Where did the name of your studio come from?

When brainstorming, I sat down and wrote out a list of subjects and adjectives that had anything to do with paper, mail, letter writing, connection and even some surrounding my own personal journey. I began to pair the words together and eventually Lettered West stuck, as I really liked the cadence of it. I moved out to Denver 10 years ago from the eastcoast, so the ‘west’ part of the name ties it to my own story a bit.

Who is on your team, and how did you come together?

Just me for now! And my press pup, Coda :)

How did you get into design and letterpress printing?

I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember. I never went to art school, but I’ve always drawn, painted and found ways to pursue a creative lifestyle. Just before I married, I decided I wanted to design my own wedding invitations. Not knowing too much about specialty print at the time, I outsourced my designs to a local letterpress printer, which was my first real introduction with the process. I was instantly hooked, and knew I had to learn more, so I started to hang around & print with some more experienced printers in town during my spare time. About a year later a printer friend sent me a craigslist posting of an old Chandler and Price press for sale up near Aspen for $400. Without knowing exactly what I was looking for or the right questions to ask, I left work and drove the 3 hours to take a look. The seller mentioned that he had numerous inquiries, but that he thought I was the right one for this press. I then explained that I had no idea how to transport it back to Denver. He mentioned that he happened to be a snowcat driver so he knew how to operate large machinery well, and he was coincidentally making a trip to Denver the next day & offered to drive it down for me for free. The whole experience was a bit surreal, and I felt in my gut that this press was meant to find me. It’s still in our garage and has hardly moved since.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

With my card designs, I’m forever inspired by the simple daily somethings that make life beautiful and inspire you to slow down. Tiny things and moments that you almost take for granted until you really start to pay attention to them - a warm cozy slice of homemade pie or fresh cut flowers from the garden - all the things that make life just a little bit brighter. Nature, food, seasons, & travel are always great sources of inspiration.

What kind of press(es) do you use?

Old Style 10 x 15 Chandler and Price from 1896

Which press was used to print the Nicely Noted cards?

Old Style 10 x 15 Chandler and Price from 1896