Bee Bottom Designs - Logo

My husband and I came up with the name Bee Bottom in 2009 on a drive to New Hampshire. I didn't know I would be doing letterpress at the time, but I did know that I wanted to start getting into surface design and textile design. Originally I was going to have it be BeeBottomPress. But then the more I thought about it, I didn't want the name to sound limiting since I would still be doing the design. Hopefully this is the right decision. The photos below show some of the initial sketches and then the final. I love "Bee Bottom" for a number of reasons. First, it's fun to say! But also because the "bottom" or stinger can represent a sewing needle, a pen, pencil, etc. I also love Bees and how they all work together for the greater good. It's like when everyone does a little, it can make a big difference. My goal is that someday, the little items I make can at some point give back by donating a percentage of my profits to charities. That's the goal anyway!

The Press Assembled

My press is way ahead of schedule! This is it completely assembled except for the new rollers that are coming in from CA. She's beautiful!!! The delivery board is the only piece that had to be made. John took care in making sure that the piece of wood he used looked a bit beat up so that it didn't feel to new. Love it! 

So as of now, I'll probably be getting her Nov 5. Can't wait.

A Pearl of a Press-Restoration Progress

It was so exciting to see these photos. The press is so beautiful. And I love that John tries to keep as much of the original paint and surface as possible. It's all part of the charm of using one of these pieces of history. I keep thinking about all the jobs it printed so many years ago. I can't wait to hear the gentle clang of her gears as I now print my projects.  Enjoy the pics below!

I'm working on getting the space ready to start my studio. We have a 500 square foot attic, but it's not finished off. AND, we have a lot of stuff up there. Needless to say it's a ton of work and I only have a few weeks left to get an area done and set up for press. It will be a work in progress I'm sure. My husband will be helping me make one end of it into a temporary room so that I can keep an area heated in the winter and cool come summer time. Don't want the ink to get all wacky if the temp is too extreme. 

A Pearl of a Press- The Rescue

John Falstrom had found my press in a filthy, dark basement and he had to actually take the entire thing apart to get it out—he's very dedicated to his restoration. As he took it apart, he realized that pretty much all its original pieces were in tack and it seemed like a good press-at least what he could tell through the layers of grime.

The photos above are right after picking the Golding Pearl #11, circa approx 1910.  As John began the restoration process, it was clear this was a beauty of a press. I'll post the progress picks next.