What do you make?
I design and print bespoke letterpress wedding stationery, and also have a new range of event stationery for parents and children. This includes birthday invitations, thank you notes, baby announcements, baby shower invitations, notecards and gift tags.
I print my stationery on a treadle operated Chandler and Price platen press. Each piece is hand fed into the press, one by one. It's a very labour intensive process and slight variations are inherent, making every piece a one-of-a-kind artwork.
Why would you buy something handmade?
Some items can only be made in this way, so their value lies in the time, expertise and investment by the artist. I buy handmade items that support original artists to continue their great work.
Where else might we see your work?
www.tumbleweed.felt.co.nz and www.tumbleweedpress.co.nz
How did you get into your craft?
I was working in Melbourne as a graphic designer, when an opportunity arose to purchase a vintage letterpress. I began designing and printing custom wedding stationery for couples throughout Australia, as well as brides in NZ, UK, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. After returning to New Zealand, I put the business on hold to be a mum. I have now re-launched with a new stationery line.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I have a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) from CPIT. I worked as a graphic designer in New Zealand and then Melbourne for 4 years before I started my letterpress business.
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I design stationery that is modern with a touch of whimsy, combined with the art of vintage letterpress printing. I like clear, simple design with interesting features, quality fonts, and fresh colours.
What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
I like good fibre tip pens and my mac computer. I love letterpress and have accumulated quite a collection of printing presses (and would keep adding to my collection if my husband would let me). You can’t beat the noise of ink being rolled, and the hum of the press as it prints. I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the finished product, it’s hard to visualise on a computer screen the texture and dimension that letterpress adds to a design.
tumbleweed.felt.co.nz
Stunning! Wish I'd known about you a few years ago when I was getting married - this stationery is just SOOOO beautiful!
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