O My Soul

The family spent the afternoon printing. This morning we went to the Western New York Book Arts to learn about printing with wood type, the way they did it hundreds of years ago. Today's hands-on class was to combine wooden block type letterforms into animal shapes. See some photos from our experience below.

This was a fantastic experience. It started with picking letterforms, setting them up in a galley, using wood 'furniture' to lock it all in, and then printing using equipment from the 1880's. The girls came up with some nice designs which I will pick up in a few days after they dry.

Designing with your hands really made you feel like an ancient craftsman. The smell of the ink, the rolling of the hand-press and the results made for a great time. It doesn't get an 'real' that graphic-designing by hand with woodtype. Good for the soul.



Some of the wooden type we used to print with in a variety of styles, typefaces and sizes.


Our host Rich Kegler showing some past work for inspiration.


Leftovers from a previous print job.


Young designer looking for type specimens to start with.


The young designers designing with woodtype, setting up on their trays.


Rich inking some letters for a proof.


Some wood block type all 'purpled' up with ink.


Young designer peaking through window in basement of Book Arts.