Blog

........::::::: 6th Annual - Sidewalk Sale :::::::........ November 09 2017

Once again, it's time for the 6th Annual Firecracker Press Sidewalk Sale - Nov 18th from 11am-5pm at our Cherokee Street location. We'll have mega deals on posters, paper remnants, greeting card misprints, printing tools, industrial junk (aka home decor), and odd ephemera. 

Keep an eye on our Instagram feed for sneak previews and save the date - Nov 18th from 11am-5pm. 

The forecast looks sunny but the deals won't last long. Get here early!

The Firecracker Press
2838 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, Mo 63109

(314)776-7271


STL PRINT WEEK: LETTERPRESS BIZ PANEL June 19 2016

STL PRINT WEEK | LETTERPRESS BIZ PANEL
Wednesday, June 22 - 12PM

These days there’s a letterpress shop in most communities, large and small. Its operation can be as unique as its owner or organizing partners. What does it take to start, and run, a successful studio? Come and talk with some of the most successful shops in the region including; Hatch Show Print (Nashville), Two Tone Press(Kansas City), Sawtooth Printshop (Nashville), The Red Door Press (Des Moines), Genghis Kern (Denver), and The Firecracker Press (StL). Secrets will be revealed and this is a perfect chance to see behind the curtain. Lunch Provided. FREE


STL PRINT WEEK: TYPE PANEL June 19 2016

STL Print Week Type Panel
TYPE PANEL | TUESDAY 6/21 at 7PM
Old North Location: 2612 N. 14th Street, 63106
We're talking TYPE...digital, wood, metal and alternative materials! Meet the experts: Scott Moore of Moore Wood Type, Bob Magill of Monumental Type Foundry, Letterpress Artist David Wolske, and Ben Kiel of Typefounding.  Find out what the future holds for moveable type, how artists are pushing boundaries of letterforms with letterpress, and where is digital type headed. 
This event is FREE & drinks are provided. 

UPDATE: PRINT MARKET VENDORS June 18 2016

SUNDAY 6/26 from 11AM - 4PM

Help us close out StL Print Week with a bang! Grab your favorite people and join us for a SUPER SALE featuring an ALL-STAR cast of printers and makers!

The Firecracker Press will be selling their new line of cards, posters, gift items and more.

Vendors include: St. Louis Small Press Expo,Perennial, Brad Vetter, The Red Door Press, Lizzy Martinez, Skyline Type Foundry, Iron Leaf Press, Bill Dugan, Steven Davis, Hammerpress and Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum.

Pyro Pizza STL Food Truck will be on site, along with dessert and beverage vendors!

FIRECRACKER RELEASE PARTY! June 15 2016

Hungry for some fresh prints? We are too. The Firecracker Press is excited to launch our new line of paper goods at our exclusive, first-look release party on Wednesday June 22nd at 8:30 PM, as a part of this year's STL Print Week celebration. At this FREE event, you can check out and purchase new greeting cards, posters, gift items, and more, while taking advantage of exclusive offers for retail and wholesale orders! (Don't forget that Father's Day is on the 19th!) 

Stay and chill for a while with free drinks and the musical stylings of Manual Feed - the Letterpress band. It'll be a hoot! See you there. 

 

 

 

 


MONDAY MOVIE NIGHT: STL PRINT WEEK June 13 2016

       

It's Movie Night at the Firecracker Press! Come over on Monday, June 20th for a sneak peek of the new film, Pressing On: The Letterpress Film, by Erin Beckloff, followed by a screening of the feature-length documentary, Linotype: The Film, by Doug Wilson -- a great way to end a busy Monday and kickoff STL Print Week! (Yes, there will be popcorn). 

Check out the full schedule at http://stlprintweek.com/

 

 

 


PRINT WEEK - TECH PANEL June 13 2016


Whether it was the Gutenberg era of the 1400's or the iPhone era of today, we've always built modern society on methods that came from the beloved letterpress. From movable type and the printing press, to the Linotype linecaster (hot type), to Phototype (cold type), and now to digital technologies such as desktop publishing, the internet, and iPhones, the world of print and design media is always changing. 

So on Tuesday, June 21st at 12:00 PM, come out and join a panel of experts to discuss what the new and old languages can share as a part of the STL Print Week festivities. You'll hear from Dave Gray, Founder of XPlane, Kirsten O’Laughlin of Sensura Studio, Daniel Evans of the Hanger App, and Eric Woods of The Firecracker Press. We hope to see you there! 
 

Good news: the event is FREE! 

More good news: so is the lunch provided. 


