This is an example of a blind debossing where I used Bodoni Bold metal type. The individual type was first placed on a composing stick (backwards and upside down). Then the line of type was fitted into the chase with some wooden furniture and locked into place. Once this was done, I was ready to place it onto the press and try a test print. I love the look of blind debossing. The metal type bites into the plush Lettra 100 percent cotton paper. It has a nice impression and no ink is used. It is subtle but quite elegant, I think.
Letterpress printed Peace cards using wood type and magnesium cut.
According to Hawaiian legend, the goddess Pele fell in love with Ohia, a handsome warrior. He, however, was in love with a beautiful maiden, Lehua. Angered by this, Pele used her magical powers to transform Lehua into an Ohia tree. Other gods took pity on Lehua and turned her into a beautiful red Lehua blossom. Because of this, Lehua and Ohia could be together forever. (Lehua blossoms do grow on Ohia trees and usually are a crimson red hue.) This blossom does not really have petals that we are usually accustomed to seeing, but resemble slender red needles. This is my illustration of the Lehua that was first created using Illustrator and then made into a magnesium plate.
