Meet Natalie & Betty
Hello, I’m Natalie, and I am the artisan behind Little Black Press. My passion isn’t just paper; it’s the heritage of stationery and the power of a heartfelt, tactile connection. While the world races forward, I remain an ardent believer in the enduring beauty of a handwritten note, a meticulously designed card, and a robust paper planner. Call it old school, but I call it appreciation for enduring quality.
My love affair with letterpress began serendipitously during a trip to Chicago, where I stumbled upon a stationery shop with a full, operating workshop. To watch the action of the press—the precision, the satisfying rhythm—was captivating. That experience was cemented by a private letterpress lesson in Arizona, where I realized: this intricate, rewarding craft was what I was meant to do.
Our Beloved Betty
The challenge then became finding the perfect press—a difficult task, especially here in Canada. After years of searching, fate intervened. I was introduced to a specialist on Vancouver Island who restored and sold me my magnificent press. We call her Betty.
Betty is an 8×12 Chandler & Price, a stunning piece of history, 112 years young, and weighing 1,500 pounds of solid cast iron. She is the heart of the Little Black Press studio. Working with Betty is a dialogue between tradition and modern design; she is occasionally temperamental, but always rewards the patience and precision that high-quality craftsmanship demands. She is the indispensable partner in bringing your vision to life.