Painted Tongue Press

About Painted Tongue Press

Founded in 2005 in Oakland California, Painted Tongue Press cards are based on pen and ink drawings by Kim Vanderheiden, designed by Mitsuko Baum, and letterpress printed by Liz McCall. The painted tongue is a colorful Chilean flower of the nightshade family. This namesake reflects the marriage between image and written word that is characteristic of letterpress work.

What is Letterpress?

Letterpress is a printing process that has been around since the middle ages. Once the standard for printing; metal or wood type is inked and pressed against paper. The technique produces an impression in the paper making it different from offset or digital printing. Each color is applied separately, some cards go through the press five or six times.

Letterpress is distinctive for its tactile quality and makes for a product guaranteed to impress.