Choose your press. There are several styles of letterpress machines. Most are larger, free-standing models, but there are a few tabletop models such as the Kelsy tabletop press recommended for beginners by David S. Rose of Five Roses Press.
Design your text or image. Based on the size and style of the press you've chosen, sketch out a page layout.. If you're using text, decide on the font and size of text, how closely to space it and where to place illustrations or ornaments and page numbers.
Place the type into the composing stick, following your design. Type consists of individual blocks, each with a letter or symbol, and the stick holds one line at a time. Remember that your type will print as a mirror image of the way it looks in the stick. Use spacers as needed to fit the line of text according to your design.
Place the lines of arranged type into the chase, a metal frame that fits your press.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have achieved your layout in mirror image. Use strips called "leading" to separate each line from the ones below and above. If your design has lots of blank spaces, use specialized blocks called "furniture" or wooden strips called "reglet" to hold the print blocks in position.
Tighten the quoins, which squeeze the type blocks, leading, furniture and reglet if any into the chase, locking down the design for printing.
Attach tympan paper and printing paper, following the instructions for your specific printing press. Use the gauge pins to clip the paper into place, so that your design prints onto the part of the paper where you want it to appear.
Spread ink onto the type blocks in a thin, even layer, using a specialized roller called a brayer. David Mcfarlane of Green Dolphin Press and David S. Rose of Five Roses Press both recommend an oil- or rubber-based ink for letterpress.
Press the paper onto the inked blocks, following the instructions for your model of press.
Release the pressure, lifting open the press, according to its specifications. You should see a crisp, slightly indented design.