Meet The Jims - Jim, JimE, and James our pressmen

JimE, James, and Jim
With our three windmills....
Add Graig and you've got our production/pressmen team!

Tell me a little bit about yourself:

James: I am mainly from the Sioux Falls area. I have lived in Rapid City, Fort Wayne (ID), Minneapolis (MN), and Honolulu (HI). I was born in San Antonio, Texas. I am married to Shanna (for 20 years) and have two kids- Jared is 13 and Leah is 11. Have been into the drums and guitar a little bit. We love to ride motorcycles. I love connecting with things that add to life, not things that take away from it.

JimE: Born and raised in Faulkton, SD. Started working in printing in 1966 in Aberdeen, SD. Moved to Sioux Falls in 1971 and have run letterpresses for about 40 years. I am married with two children and one granddaughter.

Jim: I'm the lead pressman at Spark, Valerie's husband and dad of two little girls. I consider myself the head guy only in terms of photopolymer letterpress printing, as I am lucky to be working with three other guys with lots of offset, digital, and finishing experience between them. Here is how I found myself here.

I grew up in the Twin Cities, mainly in the suburb of Roseville, with my parents, older brother and younger sister. At various times I wanted to be a astronaut, scientist, or Air Force pilot. One constant was that I always loved reading, figuring out how things worked (by taking them apart) and drawing. I figured that visual things are what I was best at so I ended up going for an art major, first at St. Olaf and then refining it to graphic design at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After working my way into the conventional corporate design world, Valerie and I met and married and within a year began moving ourselves sideways from graphic design into the world of printing.

Upon deciding we should look into letterpress printing, I set about figuring out how it was actually done. It so happened we had found a practical application for my mechanical interests and my tendency to research and retain tons of obscure information, previously honed as a longtime music fan. With some luck and a lot of reading I was able to learn enough to keep up with our increasing business, and we were fortunate to step up to Heidelberg platen and cylinder presses and have some time to get up to speed with them.


What do you like about Spark:

James: I deeply appreciate being included into the "Spark family". We have come a long way in the past year and I am glad I could be a small part of it. :)

JimE: The friendly people and the good equipment makes work easy. Also the pride that everyone has in their jobs.

Jim: All my technical talk means nothing without the people behind the machines, and I'm fortunate to work with a great bunch of people, all of whom work hard at doing the best job possible. After various "mainstream" jobs one also especially appreciates a flexible, low-drama workplace, and Valerie and I are thankful for everyone's willingness to go along with us as we try out new ideas.



Favorite Spark design/task to do with your job:

James: Lucinda, Valerie, Passports are cool as is "Top Secret"

JimE: Working on many different jobs each day makes it hard to have a favorite one. I enjoy working on the presses and putting out jobs you can have pride in.

Jim: I enjoy being charged with the operation and maintenance of these old machines - they are from a golden age of pre-electronic engineering. They truly "don't make 'em like they used to." The precise machining and solidity of each part and the way they synchronize is fascinating. Having the freedom to be hands-on at any stage of the process is another high point of my work. Going back to wearing my prepress, platemaking or finishing "hats" helps keep me in touch with our whole process and how each stage affects the others.

Hello from Germany!

This is the organized sister, Diedre, writing to you from Deutschland!

This is the first post in our series, Impressions from the Heart of Europe. I am living in Germany until Summer 2011 with my husband, Joel, and our two boys, Aaron and Alexander. We were brought here by a Fulbright scholarship, awarded to Joel to teach courses in American Studies at the University of Marburg. Marburg (pictured below) is located north of Frankfurt, in the west central German state of Hesse.

We arrived in Marburg about one month ago, with just a few suitcases to our names. In that time, we've managed to get settled into our modest apartment, start our boys in German school and figure out where to find the basics for everyday life.

Marburg is a beautiful place, featuring a towering castle atop the city's biggest hill. There is a thriving university, stunning churches and an Altstadt (old city) well-preserved. Walking and biking paths abound here, in and around the city, home to many great hills and deep forests.

One morning not long after we arrived, Joel and I took a stroll up into the Altstadt before the stores had opened. It was a foggy start to the day, the air still and quiet. Up and up we walked, through narrow alleys that seemed to hug you with their rich history. At the top of our climb, we found ourselves at the Pfarrkirche (Lutheran Church, see below) that shared with us a panoramic view of Marburg and the neighboring communities. It took our breath away. We are very fortunate to be here.

