The Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio | #CDM2017 Vendor

Tell us about your business.

Letterpress printing is the first mechanized form of printing from 14th Century Europe. Printed pieces from The Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio celebrates this historical tradition with a vintage nod and modern design. Each item is hand-printed on a vintage printing press on elegant paper, making each item an original and truly distinctive.

The Permanent Collection is owned and operated by Sarah McCoy and located in the vibrant downtown East Village in Des Moines, Iowa. Sarah’s studio is full of wood and metal type as well as, vintage presses- models including a Heidelberg Windmill Red Ball, two Chandler and Price models, a Vandercook SP-15, and two small proof presses. She designs and prints work for clients both big and small such as PaperSource, Madsen Cycles and several music festivals such as Hinterland and 80/35.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

The historical aspect of printing originated with Johann Gutenberg in Germany and several designs celebrate the european heritage. My classic products fit well with the audience and overall feel of an outdoor holiday market.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

I will be selling art prints, cards, and other letterpress printed products. There will be a wide variety of holiday cards and note cards. I received wonderful feedback on the classic designs that have a wide appeal to many customers.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m looking forward to the market and the small little wooden houses that we will be selling our products out of…

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.