Crafted with care, made with love to delight and inspire.
Inkwell Modern Handmade is a Halifax, Nova Scotia based gift shop known for unique, colourful handmade gifts and cards. You'll find items crafted with heart and made by hand. Things that brighten days and set a vibe. Everything is thoughtfully selected in the hope to delight and inspire you.
In 2015, we added online shopping so you can now shop from anywhere!
the Boutique
Established in early 2011, this crisp, creative retail space provides a venue for modern, handmade art and incredible gifts from a diverse array of makers.
With over 200 independent artists in one location and a focus on illustrative items, the boutique showcases an assortment of handmade products - art prints, homewares, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, apothecary and other great gift ideas - all year long!
Check out the awards, articles and interviews about Inkwell Modern Handmade!
the Studio
Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography
The studio is home to two presses, which are used to create our in-house product line - Inkwell Originals.
Inkwell also offers custom letterpress printing and graphic design of personal stationery, business cards, event invitations, posters and art prints.
At Inkwell, we approach letterpress printing as an art form. We enjoy the hands-on approach to printing and work with clients to create unique, hand printed pieces. Interested in letterpress printing? Check out our FAQ’s to answer any question you may have.
Letterpress Printing
Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography
Letterpress is a centuries-old printing art that involves using a cast iron, hand-powered printing press, through which paper is fed, one sheet at a time. The end result is a delightfully tactile paper impression. The classic feel and finish of letterpress takes printing back to an era of quality and craftsmanship that is unrivaled in today’s printing methods.
the Presses
Isabella "Pretty Izzy" is a floor model Golding Pearl Improved #11 built c. 1921. See pictures of Izzy’s journey and restoration.
Jasper Oatman "JO" is a Vandercook SP-15 built in 1965.
the Owner
Andrea Rahal (she/her) is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCAD) and has a background in graphic design.
After studying letterpress under Joe Landry of the Dawson Print Shop at NSCAD, Andrea imagined one day owning a shop where she could sell her designs amongst the work of other inspiring artists. Her vision for Inkwell evolved through her love of creating tactile keepsakes.
Andrea lives in Dartmouth with her partner Daniel, a graphic designer and their cats, Eli and Lucky.
