Firecracker Press is just as hot as its pyrotechnic namesake. The company, which uses several vintage and antique presses to create the signature look of its products, recently represented St. Louis in the National Stationery Show (NSS) in New York City. Firecracker was a finalist in each of the four categories it entered, winning “Best New Product” in the “Paper Love” category.
Each year, show organizers for NSS invite stationery companies to submit products that are new to the market, which are then judged by stationery trade and consumer editors on innovation, creativity, and aesthetic appeal for consumers. This year’s show featured about 600 product submissions in eight different categories. Firecracker Press submitted pieces in the “Eco Chic” category for eco-friendly stationery, the “Celebration” category for gift wrap and tags, the “Seasonal” category and the “Paper Love” category, for which it took home the prize.
Photo courtesy of Firecracker Press
Mars Volcano
“We centered the show around a solar system idea—a series of 15 posters that work together to create an 8-foot-high by 8-foot-wide solar system," says Missy Knight, business manager for Firecracker Press. "Some of the posters are really technically advanced, using up to 10 different colors. We wanted something to really give that ‘wow’ factor.”
Some of the elements that did not make it into the final poster display were used to create smaller pieces like greeting cards. One of these is “Moon,” a five-color letterpress card made using hand-carved woodcuts—unsurprisingly, a top-seller at the show.
Photo courtesy of Firecracker Press
Moon
The idea for Firecracker Press was sparked 13 years ago when Eric Woods, previously a designer working in advertising, found a press and began making small items like business cards and invitations. Now, Firecracker has grown to produce many varieties of posters, prints, social stationary and greeting cards, as well, with a focus on custom work, primarily for corporations and weddings.
Knight says, “We pull a lot of inspiration from metal vintage printer’s cuts inherited from the local Bernard Stamp Company. They’re in all different shapes from animals to people to buildings to old logos. I would also say about 85 percent of our work includes hand-carved wood elements, which sets us apart from other letterpresses.”
Although the company has been on Cherokee Street for years, Woods recently added a location on Fourteenth Street in Old North St. Louis. That shopfront has solid cement floors, and so could withstand the weight of a collection of mid-19th century presses with slightly more automation than the presses used on Cherokee, which allowed for increased production.
Photo courtesy of Firecracker Press
Chocolate
The Old North location also functions as a museum-like setting where customers can view the production area while shopping. Next to the retail area is a meeting room called the Alpha Beta Club, where other organizations can host small-scale events like board meetings or gallery openings. Also located at the Fourteenth Street location is Firecracker Press’ sister nonprofit organization, Central Print, which provides community education programs based on preserving and promoting the art of printmaking.
The next step for Firecracker Press is an expansion to national wholesale. The NSS was the kickoff point, and now the company is working through leads from the show to move forward in selling its products to stores around the country. With 58 new products available for retail and wholesale purchase including “Moon,” and a new line of food-inspired stationery, Firecracker is ready to take old-school printmaking to the next level.
Photo courtesy of Firecracker Press
Donuts
For more information, visit firecrackerpress.com.
