Art Crush: Singletree Press

I fell in love with Emily's hand bound books a couple years ago, and finally got the chance to collaborate with her. I'm so excited to feature her on the blog today.S&T: Tell us more about your business, Singletree PressSTP: I started Singletree Press in June of 2010 as a way to continue doing book arts after college. At the time I imagined taking clients and selling my work, but would have never guessed that I would also discover a passion for teaching the art of book making. Since that time I have taken on several clients who wanted books made, letterpress printed a wedding, taught classes at the Genesee Arts Center, and set up an Etsy site. However, at this juncture Singletree Press is taking a back seat in my life. Newly engaged and now working full time I am not teaching or taking clients, but still offer my own work for sale on my Etsy page. Really the business is like I said, a way to continue my habit of art.S&T: How long have you been binding books?STP: I learned how to bind my first book in the fall of 2009. I have been book binding, and letterpress printing ever since.S&T: Where can people learn about book binding?STP: There are several places to learn to book bind right here in Rochester, NY. The Genesee Center for the Arts offers a community based book arts center with several class offerings. Though I personally do not teach the classes there any longer, students of mine have stepped into those teaching roles. Along with bookbinding, the center also offers classes in letterpress printing, hand papermaking, and calligraphy.S&T: Any tips for people looking to start their own etsy site?STP: My biggest tip to anyone looking to start their own business or set up their own Etsy site is: take your time! I rushed into setting up websites before I really considered things such as images for my work, branding, and descriptions of each item. Setting up an Etsy site is easy, but filling in all of those questions takes a lot of thought. So don't rush the process, take the time to develop a logo or brand, have professional pictures taken, and write your descriptions of each product.S&T: Five things you couldn't live without:STP: My faith in Jesus. My fiancee Jack. My family that has always supported me. My old and very dear friends. My love for the handmade.Images (they're all from Emily's Etsy shop - be sure to head over to do some shopping!)1) Look at that paper! 2) Golden swirl, need I say more?3) We love this timeless Journal. So classic, and SO beautiful.4) This bright blue journal, as the first journal I got from Emily - I kept it for almost a year before I realized that she could make me another one - they're almost too amazing too use (but they're made for using!)5) Our collaboration! I designed these covers and Emily hand bound each book! They are the perfect jotter to keep in your purse! They come in a set of three and are a VERY limited edition! One says "Sketch", one says "Small notebook BIG ideas" and the last one says "The next big thing". Shop here.Emily just got engaged last week - we're wishing her a lifetime of happiness and so much fun planning her wedding! Congrats to Emily and Jack!