More pictures from Marburg's Altstadt...

During the upcoming months, I will be traveling throughout Germany and other European destinations yet to be decided, sharing my impressions with you along the way. So far, I have fallen hard for the architecture (of course) and colorful artistic designs found on the outside of homes. This is what all tourists take pictures of when they come to Europe, right? Well, it is what is so strikingly different from where ever we call home.

That's all for now. If you have blog post suggestions, please write to me at spark@letterpresslove.com. I am happy to listen to your ideas and willing to offer my novice, albeit heartfelt, findings.

Until next time!

Extra Peppermint Holiday cheer!

Our Peppermint Holiday card is so popular this season, that we thought we would show you the same design in a few more formats and another color option! The top image is Original design from our Holiday Love 2010 album. It is an A7 flat card, with Cherry ink.


The second and third images, show a A7 horizontal format in ocean ink (above) or an A2 folded card in cherry ink (below).

Please contact your local retailer or spark@letterpresslove.com for pricing and additional options for your minty card! These options are sure to grab your Holiday sweet tooth!

The final format shows a mounted photo to go with the design. Feel free to use our designs to create your perfect holiday card! (Isn't Alyssa's wedding picture just so cute?)

Meet Graig- the only pressman not named Jim

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself:
I'm a small town guy who couldn't wait to leave the small town for a larger, less boring setting. I landed in Sioux Falls, had a realization of how nice and quiet small town living can be. So I moved back to that same small town, eventually moving my mother to my new town, and finally winding up at Spark! So anyway, I have had a variety of jobs in Sioux Falls before Spark: made and packed trash bags, computer testing and service, digital printing and finishing before finally ended up at Spark where I am the apprentice pressman and overall cutter and prep work doer. .....And I'd just like to say the only one in my right mind...., yep I'm left handed....and the only pressman not named some form of James. I love to draw, but mostly just end up doodling. I read alot....Sci Fi, fantasy, horror (Stephan King and Clive Barker) and Henry Rollins. I'm a nine time published poet with most of those Editor's choice awards. I love music and hockey (go Flyers!) Other than that I love to spend time with my nine year old daughter and be lazy in front of the computer.....and if I do say so myself I've got an awesome and sometimes bizarre sense of humor.

What do you like about Spark?:
I love working here mostly because of the people. It's truly a family business right down to Henry...our "watch dog". They brought me in two days after I'd been layed off from my previous print job (tough times all around). I met Valerie while working there and so she put in a good word in for me. You know Spark isn't the typical printing company when you are told as you walk in the door as a new employee and hear that the finished product-not volume is paramount. I love that as the finished cutter I can take my time and make sure the end result is as beautiful as when it was conceived. I truly look forward to printing the design as well and eagerly await the challenges that come with being a letterpressman. The dedication I see from Jim and Valerie is inspiring...they (along with the whole family) put so much of themselves into every piece that's put through here. The most exciting thing for me (other than learning letterpress) was having the opportunity to work on the favorite hockey player's wedding package! What are the odds of that happening in South Dakota?! I guess at Spark pretty good and I hope they loved it as much as I was thrilled to be that very small part of it! I just love bring part of the Spark family.

Favorite design:
My favorite design has to be Padma...mostly because it was a hand drawn design. It's intricate and looks awesome in a whole variety of colors. I love it too because it's a challenge to cut and make even and beautiful.

Prairie Paper (aka Seed Paper) is now at Spark!

What better title for wildflowers sprouting out of paper, then Prairie Paper! We are thrilled to introduce a new paper to our stationery lines. Prairie (seed) Paper is handmade paper that includes any number of different plant seeds, and is 100% recyclable. This paper is truly something special and also takes a great impression. Featured in the images above is our Prairie Paper bookmark created especially for our trunk shows in NYC last week.

Instructions of planting Prairie Paper:

1. Moisten card and plant in soil (just under the surface of the soil)
2. Place in a sunny spot and water regularly (keep moist until it germinates)

These are the potential wildflower varieties you could have with our type of seed paper:

• Black-eyed Susan
• Spurred snapdragon
• Shirley poppy
• Mexican hat
• Evening Primrose

Your guests will be able to think of all the fond memories from your event while looking at their wildflowers. Letterpress is already "eco-friendly", our Prairie Paper just takes it one step further! Contact Spark to place your Prairie Paper order today.

(like our bookmarks? I do!)

Baby Designs from Spark!

