Design Spaces: Beställda
We introduce to you – Letterpressed Leather.
Beställda is a collaboration between Marvellous Stationery and Birds of a Feather – A Letterpress Co. and was born out of the desire to combine two beautiful and historic forms of craftsmanship, capturing the tactile beauty of letterpress and the sensuous texture of natural vegetable tan leather. We have the joy of being home to a few of their lovely creations in our Design Spaces, and Emily and Dana give us an insight into their wonderful word of creative collaboration.
1. Where are you from and how long have you been living on the Gold Coast?
E: I am from Brisbane and have been living on the GC for over 5 years.
D: I was born in Canada, but have been living on the GC for the past 12 years.
2. Where is your favourite spot on the Coast and why?
E: A spot in the Botanic Gardens. It is an open field lined with big trees. I go there to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle.
D: My favourite spot would have to be Burleigh Hill combined with a picnic blanket, yummy food and good company!
3. Describe your products in three words.
Unique, Textureous, Bespoke
4. Why did you start to make what you do?
We wanted to combine two traditional techniques in a way that hasn’t been done before. Emily specialises in leatherwork, Dana specialises in letterpress, join the two together = Letterpressed Leather
5. Did you get formal training in your art? (where/why/why not…would you?)
E: I technically haven’t. My dad taught me leather work and now I learn from other leatherworkers. Its something that takes time and practice.
D: I am in the same position as Emily and haven’t technically had any form of formal training. However, I was very blessed to meet a lovely 85-year-old pressman who has devoted his life to the art of letterpress printing and was willing to pass on his lifetime of knowledge and experience! I am forever grateful!
6. Describe your studio – where is it, what do you like most about it?
E: My garage. It’s not a very pretty space. But I need something industrial as leather work gets pretty messy. I must say that it has the best lighting when the garage door and back door is open. Perfect for photography.
D: My time is divided between two spaces – my home office and my workshop (home to my antique printing press). My home office is bright and clean with lots of pretty things – my workshop is the complete opposite!
7. What is on your ‘workbench’/desk right now?
E: Mess! Leather straps drying as I just dyed them. Hammers, and lots of tools.
D: Agree! Amongst the mess you will find beautiful cotton paper, jars of ink, and printing tools.
8. What does your working day look like? (as a designer/maker)
E: I have a full time Graphic Design job during the day. The nights and weekends consist of leather work. What’s a weekend again??
D: I have a casual job two days a week which leaves me the rest of the week, most nights and weekends to focus on my work. There is never enough time though, to get everything done! A typical day for me involves keeping up to date with my emails, quoting, designing and proofing jobs, printing orders, packaging…and more!
9. What/who inspires you the most?
E: I have to admit, other creative people inspire me. I bounce off them and get energised.
D: I am definitely inspired by other creative people like my beautiful friend Emily! I also find Pinterest extremely addictive and inspirational – so many ideas!
10. From all the products you have made/are making or will be making, which is your favourite and why?
E: I love the Beställda notebooks. It is designed to be the perfect notebook and it lives up to it’s intentions. My head goes into my notebook so I need it to function accordingly.
D: I have to admit - our Beställda notebooks are my favourite too! I love how the natural marks and imperfections of the leather make each notebook unique!
11. Any advice to other local makers?
E: Work hard!
D: Stay true to who you are! And be patient!
Thank you to the girls from Beställda – can’t wait to see more wonderful creations!
Do you have a passion for making beautiful things you want to share with the world? Contact us now at designspaces@sarbe.com.au.
