Annika Buxman Opens New Letterpress Studio in South Pas

Artist and letterpress printer Annika Buxman opened her new South Pasadena storefront, DeMilo Design Studio and Letterpress, at the live/work units located at 1401 Mission St this week.

The quaint Thursday evening opening drew a number of South Pasadena residents and community leaders, including Mayor Mike Ten, Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Feldmann and Assistant City Manager Sergio Gonzalez. Guests were able to sip on champagne and munch on hors d'oeuvres as they toured the artist’s new studio. Buxman handed out copies of "De Milo Digest," a newspaper she created to inform people on her business and the partnerships she has created. 

“I met with Annika years ago when she was looking for a new space in South Pasadena,” said Feldmann. “I’m thrilled that she was able to find this free space and open her business here.”

Through her “Sustain & Heal” line of fair trade and eco-friendly products, Buxman manages to connect the city of South Pasadena with Bangladesh, Rwanda and Sri Lanka. All products printed from the line, which includes wedding and bar mitzvah invitations, personalized stationery, gifts and holiday cards, are made on 100 percent post-consumer waste papers imported from certified fair trade artisans.

Buxman, who describes her small business as “part studio, part museum, [and] part store,” does all her printing in-house on late 1800-era presses. In addition to her own work, the space houses letterpress prints from Brian Reed of Old School Stationers in Portland, Oregon.

Despite her store’s close proximity to Fair Oaks Avenue, Buxman remains positive that her store will not be affected by the construction.

“I know it is a difficult time for many South Pasadena stores right now,” said Buxman. “I try to get out there as much as I can and support all the businesses affected.” 

DeMilo Design Studio will be open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m or by appointment.

For more on Annika Buxman and Sustain & Heal, click .