NEBA’s Lending Tool Library
Cristina Hajosy and Carolyn Letvin took a lovely day trip to Western Mass to pick up two book presses donated to New England Book Artists. Artist Bobbin Young and her husband, Eric Weber generously contributed these beauties to NEBA’s Lending Tool Library. We promise to enjoy the presses, to keep them in use – and to love them!
Bobbin Young is an artist, librarian and arts administrator. She used the presses from 1970 through 1978. Her craft business was called Amaranth Leather. Her laminated leather pieces were often mistaken for wood but had entirely different textures and “grain.” She made every piece herself and sold them across the country. Bobbin served as president of the Board of Directors of Snow Farm: the New England Craft Program from 2009-2014 and continues to enjoy the artistic community in Williamsburg, MA. Thanks to Eric for the photos, the fascinating tour of your home, and for sharing Bobbin’s stories with us.
Contact NEBA for reservation requests, suggestions, or donations to NEBA’s new Lending Library.
Black, smaller press
Cast Iron “Lion D” press, circa 1860
Base plate 10 x 11″, 68 lbs.
Red, larger press
Base plate 10-1/4 x 13-3/4, 60 lbs.
We’ve purchased Hollander’s Pressing Boards, made of high quality Baltic Birch with smooth, beveled edges and a polyurethane finish with greater stiffness and stability than other choices.
9 3/4 x 12 3/4 x .50″
Here’s the lending policy for NEBA members:
- Reserve one press with 3 press boards
- Loan period is one month – and once yearly
- Member is responsible for damaged or missing tools
- Physical pick-up/drop-off at Cristina Hajosy, 20 Tracy Wood Rd., Canton, MA
- Member is responsible for lifting/moving the press for transport
- Rolling cart/hand truck is highly suggested
- Contact NEBA for reservation requests
We spent the day exploring the Northampton area including a tasty lunch at Miss Florence Diner. Book treasures seemed to finds us at every turn. From tiny botanical journals with collaged leaves on their covers to gate-fold books with tied-dyed Lokta on padded, curved covers, Shop Therapy’s Nepalese selection was quite impressive. Northampton’s Main St. provides plenty of shops, food and sights for a perfect stroll. The gift shops are stocked with interesting artisan and locally-sourced goodies. The folks at the Hilltown Christmas Place at Paul’s Sugar House clearly support the arts of the region and carry a wide range of arts and crafts. The miniature leather-bound journals by Marcia Cain Coling/Heart to Hand Designs are just scrumptious with their extra-long wrap closures bedazzled with beads and charms. The holiday is off to a great start!
