It has been quite a while since the last McClain’s Newsletter, but we have been busy filling your orders and planning for next year. 2012 is right around the corner and we are looking forward to sending out our FIRST EVER FULL COLOR CATALOG! This should make ink selections easier, and you can draw inspiration from the customer print gallery peppered throughout our catalog.

Now is a great time to order, whether it is for friends, family or personal use as prices on many of our products (Especially those from Japan) will be going up at the beginning of the year.

We are also excited about the 2012 Southern Graphics Council International Conference taking place in New Orleans at the end of March. If you haven’t been to one of these yet, start planning and get your tickets. There will be lots of great shows, demonstrations, speakers, parties and of course a vendor fair. We will be showing off our various and wonderful printmaking supplies.

Amy (left) and Ally (right)

Say “Hello!” to our two fantastic new Customer Service/Sales/ Shina Table-sawin’/Packaging maniacs, Amy (Amarette Gregor) and Ally (Alix Stinnett). If you have placed an order over the phone in the last few months or just called to find out why your wood carving tool isn’t as sharp after prying open that can of mushrooms for your pizza, then you may have had the pleasure of speaking with either of these excellent folks.

Amy just completed school at the University of Oregon, where she majored in Art and focused on  Jewelry and Metalsmithing while slipping in a few printmaking classes as well. Ally attended Central Washington University where she majored in both Sociology and Studio Art, and first got excited about printmaking while taking a class and Oregon State. Both of these ladies have been involved in a Moku Hanga workshop at Atelier Meridian and picked up some engraving skills from our local expert and Resingrave inventor Dick Woodman. If you have questions about relief printmaking and these specific techniques, just call up and fire away!