We’re glad to be back from the National Stationery Show that just finished up last week. Tif and I were happy to see our trade show friends and meet new friends too. With the economy in such see-saw action, we were happy to see friends like Red Cap Cards, Smock Press, Blue Barnhouse, Tallu-lah, Albertine Press, Gilah Press and many others return. The show was much smaller than in past years. New friends that had great stationery goods – Sunshine and Molasses, Maginating Press, Sugar Paper, our new neighbors at the show, Chewing the Cud, hello to you all again!!

This week on all letterpress all things good and budget conscious, we’re going to take a look at a cost effective method at thank you cards. I think for weddings, thank you cards are an absolute necessity but they don’t have to match invitations if the cost is too high. Most times when an invitation collection and thank you cards are ordered the same time, there are printing discounts. Do inquire about these discounts! Stores are always willing to help you get what you want. Sales gals are educated in their custom service and can think of many great ways to help you out. Don’t forget to go local! Visit your local stationery retailers!

Did you know that with most letterpress cards, you can customize them through an ink jet printer? Our house stock paper, Crane Lettra in 110lb cover, prints beautifully through the ink jet. Yes, it is thicker than regular paper, you’ll have to figure out the right settings. Our studio printers, a Canon MX700 and i4000 can feed the Lettra just fine. Just make sure to get about 10-15% extra of what you need, just for alignment and setting samples.

From Egg Press, Spring Flower Silhouette. These gorgeous cards are on sale right now, box of 8 for $6.75! For an idea on name placement, we would suggest the big flower on the lower right. A nice dark brown or blue in script or a san serif like Modula Sans would give these set a modern and expensive feel, without the expense.

From Linda and Harriet, Birch Trees, $14 for 6 cards and envelopes.

From Hello! Lucky, Swallows & Blossoms, box of 6 cards and envelopes for $12.00

From Albertine Press, Last Duck Wedding, $5.00 per card and envelope. Albertine sells this card as single cards only, not in packs, but I spoke with Rebecca, who was very helpful on the phone (thanks Rebecca!) and if you order this with a 50pc minimum, she will work with you on a bulk price.

From Gilah Press + Design, Heart Design from the Jubilee collection. I love how gentle this card is and will make a great personalized set through the ink jet. It is a square card, so there will be a bit more on the postage end but I think it’s worth it. The cards come in a set of 6 with 6 envelopes for $16. I think a Bickham Script font would work beautifully with this design.

Thanks for reading my post on all things letterpress. See you next week! – Vivian

Categories: 9spotmonk, letterpress on a budget | 17 Comments »