Madelyn Posey Lady Printer, Owner of Posey Letterpress, Maker of all things crafty. Madelyn grew up in Rochester, NY. She is a self-proclaimed paper addict, ink mixer, and letterpress printer. She loves to send snail mail. When she is not behind an antique press you can find her leading a sing-a-long, learning the ukulele, or riding her cruiser when vacationing in Santa Cruz. Her cards featuring Rochester City’s symbol or lilacs have lots of city spirt and have delighted our customers. How do you pick up a hobby of letterpress and turn it into a business? We asked Madelyn for details and here’s all the news that’s fit to print!
How did your business get started? I was working as a nurse in Los Angeles and was looking for a hobby. I found and adult ed. class about letterpress printing. It sounded fun, and I ended up falling in love with the whole process. When I moved back to Rochester I met Tony Zanni who let me hang out with him in his letterpress shop. We ended up buying an antique press from him and Posey Letterpress was born. I now print out of the Flower City Arts Center when I'm not in my own studio.
What is the inspiration behind your designs? I love to print stationery because I love to send snail mail myself. I find inspiration everywhere... in nature, quirky things people say, designs and patterns. When I get an idea for a card it's a pretty quick design process for me because I get so excited about it!
Why do you like selling at Parkleigh? Parkleigh has always been a special place for me. I can remember going there as a little girl for special gifts for friends and family. The staff is always so nice, and it always smells so good in the shop! I am honored to be selling my cards and prints at Parkleigh and to be a part of the magic that it is!