A paper-lover after my own heart, Pressbound’s graphic, bright style is perfect for cheering up a room or a brightening a friend’s day with amazing letterpress prints, stationery and more. Come meet Pressbound!
Hi there! First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?
I’m Melissa of Pressbound. I grew up on the north shore of MA. After a long, long stint of living in Boston I’m now designing, making, printing, and binding in a studio in my hometown of Beverly.
How did you get your start?
Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today. Everything happened very organically. I took a class in letterpress and bookbinding at MA art 6 years ago and knew it was something I had to pursue. I continued to learn about printing while working in another studio (and previous vendor) Albertine Press as an intern then a printer. Pressbound was started as a shop within a shop. I had a small hand press but mostly used the Vandercook at Albertine for all all my printing until I acquired my own press and moved into my current studio space. I never had a plan to start my own shop, it just kinda happened, and I’m really glad it did.
What inspires you the most to create?
I get a lot of my inspiration from my Polish heritage. But really, what inspires me most is getting outside and away from the noise of day to day life. I love to hike mountains and go camping. I always feel refreshed when I come back and ready to create something new and totally awesome.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
Paper! I’m a total paper fanatic. This year I started printing my cards on paper made from bamboo fibers, which not only has an interesting texture but is also eco-friendly.
Do you have a favorite color palette?
I lean towards retro 60s/70s color palettes. It probably comes from watching every episodes of The Monkees and The Brady Bunch as a kid.
Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?
Tough question. There are so many amazingly talented makers out there. This is like asking me my favorite song, it changes all the time. If I had to pick two folks who I admire but have never met (and are known on a national level) I’d say Kate Bingaman-Burt and Jessica Swift because as an indie biz owner and maker I really look up to them and think: someday I want to be like that. They’re inspiring as both entrepreneurs and artists.
Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)
Yes! I’m really happy to let you in on something big, that I haven’t talked too much about yet: Pressbound will be making it’s debut at the National Stationery show this coming May as part of the Ladies of Letterpress booth. This is a huge, intimidating, and incredibly exciting opportunity to grow my business on a national level. Even though it’s still 6+ months away I’m already starting to plan for it.
What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?
Well as I mentioned I really like to be outside so every year I make sure to schedule a trip to a national park (or 2 or 3) and spend some time re-connecting with mother nature. So far in the last 4 years I’ve been to 13 national parks in the US and 5 in Canada. This past summer I went to the Canadian Rockies for a week.
What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?
1. My 2013 letterpress calendars which are seriously my favorite things I’ve ever printed,
2. stocking stuffers a-plenty for all your paper-loving besties,
3. gifts for the hard to buy (who wouldn’t love coasters or magnets!).
What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?
Podcasts, lots and lots of podcasts. They range from crafty/biz oriented to all the NPR stuff. I’m subscribed to at least 20 in iTunes.
Where do you (craft) work?
The Studios at Porter Mill, a restored brick mill building in Beverly.
What is your favorite mythical beast and what do you think their favorite crafty past time is?
I really like Falcor, the luck dragon from Neverending Story. He seems like the needlepoint type.
What advice would you give to a new vendor selling at the BBB for the first time?
Eat a big meal and get plenty of sleep the night before as you will be going non-stop most of the day. Also bring a friend/helper if you can (not only for set up and break down but taking bathroom breaks during the show).
Words of wisdom there from Melissa of Pressbound! Excited to see you at the 2012 BBB, and if you just can’t wait to check out Pressbound’s inventory, take a look on the internet at Pressbound.com, facebook, twitter, pintrest, and the Pressbound shop!
