Vintage Letterpress and Printers Blocks

Large metal typeface, great for scrapbooking, at RetroChalet $28

I just love old metal letterpress typeface letters and wooden print blocks!  They make the best retro displays in my home.  I love putting them in tiny collections here and there...wee remnants of yesteryear.  It is hard to believe that letterpress printing dates back to the mid 15th Century....

From my vintage home. The tall skinny letters are rare.

When I'm not gazing upon the little mini-collections in awe, I often steal them away to my art studio to use them to press fun and exciting designs on my work. The metal press quite well, though I do wash my hands after use, as they were made of old soft junk metals, and sometimes contain lead or leaded alloys.  I don't mind leaving some ink on them, the more character the better.   I'm not alone, many artists or crafters use the letters now  sculptures, mixed media collage work, and scrapbooking. 

Little "n" wooden print block, $12 at RetroChalet.

The wooden ones are quite addicting also. Depending on the font, the size, and the letter, some are super rare and hard to find. I use them in my assemblage sculptures quite often.  Collecting them can be a fun and exciting hobby because there are so many different fonts floating around out there.   I love sitting them around or spelling words with them. When I get tired, and happen across a new batch, I sell my old ones off.

I want this so bad, from ThreeOldKeys only $35.

The best look for spelling words, is imperfection. When the letters don't match, this is just divine.  Since the 1990's there has been a large demand for these, with the "Small Press Movement" wherein more people are going back to vintage ways of printing.  In fact, some companies are making new wood letterpress and metal typeface kits today.  Of course, I say, why buy new when you can buy vintage? Have something that's been around, has a story, and is just as useful as the newer model.  Gotta love the letterpress.  ♥

Post by Ira Mency.