Beth - Mediocre Press
banner
mediocre-press.bsky.social
Beth - Mediocre Press
@mediocre-press.bsky.social
Dabbling in letterpress printing in my back yard studio using century old presses, movable type, and vintage cuts. What’s not to like?

Based in Melbourne, AU

If you’re interested, I’ve started putting things on Etsy- https://mediocreletterpress.etsy.com
I started a new day job about 6 weeks ago which should go a long way toward explaining the lack of updates. Rest assured I’m still making weird things on weekends and evenings.
October 21, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I finally did it… the gorgeous Amanita border from @bowerbox.com that I’ve been sitting on for over a year was put to use last night. One of the things that made me take a bit longer was the whole mushroom murderer thing, but why should she spoil mushrooms for everyone?
September 12, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Two more type cases means a day of reorganisation. And maybe next week some proof printing, but for now, lots of shuffling.
August 31, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Reposted by Beth - Mediocre Press
this iconic advertising copywriter named Kathy Hepinstall Parks died over the weekend and I wanted to share something from her website I thought Bluesky would like
August 22, 2025 at 2:20 PM
HRH Pepper decided to grace me with her presence in the print studio today. I feel honoured.
#printdog
August 22, 2025 at 6:39 AM
This is so beautiful I want to cry.
A 21st century postcard made with 19th century tech. #letterpress
August 21, 2025 at 11:41 PM
I know Murakami said this about running, but even as a non-runner, I love this.
August 20, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Due to issues beyond my control, I didn’t start paid work yesterday as anticipated. Instead, I printed samples of some borders and ornaments that I’ve not had a chance to play with (also some type). There was a lovely surprise in the pinecones! Hoping to use them on a card later today.
August 20, 2025 at 2:55 AM
I can confirm the Amanita is amazing. The only problem might be that it’s TOO amazing and I never feel like the ideas I have to use it are good enough, but that’s the story of my life. Go get some!
Just looking at some type in the nice light today (it's finally not a thousand degrees and feels like two thousand) This is my Amanita type and you can buy it if you want to print your own little weirdos #letterpress
August 19, 2025 at 2:32 AM
It’s my last day in the studio before I return to actual, paid full-time work. And while I have plenty I can do, I kind of just want to sit here and look around.
August 18, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Reposted by Beth - Mediocre Press
If I keep printing it, it’ll be true, right? New Print Club print for August. https://www.starshaped.com/printclub
August 16, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Before and after restoration of my Sterling corner rounder, thanks to my amazing, skilled, and helpful husband. It was thrown into the deal I made for my 10x15 c&p earlier this year, and it had hung around the garage, seized and overlooked until 3 days ago.
August 16, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Inspired by @hopeamico.com, and the understanding that my husband doesn’t always love my snarky cards, I give you another take on ‘you’re doing great’ but with wood and lead.
August 16, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Reposted by Beth - Mediocre Press
Who among us couldn’t use an apology card from time to time?
#letterpress #printmaking #apology
August 15, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Picked up someone’s Nan’s old Singer 99k yesterday. It needed a bobbin and a friction wheel, but, it still works well enough to sew a thin notebook together. 8 sheets of paper plus a cover, so 36-page pocket-sized (folded A6) notebooks might be a thing… and maybe even with my misprints!
August 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Another ‘end of day’ print, using new-to-me Mercury Light 36pt and a knife I’ve had for a couple years but only used once before.

Before you say anything, I couldn’t find apostrophes, so yes, they are upside down commas.
#letterpress
August 13, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Some days you just need to print the thing that makes you chuckle.
August 12, 2025 at 6:17 AM
When the print run I needed to didn’t work, it was nice to have this in the wings as a backup.
#nottoday
#letterpress
August 9, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Listen to Ranger Billy!
August 8, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Mornings are for dissing, setting, and experimenting.

For those who can’t read backward, I’ll hopefully have a test print of this later today. Because afternoons are for printing.
August 8, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Reposted by Beth - Mediocre Press
Look you just have to make the cool weird shit that excites you. You must. In this world besieged by bland, scrubbed boring, computer slop, you must. Make the thing you’re embarrassed to make, the thing that feels “too much” because otherwise we get drowned in a sea of cowardly work made by a button
August 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Had a productive but not notable day yesterday printing many post card backs. Today I printed colour one of a planned 2-colour card, then used some of the extra ink to print a 1-colour card. Might get around to adding some stuff to Etsy later.
#letterpress
#snailmail
August 6, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Not an original idea, but there are no original ideas, right? Just different executions?
#woodtype
August 5, 2025 at 2:11 AM