(March 24, 2016) Berlin Printery and CFD Fine Jewelry, both located on 16 North Main Street, officially opened during Berlin’s 2nd Friday art stroll, March 11.
Brian Robertson runs the print shop, where he creates and sells artwork, including posters, vintage-inspired post cards and prints, using a pair of vintage letterpresses.
Caroline Forrester sells her original jewelry line in the space, using her experience in metalsmithing to transform silver – and occasionally gold – into wearable works of art.
Both have backgrounds in graphic design. Robertson worked for a local marketing firm, and Forrester was the lead graphic designer for Burley Oak Brewing Company.
When Robertson heard Forrester was eager to make the move into more handmade pieces, he envisioned her as a perfect partner for a collaborative shop.
“I knew her through the graphic design circle and some mutual friends,” he said in January. “Somebody told me she was making jewelry now instead of doing design, and I said, ‘Perfect!’ Jewelry – printmaking – it should go together well,” Robertson said.
“I’m excited to have a space to work in, because I’ve grown out of my garage,” Forrester said. “I’m really just developing my first line. That’s why I’m so excited to get into this space – to just finally sit down and make my first jewelry line.”
Robertson said the amount of support he and Forrester received during the official opening was “unexpected and overwhelming.”
“I hope every 2nd Friday can be as great as that was,” he said. “Both rooms were filled with visitors curious about how we create things, and I think we were both excited to explain our processes.”
Many of the visitors, he said, were equally excited to see a second-floor shop on Main Street, something that is rare in downtown Berlin.
“One thing I strive for as an artist and designer is for there always to be a surprise around the corner, and I enjoy the anticipation of visitors walking up the old staircase and the look of surprise on faces when they get to the top and peek into the doorway,” he said.
Robertson said he planned to do printing demonstrations during future art strolls, and will offer printmaking classes this summer.
The Printery will also offer a letterpress of the month club, with three, six and 12-month subscriptions costing $25 per month, and customers receiving a $40 value in prints at the beginning of each month.
“I look forward to filling the gallery space up with new work every month,” Robertson said. “We are planning on being open mostly on weekends, from Friday [through] Sunday. We have a couple trips coming up, so its best to follow us via our social media pages for times.
“Open times will vary,” he added. “You may even catch one of us there late at night when the creative bug hits us. If the lights are on the open sign is up, feel free to stop by.”
Forrester echoed the “drop in” nature of the business.
“Anyone walking along Berlin’s sidewalks are welcome to stroll through the studio to check out our work, as well as try out the complimentary ring-sizer to make sure each ring is a perfect fit,” she said. “If people prefer to do their shopping online, the CFD Fine Jewelry website will be up and running by the end of this month.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/berlinprintery or www.facebook.com/carolinefdesigns.
Brian Robertson runs the print shop, where he creates and sells artwork, including posters, vintage-inspired post cards and prints, using a pair of vintage letterpresses.
Caroline Forrester sells her original jewelry line in the space, using her experience in metalsmithing to transform silver – and occasionally gold – into wearable works of art.
Both have backgrounds in graphic design. Robertson worked for a local marketing firm, and Forrester was the lead graphic designer for Burley Oak Brewing Company.
When Robertson heard Forrester was eager to make the move into more handmade pieces, he envisioned her as a perfect partner for a collaborative shop.
“I knew her through the graphic design circle and some mutual friends,” he said in January. “Somebody told me she was making jewelry now instead of doing design, and I said, ‘Perfect!’ Jewelry – printmaking – it should go together well,” Robertson said.
“I’m excited to have a space to work in, because I’ve grown out of my garage,” Forrester said. “I’m really just developing my first line. That’s why I’m so excited to get into this space – to just finally sit down and make my first jewelry line.”
Robertson said the amount of support he and Forrester received during the official opening was “unexpected and overwhelming.”
“I hope every 2nd Friday can be as great as that was,” he said. “Both rooms were filled with visitors curious about how we create things, and I think we were both excited to explain our processes.”
Many of the visitors, he said, were equally excited to see a second-floor shop on Main Street, something that is rare in downtown Berlin.
“One thing I strive for as an artist and designer is for there always to be a surprise around the corner, and I enjoy the anticipation of visitors walking up the old staircase and the look of surprise on faces when they get to the top and peek into the doorway,” he said.
Robertson said he planned to do printing demonstrations during future art strolls, and will offer printmaking classes this summer.
The Printery will also offer a letterpress of the month club, with three, six and 12-month subscriptions costing $25 per month, and customers receiving a $40 value in prints at the beginning of each month.
“I look forward to filling the gallery space up with new work every month,” Robertson said. “We are planning on being open mostly on weekends, from Friday [through] Sunday. We have a couple trips coming up, so its best to follow us via our social media pages for times.
“Open times will vary,” he added. “You may even catch one of us there late at night when the creative bug hits us. If the lights are on the open sign is up, feel free to stop by.”
Forrester echoed the “drop in” nature of the business.
“Anyone walking along Berlin’s sidewalks are welcome to stroll through the studio to check out our work, as well as try out the complimentary ring-sizer to make sure each ring is a perfect fit,” she said. “If people prefer to do their shopping online, the CFD Fine Jewelry website will be up and running by the end of this month.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/berlinprintery or www.facebook.com/carolinefdesigns.