LETTERPRESS ON-THE-GO
PiP’s Print Kit is a letterpress print shop in a box for organizations, educators, and libraries.
Just Add People!
Historical barriers to letterpress printing include cost, space, and discrimination. PiP’s Print Kit is a giant step towards achieving a vision of an inclusive creative community by improving access to these traditionally hard-to-source, specialized printmaking tools. By reducing these barriers, a Print Kit has the potential to bring the power of the printing press to a wider audience.
Print Kit Ingredients
Each Print Kit includes a beginner-friendly, lightweight, wooden Provisional Press and all of the tools necessary for letterpress poster printing. One key ingredient is Amplify — a sustainable, easy-to-set, CNC-routed bamboo typeface with shoulders that accommodate Spanish accents — designed in collaboration with Columbia Gorge Book Arts.
The contents of PiP’s Print Kit were assembled for their accessibility and capacity to amplify voices, with a focus on sharing words and ideas. While they’re considered valuable in an experiential sense, Print Kit materials are designed to be non-precious, approachable, and easily replenished.
Common Print Kit Questions
How do I request a Print Kit?
Puget Sound organizations, visual and literary arts educators, and libraries are invited to borrow a Print Kit. Depending on availability, we may not be able to accommodate every request.
Individuals and educators located outside of the area are encouraged to build a Print Kit of their own and report back with how it went!
How much does a Print Kit cost?
Borrowing a Print Kit is free! Print Kits are about improving accessibility to letterpress tools. The cost of building and deploying PiP’s Print Kits is supported by donations and grants.
What can I print with a Print Kit?
Print Kits are equipped for printing words and amplifying voices. Depending on the activity, one or many people may use the Kit at one once. There is enough type for one poster design to be printed at a time, in English or Spanish, on a 9″ × 12″ sheet of paper.
How long can I borrow a Print Kit?
You can check out a Print Kit for approximately one week, depending on your programmatic needs. You can also check out a kit more than once. Bringing the kit back between deployments allows us to ensure everything is in working order.
How are the materials in a Print Kit resupplied?
Consumables like paper, gloves, wipes, and shop towels are easily sourced and should be replenished by the user as needed. PiP’s Print Kit Ingredients document provides a list of materials, estimated costs, and sourcing suggestions.
How much space does a Print Kit require?
A Print Kit is 18″ wide x 28″ long x 12.5″ high and weighs approximately 35 pounds. It can be unpacked and used on any flat surface that is at least 5’ long by 2’ wide.
Community Support
The Print Kit program was created in service of the community. Partners in Print is deeply grateful for support from our wonderful donors and the following organizations:
Grassroots donations sustain PiP’s programs. To sponsor the Print Kit program, email Partners in Print. Working together, we amplify our impact and further our missions.