PRINT MARKET! - VENDOR REGISTRATION June 09 2016

Are you a printer or a maker? Yeah? Well The Firecracker Press invites you to participate in our Print Market on Sunday, June 26th to sell your gorgeous goods. As a wrap up to the first annual STL Print Week, the Print Market is an opportunity to celebrate and share all the awesome work that you printers and makers do. So click here to sign up and make sure to scroll to Print Market Registration. Don't forget to spread the word! 

Not a printer or maker? No worries! Come out to the Print Market to peruse, drool over, buy, and cherish some incredible prints and products. And while you're at it, grab some coffee, soda, and food truck snacks too.

We're excited to see you there.  

WHERE? Right under the big tent behind The Firecracker Press/Central Print. 2612 N. 14th Street, 63106

WHEN? Sunday, June 26th - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM 


STL PRINT WEEK - INTERN EDITION May 24 2016

As two super hip high school interns, we were very excited to work at The Firecracker Press in preparation for STL Print Week. As we prepare to leave for college this fall we are so excited to see our hometown put on such amazing events, like STL Print Week and the 2016 APA Wayzgoose. Both events will give us opportunities and experiences that we will carry with us to college. But don’t be fooled, these events also have opportunities that anybody in Saint Louis can appreciate.

We are especially excited to attend student portfolio reviews, for both high school and college students, from letterpress leaders and local universities. In addition to the portfolio reviews, we will take advantage of the diverse selection of discussion panels and demonstrations from successful printing shops from around the country. We know that the print market will be an amazing time to get letterpress items to decorate our dorm rooms with!

We will definitely be checking out some of the other events offered at STL Print Week as well. There will be a movie night showcasing two letterpress films, a live performance by Manual Feed, the letterpress band, and behind-the-scenes tours of local print shops. In addition to these events the APA Wayzgoose falls in the middle of STL Print Week, and the best part of STL Print Week is that all of these wonderful events are free!

Author credit: Brigid Dolan and Meredith Binnette


SCHLAFLY ART OUTSIDE THIS WEEKEND! May 23 2016

After participating in this fair for more than a decade, it seems like a family reunion and we want you to join our kin! Schlafly Art Outside has something for everyone, so grab your friends and family and enjoy local art, great beer & food, and live music.  

Be one of the first to view and purchase items from our new product line! 

We'll be slinging posters all weekend, so stop by and tell us a good joke or two.

Friday, May 27: 5-10pm

Saturday, May 28: 10am-10pm

Sunday, May 29: noon-4pm

Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143


Cinco de Mayo at The Firecracker Press May 03 2016

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching and The Firecracker Press is gearing up! This Saturday (a.k.a. the day before Mother's Day), drop by our Cherokee location and make a succulent button for free when you purchase one of our "Taco" cards. Celebrations along Cherokee street will be in full swing, so grab your friends and pick up something for Mom!

SAT, MAY 7TH
2838 CHEROKEE ST.
11-5 PM

St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book, & Paper Arts Fair April 26 2016

For collectors and lovers of rare books and prints alike: UMSL is hosting it's tenth annual Fine Print, Rare Book, and Paper Arts Fair from May 6-8. Whether you're there for purchasing or just viewing, thirty local and national fine print and book dealers will be there slinging wares for all tastes and budgets. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, May 6th: Silent Auction and Preview Party: 6-9 pm

Saturday, May 7th: 10am-5pm

Sunday, May 8th: 11am-4pm

On Sunday, there will be artist demonstrations throughout the day, as well as a print demo from The Firecracker Press. The fair is presented to benefit the St. Louis Mercantile Library's collection and conservation funds. For the rest of the details including ticket pricing, click here


Vote for Bernie Posters April 22 2016

Show your support for Bernie Sanders with one of these hand-cranked letterpress posters! Starting Saturday, April 23rd, you can snag one of these babies for free with any in-store purchase. For our friends living in other states, we'll have them up in the web store for $10 each (perfect for anyone in the states that still need to vote).

Heads up! Here's a list of the states with upcoming primary voting:
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Washington
  • West Virginia

Be sure to check your specific date and GO VOTE!

Click here to order your poster today!  

#feelthebern #bernie #bernie2016 #stillsanders #berniesanders #caprimary #ctprimary #deprimary #inprimary #kyprimary #mdprimary #mtprimary #neprimary #njprimary #nmprimary #orprimary #paprimary #riprimary #sdprimary #waprimary #wvprimary

 

KWMU, ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO April 15 2016

Atlas Obscura Day leads the curious to extraordinary sites around world, in St. Louis - Click here for the article, St. Louis Public Radio, April 15th, 2016


St. Louis Print Presses Open House April 07 2016

Some of the printing presses featured in the Sheldon's Printmaking in St. Louis Now exhibition are having an open house, and we're one of them! Come by either of our locations and we'll show you where the magic happens.

