Keeping up with Bess the Press

Hello blog readers! I’ve been doing a bad job of keeping you up to date lately… a long post just seems intimidating these days! Please make sure you like us on facebook to stay in the loop: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bess-the-Press

A couple cool things are happening over on that other website: I tried my hand at live micro-blogging this weekend. I had a lot to print and thought it would be fun to give my followers a more real-time experience of what printing is like. Along the same line of thinking, I photographed the process and posted the pictures as well. I hope that explains a little more about the process of printing—don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

Among the things I made this weekend is a beautiful stationery set for a Madison woman named Masarah. She’s been a fan for more than a year now and it always nice to collaborate with someone who has an appreciation for what you do. Her cards were simple and elegant: with her name blind embossed using lead type. As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re interested in a custom piece of your own!

Shadow Monograms

I’ve had these in the shop for a few weeks, but haven’t had a chance to post them here. I’m now offering custom monogram cards using my new wood shadow type!

The process is simple: choose your letter, choose your color and choose your quantity. A set would make a great gift, so keep them in mind for the person who has everything this holiday season!

Egg-xactly

Today my sisters and I tried out Our Best Bite’s TIE dye eggs I found on Pinterest. Definitely adding this project to our holiday tradition! Happy Easter!

Sweater pillow

Accidentally put your favorite wool sweater in the dryer? Don’t shed a tear—you may not be able to wear it anymore, but your living room will be better for it! I made this funky argyle pillow cover from one that used to fit the fiancé (oops).

Supplies:
•sweater
•pillow form that’s the same width as sweater
•straight pins
•sewing machine (a serger would be better, but if you sew over your seams twice you should be good to go!)

Step 1: Turn the sweater inside out. Lay flat and pin the sweater’s front and back together at the shoulders and neck.

Step 2: Break out the sewing machine and continue the existing side seams up to the top of the shoulders.

Step 3: Measure the height of your pillow form and mark that length from the bottom of the sweater. Sew straight across (perpendicular to your other seams) at the mark. Cut off extra material above the seam and on either side (the sleeves).

Step 4: Sew about 1/3 of the way in from each side along the bottom of the sweater.

Step 5: Turn the square inside out, stuff pillow form inside.

Step 6: Hand sew the remaining opening and viola! There’s a snappy new pillow in your home!

P.S. That’s my new chair from Iconi Interiors!