Oldest Paper Mill in Europe

I was very fortunate to visit the oldest paper mill in Europe. The paper mill is located in Amalfi, Italy. 

The mill had a sense of calm and peace the moment you walked in. The guide showed me the process from start to finish, all powered by the river running through the mill. The dusty equipment used was still out, as if the workers were on there lunch break. 

In the beginning of the eighteenth century the writer Karl Friedrich points out: “The conductor of water rises along the declivity under the rocks which arches a cave or adherent the wall of the rock. Often the riverbeds of the Valle dei Mulini, are covered by large pergola’s of vines. The last edge of the valley is occupied by a building composed by different floors where paper is produced. Across this valley runs the Canneto river. The sources rises from the Lattari mountains, which cross a series of underground canals which run parallel but distinctly to the natural run of the river, to start moving the machines necessary for the production.”

In spite of all difficulties, the papermakers of Amalfi continued their production with respect for the tradition. From generation to generation, from father to son meanwhile conserving the enterprise inherent in their character. The last and tremendous attack to the paper industry had been caused by a flood in november 1954. This flood had destroyed most paper mills. From the sixteen paper mills in the area only three remained. The Amalfi paper mills have never been and could have never been a huge or middle size industry but has from the beginning the artisan character which has remained till today.

Greeting Cards - Ngiyabonga

Sweetheart Letterpress creates greeting cards in South Africa, our Rainbow Nation. The simple translation of this card is 'Thank You'. Beautiful, delicate paper is pressed with the contrasting hard metal to make this stunning print. 

i LOVE letterpress. 

                                                                                                   (also available in recycled paper)

I am such a BIG fan of Preston Bailey! I think his work it neat, stylish and classy. It almost looks as though the rooms he creates have been manipulated in photoshop. Here are a few images of his work in Nice, for the Nice Carnival.

Its a Boy!

Sweetheart Letterpress - 'Its a Boy' greeting card. 

 'printed on recycled paper'

Greeting Cards

I have kept almost all my greeting cards I've received in my life from family. I love the different designs and people's choice of designs when picking a greeting card. Below are the start of Sweetheart Letterpress Greeting Cards.

Happy Birthday - Zulu

Congratulations - Zulu

Mr Preston Bailey

I absolutely LOVE Preston Baileys work! I love a florist who is creative but not stingy with flowers and Mr Preston Bailey is certainly not. His his work explodes with class and sophistication. #LOVE

Beautiful Sounds

I absolutely love the sound of my Heidelberg Letterpress Platen, so I decided to incorporate it into my website. Here is a cool explanation from a musician and producer Benjaminstudio who came to record the beautiful sounds of the machine. Here is Sweetheart Letterpress's website giving you an idea of the sounds the gentle giant makes.

USA Muscle Car Influence

We went on holiday to the USA and hired a car. It wasn't just your normal car rental but rather a muscle car. The Dodge Challenger! What a beauty! It was burnt orange and everywhere we stopped my husband had a mini photo shoot! So for his 30th birthday, I did Letterpress Invitations! I decided to use the same colour burnt orange, contrasting it with a dark blue theme.