Details:

SATURDAY, APRIL 16th
12-2 PM
2838 CHEROKEE ST or 2612 N 14TH ST

Here's a list of other participating presses: http://thesheldon.org/current-exhibits.php


Obscura Day at The Firecracker Press April 07 2016

On April 16th, celebrate Obscura Day in St. Louis with us! We'll give you the shop tour, dazzle you with some letterpress trivia, and let you print your own travel journal.

You'll print two of the journal's three cover colors on our Vandercook SP20 and Vandercook #4, then spiff it up with a trim, rounded corners, and saddle stitching for a professional looking book. Fun times are to be had by all!

Details:

SATURDAY, APRIL 16th
1-4 PM
2838 CHEROKEE ST

Tickets ($30) and more info on Atlas Obscura's website: http://www.atlasobscura.com/events/obscura-day-2016-firecracker-press?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=atlas-page


The Itinerant Printer at The Firecracker Press March 08 2016

Mark your calendar! Chris Fritton is making his way to our Old North space to make some prints and party with us-- and you're invited! Hear the Itinerant Printer himself talk about his incredible journey while enjoying a few drinks on us. Here are the particulars:
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 18th
7-10 PM
2612 N. 14th St.
 
See you there! 

Printmaking in St. Louis Exhibit at the Sheldon March 01 2016

Come see us alongside some of your favorite local printmakers! The Sheldon Art Galleries is hosting Printmaking in St. Louis, an exhibition showcasing both the work of local printing presses and individual artists--and we're featured! The opening reception is this Friday, March 4th from 5-7 p.m. The show lasts on through May 7th. A bit about the show from the Sheldon website: 

Printmaking in St. Louis showcases the exciting work being done by both print presses who work with local, national and international artists, as well as works by individual artists living in the St. Louis area. Both traditional and non-traditional approaches are represented. The exhibit includes works published by Evil Prints, Firecracker Press, Island Press, Pele Prints and Wildwood Press, as well as the work of area printmakers and selected photographers, which include Ken Botnick, Lisa Bulawsky, Bunny Burson, Terrell Carter, Joe Chesla, Carmon Colangelo, Stephen M. Dalay, Sage Dawson, Yvette Drury Dubinsky, Stan Gellman, Robert Goetz, Joan Hall, Cheri Hoffman, Tom Huck, Mark Katzman, Alicia LaChance, Tom Lang, Leslie Laskey, Travis Lawrence, Peter Marcus, Kevin McCoy, Benjamin Pierce, Sharron Pollack, Tom Reed, Jeffrey Sippel, Buzz Spector, Amanda Verbeck, John Wahlers and Kenneth C. Wood.

A complementary exhibit of prints by 29 young artists from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade is featured in our AT&T Gallery of Children’s Art. Schools participating are Ames Visual and Performing Arts Elementary (SLPS); Carnahan High School of the Future (SLPS); Central Visual and Performing Arts High School (SLPS); Crossroads College Preparatory School, St. Louis City; Our Lady of Lourdes School, Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis City; and Parkway Central High School, Chesterfield, Missouri.

GALLERY HOURS
Tuesdays, noon – 8 p.m.
Wednesdays - Fridays, noon – 5 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.


SAVE THE DATE - SIDEWALK SALE! February 18 2016

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27TH
11am - 5pm
2838 Cherokee Street
Don't miss our 5th Annual Sidewalk Sale!  Leap into super savings on paper, trimmings, printing tools, poster deals, cool t-shirts, industrial junk, equipment and whatever else we can dig out of the basement!  Everything will be priced to move.  Rain or Shine!  
Small Kelsey 200 3x5 Press
Slug clippers
Bargain ink
Craftool Etching Press
Letterpress Cases
Handmade wooden boxes
Shop cans
700 ft. roll of tympan w/rack

The Firecracker Press + Hallmark in 2016 January 20 2016

Sketches of new things to come from The Firecracker Press and Hallmark.

PRINT LEAGUE POP-UP: HANGOVER EVENT December 21 2015

JANUARY 2, 11am - 5pm

Celebrate the New Year at our Cherokee Street location with a special Hangover Event!

Robin Wheeler of Subterranean Homemade Food has teamed up with 4 Hands Brewery to create a midday menu that will knock the hangover right out of you!

Smoked Pigasus Bloody Mary with Fermented Beet Pickles
Come Down Coffee (featuring 4Hands Chocolate Milk Stout and a hand crafted mint cherry cordial)
Wintery Shandy (featuring 4 Hands Single Speed with ruby red grapefruit and jasmine shrub)
4 Hands Chocolate Milk Stout Mocha Brownies 
4 Hands Reprise Pub Cheese and Crackers - spreadable pub cheese and crackers
4 Hands Divided Sky-Braised Sausage Biscuit with sauerkraut and mustard - served on a biscuit. 

