I'm lucky enough to have the whole time between Christmas and New Year off as company holiday. So, after the short trip to Seattle, and endlessly appeasing the 3 dogs for these past few days, I needed some "me" time today in celebration of New Year.
So I officially opened one of my Christmas presents (from myself, hee hee)... My Print Gocco press!
I remember this nifty little Japanese tabletop printing machine from my childhood as something my dad and us played with to print T-shirt and stuff. I also remember getting burned by the just-flashed light bulb in it (despite being reminded constantly not to touch it). I just had to know how hot it was. Umm.
And now, in search of ways to print on my greeting cards, I was surprised to see that the Gocco press has enjoyed a huge come back. You'll find throngs of 
Gocco fanatics posting art work and discussions on the web, such as this group on Flickr. Boy, am I impressed with people's skill and creativity!
Needless to say, I've gotta get one and try it for the sake of Paper Elixir (gotta find a way to justify this present, right?). I've always wondered what's the best way to put a professional-looking branding on my greeting cards. Letterpressing is of course super nice, but as I found out the Gocco produces acceptable quality and is soooo darn easy (my letterpress teacher will probably scream "Traitor!!!")
This is the logo I designed (on Photoshop Elements) and printed with the Gocco. The blue silk screen has been flashed in the Gocco using 2 specialized light bulbs. The design on the screen is then inked with 2 colors (separated by blocking material), and imprinted on to these pre-cut cards by simply pressing with 
the lid which holds the silk screen.
I printed about 80 cards, re-inking once and scooping brown ink out of the plum area (due to my inexperienced blocking) twice. Even though it's no where as sharp as what's produced by the letterpress, I have to say it's pretty darn awesome! I'm psyched!!
Now let's just hope I'll find more ways to use it so it wouldn't be sadly gathering dust in a corner after a few months (as quite a few of my toys are...).
