FIRST IMPRESSIONS

October is kicking me in the butt. Many of my loved ones have cold-blooded parents. Gettin’ cozy and warm in the wintry month of January and BAM! October babies. Me? I find myself in a big pickle each year with a list of birthday IOUs about a mile long.

These gals are the biggest culprits (Reb-P, you’re safe). Why do they have to be so sweet, generous, thoughtful, and just plain awesome that I had to agonize over what to get them for their birthdays? And why were you ladies born in the same week? Thanks a lot! But really, you have been too good to me. You spoil me rotten.

Fortunately, I had the financial and moral support of three devoted husbands/bf and the resources of an accommodating and talented artisan. Can we say letterpress? LET.TER.PRESS!!!

Rebecca Peters, our instructor and letterpress extraordinaire is the sweetest. She put up with my design illiteracy among other eccentricities and was a completely gracious host to four squealing, paper-obsessed gals. Do check her out. Not only does she run her own printing company, but she also has a noteworthy collection of collages and hand-colored linocuts in her repertoire.

First up was Nels, the natural. She made us all look bad. Impeccable coordination. Total control. You would have thought she had a Heidelberg tucked away in her garage and secretly practiced every night.

Next up was Thea, the sweetheart. She let me in on half her stack. She just wanted off the hook. Sneaky! I don’t blame her. It’s nerve-wracking! Theada, you’re still a darling even though you videotaped my harrowing experience.

Last but not least, the baby sis. I think we made her dreams come true, folks. I thought she would have a heart attack. She’d make a snazzy cardiac victim. I mean, check out those high heels!

Gals, you are loved! I hope I exPRESSed it clear enough. I’m a cornball by nature. I couldn’t resist. More images here.

(photo taken by Rebecca Peters)