Greeting cards made to make smiles. Printed individually on a vintage 1885 Chandler & Price Printing press

Hi, I’m Miranda. The hands that are Pioneer Press, a letterpress shop established in 2013 in Portland, Oregon. Each card is hand pulled using an antique Chandler and Price Press from 1890.

I have always been a lover of tactile processes and stationery. Throughout high school and college I always worked at stationary stores and found a deep love for greeting cards. Mini works of art to give to people they remind you of. A wonderful yet simple symbol of love, connection and thought.

My background painting which led me to printmaking. I majored in woodblcoking and etching and while I loved those processes I always felt like I could love a different method more. When I learned about letterpress I immediately became obsessed and dove head first into the world that is letterpress. This was what I wanted to do. I learned everything there is to know through books and internet forums. I purchased my first little press and knew I wanted to print little greeting cards with it. I started collecting vintage printers cuts and creating tag lines around them using handset type. I also started designing original artworks. Together the mix is a wonderful example of who I am and what I love. Mixing history with present day technology. Ive always loved history and been so interested in tradition of the arts as well as mechanics. Learning how to adjust a press to print the perfect image requires a thoughtfulness and strongly connects you to the process.