RUBY PRESS :: Letterpress Printing + Design :: Portland, Oregon

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:: ABOUT ::
Ruby Press is a one-woman operation, started in 2006 when Ruby Shadburne decided to shuck off corporate servitude and put her design education and experience to happier use. It all started when a couple of presses mysteriously came her way. Not one to scoff at fate, Ruby seized a hammer, remodeled her garage into a print shop, and set about practicing the craft of letterpress — printing day and night.

The sweet little shop features cabinets brimming over with old type, two handsome turn-of-the-century presses, and loyal shop dog Hannah Banana. Sustainability is a top priority: we use soy-based ink, low VOC cleaners, and tree-free paper. Our care goes way past simple concerns: our shop is outfitted with recycled cotton denim insulation and a carbon neutral energy efficient heating system. Whether picking up materials or delivering product Ruby is driving her 1982 Red Mercedes fueled with biodiesel. We are cautious about creating unnecessary waste. We reduce, reuse, and finally recycle everything which comes our way.

Ruby Press is the fruit of Ruby's long held fascination with, and admiration for, paper. The paper is hand-cut, the ink is hand-mixed, and each piece is hand-fed through our antique presses — so that the resulting product is a work of art worthy of giving to the people you admire.

If you have any questions or want to talk shop: email, call (503.709.0069), or make an appointment to come by. Ruby and Hannah look forward to your visit.

:: PROCESS ::
Letterpress printing is a process of printing with movable type or printing plates in which the raised surface is inked and then pressed against paper to create a print.

At Ruby Press work is designed by Ruby, made into printing plates and printed by hand. We cut our paper on an antique Chandler and Price guillotine paper cutter, mix our own colors from soy-based inks, and hand feed each card into our turn-of-the-century Chandler and Price platen presses.

We use only fine printmaking and letterpress papers to create a debossed impression that can be felt as well as seen. We love our work and take great care to make each print outstanding. Expect some variation in color and impression, as this is part of what gives letterpress printing the character and charm that has kept it alive even while mainstream printing technology has changed over the years.

:: DESIGNS ::
Ruby Press Greeting and Holiday Cards
If you're hankering to buy greeting and holiday cards, you can find them online at rubypress.etsy.com or contact info@rubypress.com for a list of retail stores.
For wholesale ordering email us at wholesale@rubypress.com

Ruby Press Invitations & Announcements
You can check out our cool new line of wedding invitations, birth announcements, and party invitations right on this very website come January.

Custom Design & Printing
We would love to help you with your custom design and printing projects. Please email us at info@rubypress.com or call 503.709.0069 for information or to set up a consultation.