Welcome to Platemaking

Here is a plate being proofed in the platemaking department- a test print to make sure everything appears properly. This is a KF152 plate. We make a variety of plate types in different thicknesses, in metal or polymer depending on the customer’s plate mounting system.

by Carrie Valenzuela, letterpress printer. 1:38 p.m.

Reason #196,287,375 we love Syracuse

We’re constantly finding cool things around Syracuse, and we love to see exciting new things happening in the area. Lots of independent businesses are springing up, there’s a great push to buy local products, and some new public art displays are just a few of the things we’re diggin’ these days.

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So, needless to say, we were beyond psyched to find out that Syracuse First – a local nonprofit dedicated to getting the people of Syracuse to think, buy & be local by supporting independent businesses within the community – did a great feature on us here at Boxcar Press! Visit the Syracuse First Blog to see the full profile, and check out their website to find other great businesses around here.

We thought we’d share some of our favorite Syracuse First businesses – if you’re in the area, check them out!

  • Freedom of Espresso: A great coffee shop – they supply the coffee that keeps our company moving!
  • Farmshed CNY – A great app for your phone that puts local CNY food producers at your fingertips.
  • Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo – The zoo is a popular hangout for the Boxcar babies!
  • Lilipad Creations – A line of funky handmade bags (and one of our neighbors in the Delavan Center!)
  • Syracuse Soapworks – Fantastic soaps made just down the street.

Big thanks again to Syracuse First for the awesome feature!

Another Splendid Press!

Just in case you thought we only had Heidelberg presses, here is a teeny one that lives on the reception desk. It is a miniature wooden handpress, ancestor to the Heidelbergs.

by Carrie Valenzuela, letterpress printer. 12:29 p.m.

Printshop Visitors

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Byrd & Bleecker to our very own printshop! They were treated to a premium tour by Cathy and surprise gift coasters to be letterpress printed and diecut right before their eyes. We all share the letterpress love! Here is a picture of the die about to make contact with the printed sheet and deliver the piece cut out. What a fun time showing these fine folks around.

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by Carrie Valenzuela, letterpress printer. 2:11 p.m.

See Jeff Print

Jeff is putting the second pass down on this card. Each color requires a separate pass through the letterpress (in this case, good ole Heidelberg Windmill 10 x 15) and a plate with only that color on it (“photo-polymer letterpress plate” to be technical).

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by Carrie Valenzuela, letterpress printer. 12:30 p.m.

Welcome to our offices!

So spacious, so bright, so urban grit! This is where our client coordinators, designers, Harold, Debbie and Adriana work. The high ceilings and brick make it feel like a cave while the vivid colors and paper streamers bring a party vibe. Hence, the office is a party-cave!

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by Carrie Valenzuela, letterpress printer. 3:56 p.m.