Valentine’s



Things to love about February: Letterpress

2/14/12

How many real, true letters do you receive on personalized stationery each year? A handful? Fewer? Maybe just one? I’m not accusing you of being unpopular, I promise. I’ve just seen a huge drop-off in those letters written on monogrammed cards that used to arrive in my mailbox (maybe I’m the one who’s not so popular!).

Last week though I received a stunning 8″ x 6″ bright white postcard with charming red letterpress illustrations by Nancy Howell, one of my favorite calligraphers and illustrators.

Even though the card was a sales piece of sorts, the luxurious feel of the heavy card stock and the sweet designs pressed in the soft paper made me hold on to it for a few minutes. Even my kids swooned over the touch and feel of the card—and the fact that it highlighted Doggie Dental Month (they’re very concerned we should be brushing our dog Tess’ teeth more often!).

This card is a keeper, I added it to my inspiration folder.

And while I never considered ordering letterpress Valentine’s before (they don’t exactly fall in everyone’s budget), I did realize letterpress need not be reserved for wedding invitations. Consider having letterpress recipe cards or postcards designed.

Most high-end stationery stores offer letterpress, and the number of online retailers are growing (I’ve used Dauphine in the past). Working with an individual or small press versus a large company though allows for greater creative freedom by you when designing your piece.

Carolynn Giordanno (twobrunettesshop.com) is another talented illustrator who works with the Bella Figura letterpress shop in Syracuse, New York. She’s a dream to work with.

Be a part of the small press movement and make a lasting impression (no pun intended) with a custom letterpress piece. There’s no better month than now—the recipient will undoubtedly feel the love.