Category Archives: Equipment

Big News!

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I promised big news this week, so, drumroll please…………….

Iron Leaf Press is the winner of the Project Bright Idea Business Plan Competition! As the winner, I’ll have a building in neighboring, downtown Lisbon, Iowa as the new home for Iron Leaf Press for up to two years (rent-free!).

Lisbon Building

I applied back in March and am so excited for this amazing opportunity! The building was originally a home, built in 1881, but has since been renovated into a commercial space. This means I’ll have a place for my new (heavy) press, as well as space for retail, consultation, and workshops.

Downtown Lisbon

I’ll start moving in soon and hope to have a grand celebration in mid-June. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there!

UPDATE: The Cedar Rapids Gazette picked up on this little story. Read it here.

UPDATE #2: KCRG also posted a video about Project Bright Idea!

I May Be a Bit Crazy

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Presses

Somedays I feel like I’m a bit crazy. I’ve arranged to add a new press to the Iron Leaf family and she’s a whopper, coming in at just over 1500 lbs. My two current presses, both tabletops (a Kelsey 6 x 10 and a Nolan Proof Press — the presses on the left side of the photo), have served me well, but I have kept my eye out for a larger press. A Chandler and Price 10 x 15 (right side of photo) came up for sale in Minnesota and it seemed like the next logical equipment addition. I’ve convinced my dad and boyfriend to help me move the press this weekend and then try to figure out where to put something that large. I’ve got some plans in the works, but if anyone knows of any studio spaces in the area, let me know!

(Photo sources: C & P 10 x 15, Nolan Proof Press, Kelsey 6 x 10)

Happy New Year!

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We’ve made it into 2013! The holiday season was a bit on the chaotic side this past year and I’m glad to look forward to what 2013 has to offer. I’m finally catching up after all the holiday travels (more on that later), but I did want to share some excitement from the holidays.

My friends and family always put up with my odd gift requests and Santa must have thought I had been good this year.

Triumph Paper Trimmer

John found an industrial paper cutter for me, which means much faster and more efficient work for ILP. He was sneaky and told me he was out shopping around town, when in reality, he had driven an hour away to pick up the 70 lb. antique cutter in an old storefront filled with antique printing odds and ends. He contacted one of my printer friends to get the in on the “black market” of antique letterpress goods. So thoughtful, that guy.

Triumph Paper Cutter

The blade needs sharpened and a bit of cleaning, but overall, it’s in good shape and still cuts. It has no zip code on it, so pre-1963 at least.

New Type

And, because I was extra good this year, Santa (aka the parentals) also got me some NEW type. Skyline Type Foundry casts new metal type (the heavy packages were a dead-giveaway) and I also received some new wood type from Moore Wood Type. Both great companies, run by great people. I’m excited to get printing — I see Valentine’s Day cards in the near future!