Magpie Press

Two design practitioners and a programmer based in the Ironbank building on K Road recently asked us to print their cards – all three projects took full advantage of letterpress capabilities and the results were awesome.  The Fuman card is on Lettra 600gsm – perfect for the fully debossed pattern on the reverse, while the Creative Organism card was printed on two pieces of Somerset 330gsm which were laminated together and diecut to finish.  We were especially pleased with the print of the illustrative work on both sides of this card.  The Codezilla card is on 610gsm recycled stock.  You can read more about Fuman here>> and Creative Organism here>> and Codezilla here>>

Just before Christmas the great team at DesignWorks in Auckland came over to visit the studio.  Their Christmas Project was a series of 12 postcards, printed using a ’split-fountain’.  Basically two inks are run for each card, which gradually merge through the print run.  As the trusty Heidelberg has oscillating rollers, you can imagine how quickly you have to work to take full advantage of the split, before it becomes a third colour!  Here’s a sample of the results.  Definitely one of the most fun jobs ever!

Walter Hansen has been busy and we recently printed this fab Kaimoana print to compliment the very popular ‘Chirp’ print produced earlier this year.  Typographical work is brilliantly suited to letterpress, and we were especially pleased to see the work of New Zealand based typographic designer Joseph Churchward given a good workout in these pieces.  Check out Walter’s website for more information on the series to date>>

… and you wanted to know where you came from – check this out!  We printed this charming series of cards (115mm x 75mm each) and envelope for Piha-based illustrator extraordinaire, Beck Wheeler.  I urge you to go along to High Seas Gallery to check out this series, and her incredibly vibrant exhibition.  The letterpress series sets (awesome nursery gifts!) are for sale there, or direct from Beck’s website here>

Delighted!  That’s how we felt printing up this vintage-inspired business card for Amanada Robertshawe.  It was our first print on a new 425gsm cream paper stock and it is a total winner.  The blind (no ink) print came up beautifully – a perfect pairing with the delicate teacup.  Cheers to Amanda Oliver @ Ornament for the awesome design.  Time for a cuppa!

Here’s a peek at one of our favourite recent prints.  Printed in a blue/grey that actually appeared to sport a hint of silver once it was printed on Lettra 300gsm.  I love the ribbon design encircling the invitation and gorgeous monogram – a great design from Rebecca Walthall.

Extra special business cards on the press this week for Wellington-based designer Allison Jochim.  We had a great time not only printing them (on the Lettra 600gsm, giving Superfine a very good impression) but also edge painting the cards afterwards..  check out the results – very fit for a superfine designer indeed!

I was honoured recently when award-winning photographer Sarah Beaufoy asked Magpie Press to print new business cards and matching compliments slips for Beaufoy Imagery.  The elegant cards, printed on Lettra 600gsm are printed in the palest of grey on one side, and blind (no ink) debossed on the other.  Matching slips on Lettra 300gsm perfectly suit the ambience of Beaufoy Imagery – you’ll see what I mean when you check out her website – I had tears welling up when I first visited (in the nicest possible way!).

Talented Walter Hansen (he of the Chirp limited edition print) submitted a second print recently, entitled Magpie Maulers. Very cheeky indeed, and I have to confess that it did momentarily floor me..  however, we parked our ego and got on with the tricky business of printing this tight registration print.  It’s on Saunders Waterford 600gsm fine art paper, and a must for anyone with a bird thing going on.  You can check it out at Walter’s website >>

Thought I’d like to share this wonderful limited edition print with you.  It just fills my heart, and certainly reminds me that there is plenty to be thankful for.  Designed by Miss Ellie May, you can head over to her fabulous esty store here if you would like this gorgeous piece of letterpress love for yourself!  Frame it and hang it where you’ll see it every day.  It’ll make you smile..