I know we have featured our baby designs before here on the blog, but with Audrey from Urbanic Paper Boutique (Venice, CA) having her baby boy last week, we couldn't help but to re-post our cutie pie letterpress from our Stationery Love Album!


The top image is from the Jack and Clara suite....choose the perfect color for your little one! The Monkey invitation is from the Lucia suite, this 1 one year old birthday will be a hit among young and old alike! The piece below is from our Carter suite, which also includes baby deer. If you are looking for a specific animal or artwork piece for your baby announcement/invitation, just contact Spark (spark@letterpresslove.com) and we will let you know if we have one for your piece!

Meet Shawn and Zoe- Mother/daughter finishing team!

Tell the readers a bit about yourselves:

Shawn: Well, I was born in a land far away. Ok, San Diego, CA. My father was in the navy so we traveled when I was younger. I have also lived in Alaska, Washington, and Arizona before we settled in Minnesota. My parents worked with my grandparents operating their business, which was a ballroom. My parents later bought and ran it until the early 80s. It was a great place to go to dances and see live bands perform. Great memories. I moved to Sioux Falls when I was 18 and was working a full time job until I got married and started a family. Last year I found Spark and now work full time here, and really enjoy it. My hobbies are taking pictures, gardening, and reading.

Zoe: I'm just a small town girl-livin in a lonely world- i took a midnight train goin anywhere ;)
I've actually never been on a train but I'm from nearby Tea, SD (another small town) born and raised. I graduated from TAHS in 2008 (woo hoo). I grew up with my fabulous mother, my dad, and older brother...who make up just a smidgen of my HUGE family that I love so much! I've been slowly going to college for graphic design-but there are tons of other things I would like to major in. I've decided at my ripe young age of 21, I can still be anything I want, so we'll see what the future holds. I'm a free spirit with a passion for fashion, and a good sense of humor! My two absolute favorite things are smiling and laughing (in no particular order). I also feel I was born in the wrong era; I should have been born in the early 60s, so I was a teen in the 70s, and was old enough to appreciate the 80s. I love to read and write and draw and paint, to listen/sing music, and watch/play sports. I'm pretty unique and I wear what, and when I want to wear it. I get called "Princess" to tease me- But I secretly Love it!

What do you like about Spark?:

Shawn: Its a young company with young minds and fresh ideas. And all the people I get to work with are great.

Zoe: Its a hometown secret- hidden away in the mysterious Midwest...j/k :) But really for such an awesome business - everyone here is still so humble. They dont forget what it took to get them where they are!


Favorite Spark design/task to do with job:

Shawn: Padma is my favorite design- I love the Indian look of it and some of the custom work those designer ladies come up with are awesome! :) I really do not have a favorite job-I like doing a little of everything....It is satisfying to see all the pieces of a job finally come together and get to see how really beautiful they are.

Zoe: Anything that comes through thats wild and crazy! When people aren't afraid of what others will say and take risks. When they create what they want to see- its more personal. Those are my true favorites, really memorable and thats what its all about anyways, isn't it? I'm also really partial to: Valerie, Margaret, Stella, Erin, Amelie, Claire, and Lily. *I work here: I don't have to pick ONE! (Kind of like a Val.gar.ella.rin.lie.aire.ly......if you will) hehe In terms of a task, I actually just learned how to sew passports via the wonderful Diedre....so that's my favorite thing for now, I love learning something new!

Retailer Profile: Epitome Papers

Epitome Papers
Edina, MN

Owner: Marica Cherniack
Length in business: 4 years (long story short-- really like 40 +!)

Why did you choose to carry the new Spark albums?: love the designs, love to customize
Favorite new Spark design: love love love the pockets!

Website: www.epitomepapers.com

Other thoughts about the albums: Everybody loves to see all the pieces, people would have never thought of having some of the pieces!
Average client: traditional, but leading away from that
Strengths as a retailer/store: our service, our service, our service!

The Spark family is originally from the Minneapolis area, so Epitome Papers is near and dear to us. They are located in The Galleria, a trendy shopping area in a beautiful Minneapolis suburb. The Galleria is the place to go to find the latest trends, amazing restaurants and eco-friendly products, so it's no wonder that the Epitome has its home here. They are very familiar with Spark products and are never afraid to ask us to create truly custom pieces. Epitome specializes in all things paper for every occasion: weddings, anniversaries, baby, holiday and more. Stop by and tell them we sent you!

Spark Goes to NYC - Trunk Show Dates

Save the above image as a reminder for our Trunk Shows this week!

