Pressed

I’m down to the last month or so of my master’s thesis project, and so until my semester ends on May 3, there’s nothing, nothing I tell you, coming out of this lady’s studio. But I did get something new.

It’s a small etching press: a Blick Econo Etch Model II. Nothing fancy, nothing fancy at all, but it should enable me to pull prints faster and more consistently. Plus this style of press is so fun to use. It’s cathartic. I’m itching to use it, but have yet to make the time.

I’m also itching to finish a block I started around Christmastime. It’s been on my dining room table — linoleum shavings and all — for months now. MONTHS! If all goes well, I’ll have it done in time to make this year’s Christmas cards — and mail them out! It would be a first. A Christmas miracle.

And see? I even shed blood while carving it.

So remember, when you receive that little piece of Christmas cheer in your mailbox this December, remember the pain and sacrifice I endured. It required two Bob the Tomato band-aids.*

What am I DOING thinking about Christmas?! I want to think about warmer weather. I want to think about May 4.

May 4, please hurry. I have printing to do.

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* Note: Regular band-aids are not conducive to doing anything when taped over your index finger like this; liquid band-aid is far more convenient. Just remember that when you see the kind labeled “NON-STINGING!” it may be more expensive, but it’s labeled that way for a reason. A very good reason. (Yowch.)