2015 - A "Fair" Year!
/The Barrett's were fortunate to participate is a number of Printing Fairs across the country this year.
Without question a lot of preliminary work goes into gathering and packing supplies, type, etc. West coast Fairs require shipping by UPS; generally a dozen or more cartons. East coast ones the van gets the miles.
April saw us in San Jose, CA with the Printer's Guild; their 3rd and best year yet.
May we motored out Rt 90 to Wells College, Aurora, NY for the Upstate New York Wayzgoose.
First time, an impressive gathering and program.
After a casual summer next came the LA Printer's Fair at the International Printing Museum, Carson, CA. the first Saturday in October.
This is a Fair for all Fairs; 50+ vendors, several thousand attendees in perfect Socal weather. Finish packing after the show, slap labels on the cartons and get them immediately to UPS for a journey to Lancaster, PA. Fly home, gather up additional supplies and four days later drive to attend the Lancaster Printing Fair produced by the 918 Club from the Heritage Printing Museum. Another excellent event put on by the Club; their third year also and bigger than last year!
Despite the physical work, the stress and the uncertainty of traffic and travel schedules, JoAnn and I truly enjoy attending these Fairs. We meet hundreds of letterpressers, many who have emailed or called for supplies or information through the years. Our compliments to the organizations and the many volunteers who make these events happen. And especially, our thanks to all who have stopped by our tables, said hi and bought a "thing" or two, your support is appreciated.
-- John and JoAnn
Halloween Happenings
/October 31st, a fun day at the store!
Everyone who came in left with a Halloween bag of letterpress treats.
Visitors included a photographer looking for still life props and a few of our "regulars" who just like to stop in to see what's new. It was really nice to have a group from the Women's Studio Workshop in Rosendale, NY.
Their operation and programs are very impressive!
A special greeting to Angie and Daniel from Nova Scotia; they operate a letterpress print shop in downtown Halifax.
The minivan had some weight going back home.
But the best of all; Darrell Hyder of Sun Hill Press dropped by with one of his latest projects. A multi-colored press sheet sampling quite a number of his personal wood type fonts!
Check out the photo (Darrell is the guy on the left).
It's been hot on the 4th floor at the store, challenging to spend much time processing up there. And there is new inventory to process; an entire truckload, two small basement shops retrieved on one of the hottest days of August.
Stay tuned for the "back" story and photos of what it takes to get the "stuff"
A number 'pressers took advantage of The Mass. State Tax Free Weekend, especially Sunday when the weather was a bit nicer.
Note the puddles from several downpours on Saturday.
Again, vacationers were welcomed to the store. Reggie, from Minnesota and staying with friends in Connecticut, came by to poke around and enjoy finding all sorts of supplies and treasures for his growing shop.
The visit almost ended in disaster when his friends car just wouldn't start. That is, not until after AAA was called, a tow truck dispatched, then it mysteriously fired right up.
But all's well that ends well!