Artisan hand operating a vintage letterpress machine, paper being fed, intricate details of the process.

The Art of the Impression. The Craft of the Book.

Bespoke letterpress printing and handcrafted book arts from our Charleston, WV studio. Experience tangible luxury.

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Featured in Local Arts Magazine
15+ Years of Bookbinding Experience
100% Cotton, Archival-Quality Papers
Serving Charleston Artists Since 2008

Our Artisan Services

Each creation is a testament to meticulous craft and timeless techniques.

Close-up of deeply impressed letterpress text on luxurious cotton paper, showing texture and detail.
Letterpress prints: Tactile custom stationery.

Letterpress Prints

Tactile prints on thick cotton paper, from custom stationery to unique art pieces. Feel the impression of every word.

Discover Prints
An open, hand-bound leather journal with blank archival paper, handcrafted with intricate stitching and tooling.
Hand bound journals: Bespoke leather and fabric covered journals.

Hand Bound Journals

Experience luxury with our leather and bespoke journals, perfect for writers, artists, or cherished heirlooms.

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A finely crafted, limited edition book open to a page with elegant typography and a subtle illustration, showcasing traditional bookbinding.
Fine press books: Collectible, limited edition books.

Fine Press Books

Limited edition, collectible books made with meticulous analog methods, true works of literary art and craft.

Explore Books
A flat lay of custom letterpress wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and envelopes, featuring elegant typography and blind debossing.
Custom projects: Personalized printing and bespoke notebooks.

Custom Projects

From singular wedding invitations to bespoke notebooks, realize your unique vision with personalized printing.

Start Your Project

Bring Your Vision to Life. Start Designing.

Craft a notebook that reflects your unique style and needs, from cover to page.

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A custom hand-bound leather notebook, debossed with initials, reflecting user's design choices.
Interactive preview of a custom leather notebook with selected features.

The Analog Printing Process: A Labor of Love

Witness the artistry and dedication behind every cherished piece.

1. Design & Plate Making

From initial concept or digital artwork to a finely etched physical printing plate, ready for the press.

2. Ink & Paper Selection

Hand-mixing rich, custom inks and carefully selecting the perfect tactile cotton paper for each project.

3. The Impression

Each sheet is methodically fed by hand into our vintage letterpress, ensuring precision and a deep impression.

4. Finishing Touches

Meticulous trimming, scoring, and edge painting complete the piece, ensuring a perfect, refined final product.

Delbert Lee Powers, a focused artisan with a warm smile, working diligently at a traditional bookbinding bench in his Charleston, WV studio.
Delbert Lee Powers in his book arts studio.

Meet the Artisan: Delbert Lee Powers

With a passion for tangible media and a deep respect for tradition, Delbert has dedicated his craft to creating beautiful, lasting objects by hand. His journey into letterpress printing and book arts began over fifteen years ago, driven by a desire to preserve the tactile beauty often lost in the digital age.

Based in Charleston, WV, Delbert is not just a craftsman but a cornerstone of the local arts community, sharing his knowledge and inspiring new generations through his workshops and exquisite creations. Each piece from his studio carries a story, a connection to history, and an undeniable mark of meticulous care.

More About My Journey Delbert L. Powers

Words from Our Clients

Learn the Craft: Bookbinding Workshops

Unlock your creativity and master the timeless art of bookbinding. Join Delbert Lee Powers in his Charleston, WV studio for an immersive workshop experience. Suitable for all skill levels, you'll leave with your own beautiful, hand-bound creation and the knowledge to continue your journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, custom letterpress printing and bookbinding projects require 4-6 weeks for completion from final design approval. More complex projects, or those requiring special materials, may extend this timeline. We will provide a detailed estimate of the schedule with your custom quote.
Yes, we proudly ship our handcrafted creations, including fine press books, letterpress prints, and hand bound journals, to collectors and clients across the entire United States. All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
Letterpress printing creates a distinct physical impression in the paper, offering a tactile quality that digital printing cannot replicate. The process uses individual plates and is fed by hand, resulting in a rich, crisp reproduction and a luxurious feel. It's an art form focused on texture and classic aesthetics.
Absolutely! We love collaborating with clients to bring their unique visions to life. You can provide your own high-resolution design files, or we can work together to refine your concept into an optimal format for letterpress and bookbinding. Please contact us to discuss the specific requirements for your design.

Ready to Create Something Beautiful?

Whether it's a single, perfect journal to capture your thoughts or a suite of exquisite wedding invitations, let's bring your idea to life with unparalleled craft and care.

Start Your Project

Prefer to speak with us directly? Call +1 (304) 610-6715 or email koolwhip75@hotmail.com