M. M. Keltons's Son. Engraving Proofing Presses

Previously posted on this blog has been the story of the engraving proofing presses. Since that time they were completely dismantled, steam-cleaned and the individual parts and fittings sand blasted. The parts were immediately “oiled” with silicone to prevent rusting in the extreme, south Louisiana humidity, the frame and screw handle with inertia-weight—that looks like a dumbell with a big steel ball on each end—were coated with a primer then painted. It was so humid the primer wouldn’t dry so we had to leave them up in Alexandria, LA, until dry.

My husband brought them home yesterday and—with our 2-ton shop crane, dolly, ramps and brute force—into the cool, humidity controlled studio where he is polishing the brass fittings.

Readable Text, New Orleans Style at TypeCon 2009

SUNDAY, 7/19 AT 12:00 NOON
Type in 20

Nancy Sharon Collins talks about FLOOD BOOK and notions of readable text. Audrey Bennett and Ellen Lupton are cited.

http://nancysharoncollinsstationer.com/gd4.php

In 2005 Audrey Bennett spoke on this topic at Typecon in Boston, she and I have exchanged emails about this, infrequently, ever since. I was interested in her talk because I was then teaching graphic design and typography at a university literally down the bayou in south Louisiana where illiteracy rates soar. Recently at an AIGA leadership retreat in Portland, OR, I ran into Audrey who I had not seen since Boston. I was very excited to show her a book I designed and was amazed to discover that she had just purchased a copy.

History of Romantic Letters at TypeCon 2009

THURSDAY, JULY 16
2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Presented by Nancy Sharon Collins (Collins LLC/Loyola University/AIGA New Orleans)
http://www.nancysharoncollinsstationer.com

Location: Portfolio Center, Atlanta
Cost: $50 + $10 materials fee

Engraving Proofing Presses Go for a Beauty Makeover

The two engraving proofing presses previously written about (here) are going up to Alexandria, LA for a beauty makeover.

While John (hubby) and Ken (friend) work on the presses tomorrow in Ken’s shop, I will be going back over to James Gabour’s printing facility in Pineville. Meeting us there will be the new archivist from the LSU AgCenter in Alexandria.

James senior may have to close the plant and— as much as possible—I (we) want to help preserve the contents and printing history in his shop.

Nancy Sharon Collins on Martha Stewart Wedding Blog

http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/weddings/2009/06/stationery-and-nancy-sh...

Monograms and hand engraving by Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer, on Darcy Miller’s blog. See samples and get the 25% Discount now through the end of June.

Get That Job (hand-write a note to prospective boss.)

The best way to snag that new job is to HAND WRITE a personal note (brief) and send it through the mail (yes, snail mail—USPS). This is in addition to following-up immediately with a brief email once you have forwarded your resume/CV and or had that all-crucial interview.

Another trick is to do your research, target for whom you want to work, write a letter and send IT through the mail.

When Old Becomes Obsolete

Virtually on Christmas Eve, 2008, yet another commercial engraving house bites the dust.

Sad for nostalgic reasons but (in reality) much better dead than in the red. Although I have personally worked with these folks for more than thirty years (yes, 30) and with them made exquisite specimens of engraved types, what they did—how they conducted business—is a crime and shame. No wonder manufacturing in this country is in such deep and ugly trouble.

Business can be a sorry business, read it here:

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/12/new_havens_lehm.php

and here.

http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/01/displaced_worke.php

Monogram from Pantograph Lettering Style

This monogram was engraved from a lettering style used in the Masterplate pantograph system.

The letters are engraved in reverse on 1/2” thick steel then it (the die) is die stamped on this vintage, onion skin paper (about 9#) then hand folded in our bindery, here.

Yesterday evening I realized how much the strokes remind me of Magnolia tree branches, we have several such trees in our yard.

Launch of Updated Website

My hair is completely torn out from having just finished updating my website, its filled with new images of engraving.

Hanging with Kids & the Dead White Male Author Reading List

I meet enough new people to be initially curious about almost everyone. Sometimes new acquaintances click and we get to spend time mutually talking about our passions. Such is the case with brilliant and 27 year old Dorothy Ball—poet—newly returned to New Orleans from living in NYC and editing at Princeton University Press.

She teaches me the difference between 2 and 3 dimensional thinking. In return I run on about type and design theory. We both like to read and the subject of “dead white male authors” came up. Dorothy mentioned she had never read any of them because when she went to school they weren’t being taught anymore. I love reading these old farty dinosaurs so made a list.