Well, folks, I got back on the proverbial horse and tried the L Letterpress again (see yesterday's post here). And a happy customer service report: the company is going to send over a replacement set of the basic plates that came with the machine. Excellent.
Here are my results from today's test. These are all the prints I did; there aren't 50 messed-up ones I'm not showing you. Not bad, right? I avoided the plates that looked curved or warped, which had made it hard to get the roller into some of the low spots without getting too much ink on the higher spots. The plates I tried this time from the Damask set were all flat, which made inking them easier. And I'm pleased to report that the black and purple inks dried quickly.
The only little mishap was that after running the fleur-de-lis through the machine once, I noticed it developed a crack at the top. Maybe the blind monkeys meddled with it when my back was turned? The crack didn't seem to affect the second print, though.
The patterned print was my favorite—it came out flawless both times. Click any of the photos of prints to see them larger. I uploaded an extra-large version of this last photo so you can see the printing more clearly.A lovely discount from Lifestyle Crafts
Here's good news for those of you interested in getting your own Epic Letterpress and Die Cut machine: from now until March 22nd, enter the promo code BLOGORANGE to get 20% off purchases at lifestylecrafts.com.
ahh, the positive difference a flat plate makes!
ReplyDeleteI wish it were in my budget to buy one of these kits. That looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI like them!
ReplyDeleteOooohh... I like happy endings!
ReplyDeleteMum
Me too! I feel much better now.
ReplyDeleteThose are super cute. I especially love the damask patten. Ummm...can I have them? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm about to get one of these puppies in the mail to try out. Let's see if the monkeys attack my machine. Good thing an unmade bed is monkey repellent, or so I hear.
ReplyDeleteGlad yours finally worked out!
Hmmmmm, I'm still skeptical. I'm thinking that there aren't 50 messed up cards that you're not showing us because you avoided the warped plates.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the review! It's always helpful to see how the product works in real life!
Vegan, right you are.
ReplyDeleteAmy, you might be okay in that case. Apparently the monkeys are attracted to dust bunnies, which is why they've taken up residence in my house. But if you have dust bunnies AND an unmade bed, those two will cancel each other out and then it's anyone's guess. Good luck, and keep us posted.
With all the trouble you've had with these: warped plates, inking problems, silver's ink long dry time, cracking plates...why would we want to buy an Epic Letterpress and Die Cut machine?
ReplyDeletethe second round of prints look great! Looks like you are having fun with it!
ReplyDeletelove the hello cards. and all things damask!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of the machine, but it seems they have some work to do before it's worth the purchase. I wouldn't want to buy one and end up with cracked, warped plates!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what the difference is from the "normal" die cut/embossing machines (SIzzix Big Shot et al)? I love the results but question if I *need* another machine in my life...
ReplyDeletehmm, I really like the idea and I'm just just considering craft things for thank you cards, decorations, small design jobs.
ReplyDeleteSo would you say it was worth it? or is there better out there?
I don't fully understand how it die-cuts though?
I'm reading this for fun and now you've got me all worried. This dust bunny/unmade bed thing--where do they cancel out? Is it dust bunnies by weight? or by area?
ReplyDeleteI think I'm in trouble...
/k.
I'm definitely more impressed the second time around. Do they sell more plates? I'd love to see some doubled up colors!
ReplyDeleteJenny, I don't know of any other letterpress tools for crafty home users and hobbyists. There might be other products I'm not aware of, though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried die cutting with it since I enjoy cutting with a Silhouette cutter, where I can make my own shapes. I think the idea, though, is that you set some shapes on top of your paper and close the lid, then run it through the crank machine. The pressure will punch the shapes through the paper, making cutouts.
Lifetime Crafts does sell other printing plates, and you can have your own custom-made, too, either from them or from Boxcar Press, professionals who apparently use higher quality material.
If you spring for some new accessories and better plates, you can get pretty awesome results like
this business card and these invitations. Pretty great, right?
Wow, this looks amazing!!! I just took a look through your link and it looks pretty affordable, too. Will definitely be putting this on the "to-buy" list. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting both of your reviews. I like your results from trial 2. I was thinking about buying the L Letterpress to do my wedding invites. I also read Boxcar's review as well.
ReplyDeleteHere's a really good post on this machine and how you can improve your results.
ReplyDeletehttp://boxcarpress.com/us/blog/2009/11/24/l-letterpress-printing-techniques-from-boxcar-press/
Looks like fun (minus the troubles). I'd be interested in trying it out..need to find out if they make more fun designs..
ReplyDeleteThat's funny... I have a real letterpress machine and I am in love with it! no problems with plates or anything. I have also been working on a friends 2,000lbs letterpress machine and it couldn't get better. You can go to my blog for a video on how I print on mine.
ReplyDeleteI once wondered what I would do if I didn't have my Kelsey. I'd go crazy! but this tiny "epic" letterpress might give some people the fix they're looking for.
it looks great this time around. after the first post i thought it was a cool product but not really worth the money, but after seeing this post i think it's much more worth it!
ReplyDeleteI really want one of these! I have always wondered how to do letterpress, so I am grateful you provided these two reviews. Excited to see a coupon for us!
ReplyDeleteCheck out Boxcar Press's tutorial on getting the most of this machine.
ReplyDeletehttp://boxcarpress.com/us/blog/2009/11/24/l-letterpress-printing-techniques-from-boxcar-press/
Since I am letterpress-obsessed... I've stalked most press info out there. :)
Those black & white prints would make awesome wedding announcements, Christmas cards, Valentine's, etc. - lovely!
ReplyDeletethat's a great story... love what you created!
ReplyDeletei sooo want one of those now!!! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletexo,
anna