Robin will also have a pop-up shop featuring her fantastic pickles, fermented goodies and jams.  

An expert from 4 Hands Brewery will be on-hand to talk about their products and process.  

We'll have a new tasty mini print available in honor of Subterranean Homemade Foods: Beets - only $10!

Bring your friends, have a cocktail, buy a poster or two and enjoy some tasty treats to kick off 2016.


PRINT LEAGUE POP-UPS November 13 2015

Join The Firecracker Press for a curious collision of makers and minds!
We're making this holiday season more special than ever by collaborating
with local artists and companies to bring you demos and unique, handcrafted
gifts.

NOTE:  Keep an eye on Facebook, Instagram or this blog post for more events!

CALENDAR of EVENTS - all events at our Cherokee location, unless noted)

NOV 21
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11am - 5pm
SUBTERRANEAN HOMEMADE FOODS  Space age treats demo + pop-up shop
1pm - 3pm

MAD SCIENCE - 1pm - 3pm Bring the kids to watch a fascinating science experiment
and take home some ooey, gooey solar system slime for $1

NOV 27 BLACK FRIDAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1pm - 3pm Artist and papermaker MEGAN SINGLETON will have a pop-up shop, and will be
giving papermaking demos.
NOV 28
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1pm - 3pm KALDI'S COFFEE will be offering tastings of their specialty coffees and will be selling
their limited edition 'tis The Season Roast coffee with label printed by The Firecracker Press.
DEC 5
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1pm - 3pm CRAFT ALLIANCE will have a pop-up shop, selling handmade gifts and Jennifer Toje will be giving paper and silk marbling demos.
1pm - 5pm

KAKAO will host a chocolate tasting and pop-up shop featuring their fine handcrafted
chocolates.

1pm - 6pm The Firecracker Press will have a pop-up shop at KIT AND ACE in the Central West End,
304 N. Euclid Avenue
DEC 12
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11pm - 2pm The Firecracker Press will have a pop-up shop at LOCAL HARVEST  who will be
serving a special throwback lunch at the cafe, 3137 Morgan Ford Road.
DEC 16
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11:30pm
-5pm

The Firecracker Press will have a pop-up shop at KAKAO CHOCOLATE in Clayton! We'll have a chocolate-themed print for sale along with posters, greeting cards, gift tags & bows for the best gifts around town! Wednesday December 16th from 11:30 - 5pm, 7720 Forsyth Clayton, MO 63105

DEC 19
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11am - 5pm Dan Zettwoch, Ron Weaver and James Osterberg will be at our Cherokee location with pop-up shops featuring their amazing prints.  We've also collaborated with this dynamic trio on a limited edition zine that will be assembled and for sale that day!  
DEC 20 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2pm - 6pm
We will be at ICES PLAIN & FANCY for a holiday sale! Add a little pizazz to your last minute shopping extravaganza with a bowl full of nitro ice cream and some letterpress posters.  We will have our new "Tasty Minis" series posters along with greeting cards, larger posters, bows, and fancy gift tags.  Don't forget to pick up a few neighborhood buttons for stocking stuffers! 
JAN 2
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11am - 5pm

SUBTERRANEAN HOMEMADE FOODS  is back for a special HANGOVER EVENT.  
Robin will be doing demos & tastings featuring old fashioned hangover remedies.  
Stay tuned for more happenings on this day!


SHALL I MAKE YOU A CHEESE SANDWICH? April 21 2015

What could be finer after a hard day at work than having a hot bath drawn for you, accompanied by a comforting cheese sandwich? "CHÉZ SAMMY" is the sixth release in our "SOCIAL STUDIES" series of stationery that explores the minutia of our most intimate relationships.  The card is 4.25" x 5.5", blank inside and includes an envelope. Purchase at our shop on Cherokee Street, or online for only $5.00.  


WANTED: STUDIO MANAGER April 13 2015

The Firecracker Press is growing and we're looking for a Studio Manager.

Qualified applicant needs to be extremely well organized, must like big challenges, and must have a passion for making things.

What we're looking for:

  • 4-6 years experience in a printshop (letterpress experience a plus but not a must)
  • Someone who can manage our print staff, and can think fast
  • Someone who is mechanically inclined and can maintain presses

You'll be required to: 

  • Manage production/drive the schedule
  • Act as a liaison between print staff and design staff
  • Ensure quality control
  • Purchase materials and handle production budgets
  • Work with clients (excellent customer service skills a must)
  • Bring a solid understanding of the printing business
  • Implement standards and ensure efficiency
This position reports to the Owner. We are passionate about letterpress at The Firecracker Press... its history and its future. We work hard and enjoy what we do. You should too! Send your résumé to Missy@FirecrackerPress.com (please do not call).