Brick & Mortar Store FAQ’s:
Where are you located?
You can visit our shop in downtown Halifax at 1453 South Park Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2L1 Canada
How do I return something I bought?
We offer exchange or store credit. Visit our Exchange Policy for details.
Do you make everything you sell?
We wish we could take credit for all of this awesomeness! We carry artists from all around the world. Products made in-house are labeled as Inkwell Originals.
Is everything you sell made by hand?
The artist’s hand is involved in part of or the entire process of making the products we carry. In some instances, they supply their design to a printer or manufacturer to create the finished product.
How can I sell my products with Inkwell?
Thanks for thinking of us for your product line! We work on a consignment basis. Check out our Maker Submission for full application info. Please note that, due to a high volume of emails, we are only able to reply to emails with products we are interested in at the time.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
We do! We sell many wrapping paper patterns and will wrap an item (purchased in store or elsewhere) for free when you purchase our wrapping paper. Ordering online? Add gift wrapping to your purchase!
Do you offer custom framing?
We carry locally made black frames with white mats to fit prints sized 8x10 and 11x14. Framing takes 24-48hrs. Pre-payment is required and framed prints are final sale.
Do you offer Wholesale or Consignment of your products?
Yes, we offer wholesale for our in-house line: http://inkwelloriginals.faire.
What is your Environmental Policy?
Biodegradable packaging is used when possible. Most of our artists use recycled paper or repurposed materials in the making/shipping of their products. Whenever possible, we reuse packaging materials (boxes, tissue paper, packing peanuts etc). We offer the option to "leave the sleeve" for cards and art prints, which we can reuse.
Have a question not answered here? Email us!
Online Store FAQ’s:
Can I pick up my order in person?
We would love to see you! If you're in the Halifax area you can shop online and save on shipping fees by picking up your order curbside or in-store. You'll select the local pick up option at checkout and it's free!
Please Note: At this time, accelerated checkouts (Apple Pay, Shop Pay and PayPal express) do not provide this option at checkout.
Do you offer local delivery?
We do! Check out our local delivery info for rates and postal codes serviced.
Please note that using accelerated checkouts (Apple Pay, Shopify Pay and PayPal) bypass these options at this time. Be sure to enter your credit card details manually if you would like either of these options. We're hopeful the checkout platform will allow these options soon. 🤞
There is an item I saw on your social media or in the brick and mortar shop that is not in your online store that I would like to purchase. Can I add this to my order?
Nearly everything in-store is also available in our online shop. Feel free to email us about any additional items that you would like to purchase. If we have it in stock, we will be happy to ship it to you. Please note that at this time we do not ship picture frames or pen ink in winter or spring months.
When will my order ship?
Please reference our Pricing & Shipping Policy.
An item I am interested in is out of stock. When will it be re-stocked?
Please email us to find out the status of an item. Some items are one-of-a-kind and not possible to get in again. If a product is still showing on the website, you can also click the button "Notify Me When Available".
Do you ship worldwide?
We do! Visit our shipping details in our Pricing & Shipping Policy.
How do I return something I bought?
We offer exchange or credit. Visit our Exchange Policy for details.
What do you do with the personal information you collect?
Visit our privacy details in our Privacy Policy.
What is your Environmental Policy?
Biodegradable packaging is used when possible. Most of our artists use recycled paper or repurposed materials in the making/shipping of their products. Whenever possible, we reuse packaging materials (boxes, tissue paper, packing peanuts etc). We offer the option to "leave the sleeve" for cards and art prints, which we can reuse.
Have a question not answered here? Email us!
Letterpress Printing & Graphic Design FAQ’s:
What is Letterpress Printing?
Letterpress is a unique 600-year-old printing process – the distinct feel and finish of letterpress printed paper takes printing back to an era very different from the printing methods used today.
Our cast-iron presses are hand powered. Paper is fed by hand – taking time and a high degree of skill. The type and image are pressed into the paper through the pressure of the press resulting in a charming and timeless tactile impression in the paper.
I have something I want letterpress printed. Is this something you do?
Yes, we do offer custom letterpress printing for such things as small as a business card to as large as an 11x14 art print and everything in between (i.e. wedding invitations and suites, and awards and certificates).
Each project is quoted on an individual basis as many factors need to be considered.
Email us some basic information about your project (dimensions, quantity, ink colours, date required) to get your custom quote.
Keep in mind that not all designs are letterpress friendly. We have a Designing for Letterpress tip sheet that we can provide, if you or someone else will be creating the design. It’s best to involve us early, if your heart is set on a letterpress product.
Do you letterpress print supplied designs by another graphic designer?
Designs prepared outside of Inkwell are accepted. However, your graphic designer must ensure that all Designing for Letterpress tips have been followed in order to avoid additional fees and also to ensure suitability of artwork for letterpress printing. All supplied designs require review by Inkwell in order to properly provide the custom quote.
Please note: You are responsible for obtaining copyright / licensing permissions for any artwork submitted for printing.
I have something that I want printed. Can you help me with that?
We offer letterpress printing only. If that’s the printing process you desire, we would love to work with you.
I have something that I need designed. Can you help me with that?
We only offer graphic design services for projects that we can letterpress print. If that’s the printing process you desire, we would love to work with you.
A consultation in person or by phone may be necessary for custom design work. It allows us to discuss any ideas, themes, or inspirations you have for your project and to gather any additional information.
How much would it cost to have something letterpress printed?
All projects are quoted on an individual project basis as many factors need to be considered.
Email us some basic information about your project (dimensions, quantity, ink colours, date required) to get a custom quote.
Keep in mind that not all designs are letterpress friendly. We have a Designing for Letterpress tip sheet that we can provide, if you or someone else will be creating the design. It’s best to involve us early, if your heart is set on letterpress.
How large can you print?
Maximum artwork size is 11”x14”. Maximum size paper we can print on is 14.5” x 20”.
What kind of paper do you print on? What kind of ink do you use?
All printing is done on our in-house paper. Our house paper is made of 100% recycled cotton specifically for letterpress printing and takes an impression very well. It is available in 118 lb and 236 lb weights and 2 shades of white: Bright or Natural.
When choosing colours for your design, keep in mind that each colour is a separate print run through the press and will add to the cost.
An additional mixing fee will be charged for custom mixed ink (Pantone or swatch). We mix our rubber based inks by hand. Therefore, slight variations may occur from batch to batch.
What is the turn-around time for a letterpress project?
Printed products are usually ready 4-5 weeks from time of order to completion. Please allow additional time if shipping is required.
During busy periods (i.e. Christmas/holiday season, wedding season), please allow at least 6-8 weeks from the time your artwork is approved until your printing is completed.
Do you offer finishing services?
At this time, we do offer corner rounding. We do not offer additional services such as duplexing, edge painting, hot foil, die cutting or perforation.
Can I see samples of your work?
Visit us to see our growing portfolio. The letterpress process and our work are best appreciated in person!
Do you offer classes or workshops?
Our workshops are currently on hiatus. We have ideas percolating and hope to offer some letterpress workshops in the near future.
Twice a year (Inkwell’s anniversary celebrated in June and Nocturne: Art at Night celebrated in October), we bring a letterpress out on the store floor. At these times, visitors get to try their hand at printing a free keepsake on an antique printing press.
Can I rent time on your letterpress equipment?
Our presses are located within the retail shop and off-site studio. Rented press time is therefore not available.
What is your Environmental Policy?
Inkwell prints on paper made of 100% recycled cotton paper. Our presses are hand powered and hand fed. We use recyclable plastic sleeves for our paper goods and biodegradable products for cleanup.
Have another question? Email us!
