 & Faber-Castell Trio Sharpener Box GRIP 2001 Silver  https://amzn.to/43Mh4O0

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Watercolour Pad, A4, Acid Free Spiral Bound Paper, 190 GSM, 15 Sheets for Watercolour Paint, Pencils and Markers, Arts, Craft, Home and School https://amzn.to/3Kw4o78

Tsukineko Nocturne Versafine Clair Ink Pad, Synthetic Material, Black, 5.6 x 9.7 x 2.3 cm. https://amzn.to/3Kna3fs

Glad Press’n Seal – Value Size – 13m² (43.4m x 30cm) – 140 sq ft – Sealing Wrap

https://amzn.to/3qbldNJ