Meet the Snail Who Loves Letterpress

Did you know that lumaca means snail in Italian? It’s a fitting name for the business founded by designer Alaina Cherup. A snail is the perfect creature to embody Alaina’s love of snail mail (and the planet).

As she says, “a living reminder to slow down and live in intention.”

That’s a brave move in 2023.

Over a decade later, Alaina continues to conceptualize and create beautiful stationery for clients. This past year she’s been at The Fort, using the letterpress at Columbus Printed Arts Center. We took a few photos and caught up:

What’s your deeper connection to being a maker?

Since childhood, the natural world has always captivated me. I really wasn’t any different than most kids my age. I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up (shocking, I know).

And how did paper become part of your path?

The natural world STILL captivates me, and I find myself not only drawn to nature-focused artistic expression, but also to protecting the natural beauty that I treasure. Lumaca Paper was formed out of the profound connection between these two practices, and the tangible expression of ideas in the form of printed matter has always had a piece of my heart.

Alaina at Columbus Printed Arts Center, 2000 South High

How did you learn the craft of letterpress?

Completely self taught. Solo trial and error after buying my first press from an OSU professor on Craigslist in 2011.

Over ten years later, your work doesn’t fit into a single style. Why?

I love the convergence of things: thoughtful design, sustainable materials, old fashioned printing methods, a touch of fine art. All that makes the work engaging and unique for my clients.

Custom wedding invitations letterpressed at The Fort

What makes the work rewarding?

When a client fully trusts my creative process and our ideas tangibly come to life. To have them see an idea take on physical space, to be seen and touched. And to know there’s thought behind it all. Most importantly, to create work that induces emotion!

That last part—emotion—is so worth it. And after seeing your work, it makes sense! Thanks for catching up, Alaina. Where can folks learn more?

Lumaca Paper

Fort Family: The Brand Loft

Adrienne AVA (right) with Fort neighbor Jehan Daughtery (LEFT)

Hi friends. We caught up with Adrienne Ava, owner of the Brand Loft at 2050 South High Street. Adrienne, tell us what the Brand Loft is all about.

The Brand Loft is a Creative Content & Branding Studio. This is your one-stop studio for all of your content & brand needs. Whether you’re planning a photoshoot for your business or building your personal brand, or in need of a unique set to record your podcast. Our sets are versatile, and customizable and will accommodate your various creative needs!

We love all the energy and versatility you brought to this space. Why did you choose The Fort?

I choose the Fort for a couple reasons. As a creative The Fort immediately spoke to me, from the urban architecture, the raw loft space with the exposed brick and the high ceilings. It’s the perfect vibe for my business. I also enjoy being housed with sooo many creatives!

Welcome, Adrienne!
For more information, check out The Brand Loft.

Made at The Fort: Common Species

If you haven’t seen the creations of Common Species, you’re in for a treat. Owner Sergei Parfenov is, in a word, meticulous. Gaze upon these lovely creations, and see Common Species for more information. Made at The Fort!

Last photo courtesy of Addison Jones Photography.

Meet the Team

Ever wonder who’s behind the scenes at The Fort and Steelton Village? Photographed by Whitney Danielle Photography at 2000 South High. From left to right: Happy baby Azalea, Allegra, Dylan, Josh, Mandi, Justin, Kyle, Laura, John, Kaleb and Vincent. And great news: Justin and Kyle are in the Power 100 roster from Columbus Business First.

Congratulations, guys. And thanks for the photo, Whitney.

Fort Family: Roof Die Tool & Machine

Bill Francis knows more about The Fort than anyone working here.

Why? Because Bill has been here for over 30 years. Long before The Fort was named. He has seen businesses come and go, and has stories to tell. There’s a glimmer of knowing in his eyes.

You’ll find Bill, Rick and Bill’s daughter Olivia in their 6000 square foot space, on the north side of 2000 South High. They have an enviable location: plenty of parking, below the street sounds. A large loading dock. And daily entry through The Fort’s beautiful sandstone viaduct. The shop is a machinery dream, with a variety that spans old and new. Drill bits so big they make you stop and stare. Everything here is brutally heavy duty. But not Bill. He’s quick to listen, with a friendly smile. Same is true of his crew, Rick and Olivia.

Here’s our Q&A with Bill (followed by photos):

What is Roof Tool Die & Machine?

We are a small business, that is a tool & die machine shop.  CNC milling/turning, general machining, tool & die making. We specialize in general job shop machining, short run prototype work.

What do you love about your work?

I feel that my job is more like a form of art and I am able to show my talents with the quality products that I produce.

What brought you to the Seagrave building to open your business?

Basically, location. Most of our customers are within or have quick access to the I-270 outer belt. Also, It has given us the option to expand our business and our workspace. When Roof Die Tool first started, they had 2000 square feet and now we have been able to expand to 6000. So, if the opportunity arises there is plenty of space still available if we would like to expand more.

You are the true anchor of our community here at The Fort—do you have a favorite story about this place?

Mainly, the history of the building; the people who have come and gone. Listening to the elders and their stories of being here. When I started out here my boss, Robert Roof, who started Roof Die Tool taught me so much! He had so many incredible stories of his time here. William Neal of Weldon Tech. was a great Engineer and he taught me a lot about die sets. Ed & Bill Eubanks of DeFabco are Fabricator and Welders who helped introduce us to many new customers. I have gotten to meet some customers who have been around this area since the 50's-60's that have shared a lot of old stories about the building and area.

Thanks, Bill!

Thanks for joining us! Follow Roof Die Tool & Machine Inc.

Fort Family: Prema Designs

Tell us about Prema Designs!

Prema Designs is a a full service wedding and event design company that handles every aspect of creating the esthetic of an event and making our clients inspirations come to life. 

We are a team made up of individuals that are bursting with creativity and an eagerness to push floral boundaries. Our goal and reason for doing what we do is the "goosies moment": when our clients see the space for the first time (untouched by guests) filled with all the dreams and custom designs made just for them. It’s one of the most gratifying moments you can witness.

During our creative process you will find us taking dance breaks or singing at the top of our lungs. Our light and fun-filled environment is necessary while making pieces made to celebrate whichever special event our clients hired us for. And we are the place filled with the snacks! Snack breaks are a must in life in general. 

Why did you choose The Fort?

This space is the space of my dreams. It embodies the exact feel of what Prema is with the opportunity for growth. The Fort is a community filled with creativity and small businesses that just want to do what they do and have fun doing it. Plus the owner Justin is probably one of the best landlords I have met. You can tell he loves this building and wants his tenants to be comfortable, successful and happy. Never leaving. 

Meet Rita, owner of Prema Designs

TEAM PREMA

Learn more about Rita and her services: Prema Designs

Fort Family: The Millennial Suite

The Millennial Suite is a full service photography studio that specializes in content creation. From creative videos to epic photos that showcase what your brand is all about, they help their clients establish a voice for their brands.

In their search for the perfect space, The Millenial Suite team landed at The Fort because it offered them character, heritage and the flexibility to create their own space.

Sisters Nasteha & Nuni Yusuf, with photographer Matelli Graves

Learn more...