We will have Spark Gift Bags for the first 25 attendees at each trunk show containing delectable letterpress treats sure to impress any paper enthusiast! You didn't hear it from us but there may be a poster... calendar... bookmark... are you excited yet? See you there!

Happy Halloween!

Just reminding our loyal readers that we have Halloween cards. We all hope your Halloween is filled with sweets, costumes, and safe fun for all involved! I personally love the Bittersweet card (below), because I think it must be a true statement! Contact Spark if interested in these Sweet treats!

Our flicker account has all of our Henry and Bittersweet cards which will cover you this Holiday season!

INSIGHT :: Ampersands

Didn't you hear? Ampersands do matter! Shame on you for setting them aside like dirty laundry!

Ampersands can add an air of elegance or a fun little flare to your suite. Don't be afraid to ask for a particular ampersand ( just please know what font it is to help elevate guess work). There are literally thousands to choose from! Also the history is fun: check it out!

Here is a sample of the ampersands we have available at here at Spark.

Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings.com

Spark is lucky enough to be featured twice on Martha Stewart Weddings in their Destination Wedding Inspiration section!

Here is our Isabel suite on their website which is one of the first suites we designed for our Wedding Love collection. It was designed for a dream wedding in Mallorca, Spain.

They also featured (slide 1! ) one of our original passport designs. This set was done for a Chicago couple through our retailer, Pulp & Ink.

Contact spark@letterpresslove.com if you are interested in either of these great Destination Wedding suites! Keep in mind that we can customize them especially for your wedding location.

Pulp & Ink Event for Bright Pink organization in Chicago

One of our Chicago retailers, Pulp & Ink, is helping to support the Bright Pink organization by hosting an event that benefits their great cause.

Purchase the most fashionable wedding invitations and receive a 10% discount. Pulp & Ink will donate 10% with every order. *You may choose to donate your 10% in savings to Bright Pink.

Calligraphy of Oak Brook will be on-site creating hand-crafted custom monograms. Dazzle in delight and taste as you watch Tipsy Cake decorate a wedding cake. Sample culinary bites by Zealous Restaurant. And some other surprises.

To RSVP or schedule an appointment: rsvp.pulpandink@gmail.com

"Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. We arm young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offer companionship and empathy during their journey. We empower them to take control of their breast and ovarian health and in turn, grant them the freedom and peace of mind to live a beautiful and fulfilling life."

Retailer Profile: Fat Cat Paperie

Fat Cat Paperie
Center Moriches, NY

Owner: Pamela Gurman
Length in business: Fat Cat has been in business 10 years, the Paperie for 3 years

Why did you choose to carry the new Spark albums?: Because they are AWESOME! Really completes our collections, nothing else like them.
Favorite new Spark design: The lovebirds and Natalya

Social Media
website: www.fatcatpaperie.com
Facebook: Fat Cat Paperie

Other thoughts on the albums: Love the Stationery album-so beautiful! My customers are really responding to the albums
Average client: No average, all completely different
Strengths as a retailer/store: Everyone on staff is a graphic artist, plus we always have one-on-one time with clients- sit through the entire process with them.

The staff at Fat Cat Paperie are experts when it comes to creating a custom invitation for any occasion. It is great that they have graphic artists on staff as you have the opportunity to work with people who get design and know how to mix it up to create a beautiful pieces. They are a great resource to have on your side as you peruse our Design Book as they can advise how best to use our artwork to create your masterpiece. Long story short - check out Fat Cat Paperie, you won't be disappointed!

Last of the New Holiday cards

Simplicity during the holidays is sometimes hard to come by. Send a reminder of the season with this almost tone on tone piece.
I love colored papers! The silver ink really makes you wish you were there!
Mount your photo- price includes Spark printing and adhering the photo!
This is another of our folded cards, which you can write or have letterpressed on the inside!

Add some Spark to your Holiday season! (If you want your own custom Holiday card, we can do that too!) design fee may apply.

Holiday cheer- 4 more pictures from our Holiday album

Another Great example of letterpressed photos- Lily and Lucia (Valerie and Jim's kids)
All wording, artwork, colors, papers- customize to your favorites! Add birds to fit the size of your family!
Metallic inks are really classy and fun during the holidays!
This card is BOLD using the font from our Amelie suite.

Please call Spark or a Spark retailer to place your Holiday card order today! Just yesterday we placed 2 orders already! Way to be on the ball!