Personalized stationery decisions

[ScottInNY]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to order my first personalized stationery (for personal use, but with both personal and business contacts), and I'm having trouble deciding a few things. So I thought I'd ask for some advice from some folks who seem to be in the know on these subjects:

 

1) Should I get correspondence cards or fold-over note cards? The fold-over note cards seem to provide, for the same small sized card, more area to write on, which seems like a plus. Also, the note card format allows you to place your name on the front (which you don't write on, leaving it clean looking), while writing inside. On the other hand, I notice that Piccolo Press (which a number of people here hold in high esteem) does not seem to offer the note card format, which makes me wonder if I'm missing something. Does anybody have any suggestions as to why one might choose correspondence cards over note cards, or why note cards might not be a good choice? And if I were to decide to get note cards, is 32 lb weight too light? Would 64 lb weight for a note card be preferable?

 

2) Whatever I choose to order, I'd like it to be very fountain pen friendly--if I'm going to take the time to send a hand-written card, I'd like the finished product to come out looking nice. Have people had good luck with Crane & Co.'s personalized note cards or correspondence cards when using a fountain pen? Does the ink tend to feather? Is it pleasant to write on with a good pen? Are there other products people have tried and found preferable? Piccolo Press? Others?

 

Now, before anyone asks, I should probably give you some background information about myself, to help you give appropriate advice: I am male, in my mid-30s, and am an attorney practicing at a large firm in New York. Whatever I order will be conservative, either on a cream or white (maybe Crane's ecruwhite) paper/cardstock, with my name on the front of the note card or at the top of the correspondence card, without other adornment.

 

Thanks in advance to everybody for any help or advice you are able and willing to offer, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Oh, and feel free to ask for any more details if you think it would help you in considering the question.

 

Thanks again,

Scott

[tfwall]

1) Should I get correspondence cards or fold-over note cards? The fold-over note cards seem to provide, for the same small sized card, more area to write on, which seems like a plus. Also, the note card format allows you to place your name on the front (which you don't write on, leaving it clean looking), while writing inside. On the other hand, I notice that Piccolo Press (which a number of people here hold in high esteem) does not seem to offer the note card format, which makes me wonder if I'm missing something. Does anybody have any suggestions as to why one might choose correspondence cards over note cards, or why note cards might not be a good choice? And if I were to decide to get note cards, is 32 lb weight too light? Would 64 lb weight for a note card be preferable?

 

I'm sure Tim Honnor at Piccolo Press could make you fold over cards if you request them. Traditionally, they are for use by women while the flat card is used by men. I'd think 64 lb would be too heavy for notecards, but again ask Mr Honnor. He'll send you samples of whatever paper you desire along with font samples so you can feel the paper and test it before you buy.

 

2) Whatever I choose to order, I'd like it to be very fountain pen friendly--if I'm going to take the time to send a hand-written card, I'd like the finished product to come out looking nice. Have people had good luck with Crane & Co.'s personalized note cards or correspondence cards when using a fountain pen? Does the ink tend to feather? Is it pleasant to write on with a good pen? Are there other products people have tried and found preferable? Piccolo Press? Others?

 

Crane tends to be a mixed lot with no rhyme or reason. Some of their stationery works very well with FPs, but the next batch may not. Cotton content or price is no guarantee that your particular batch of Crane Stationery will be any good.

 

I selected Piccolo Press for my needs last winter. I posted a long-ish review here. I can't recommend them enough.

 

Smythson of Bond Street may meet your requirements as well. I looked at some of their samples when I was in the market, but their customer service couldn't match Piccolo Press.

 

Dempsey & Carroll in Maryland, USA is pretty good as well, though somewhat more pricey for the same product.

 

Hope this helps!

Edited August 25, 2009 by Chemyst

[jleeper]

I much prefer correspondence cards, I think its because folded notes, even personalized ones, remind me of folded cards with 'Thank You' printed on the front. Those 'Thank You' notes I find tacky. And while I'm probably using an old-fashioned view of masculine/feminine, I see correspondence cards as more masculine and folded notes as more feminine. I also think correspondence cards add a feeling of crisp preciseness that you probably would like to convey to your business contacts.

 

Generally, I assume you'll use either the cards or the notes for brief 'Thank You/Congrats/Good to have run into you after so long...' type notes; you don't need much space for that kind of correspondence. If you want to write more, you need a letter sheet. Crane's sells 6 3/8 x 8 1/2 inch sheets that will match your cards and will use the same size envelope. Even though I know a lot of people don't use personalized stationary these days, if you're going to do it, do it right; go with the correspondence cards and matching letter sheets.

 

And if you're in New York, find out for yourself how the Crane stock works with your fountain pen. Go to the stationer that you plan on using and if they are worth patronizing they will either be able to provide you with a sample to write on, or at least stock plain cards and/or letter sheets made from the same stock that your stationary will be printed on that you can buy. ~$15-20 for samples isn't bad considering what you're going to end up spending.

[ScottInNY]

1) Should I get correspondence cards or fold-over note cards? The fold-over note cards seem to provide, for the same small sized card, more area to write on, which seems like a plus. Also, the note card format allows you to place your name on the front (which you don't write on, leaving it clean looking), while writing inside. On the other hand, I notice that Piccolo Press (which a number of people here hold in high esteem) does not seem to offer the note card format, which makes me wonder if I'm missing something. Does anybody have any suggestions as to why one might choose correspondence cards over note cards, or why note cards might not be a good choice? And if I were to decide to get note cards, is 32 lb weight too light? Would 64 lb weight for a note card be preferable?

 

I'm sure Tim Honnor at Piccolo Press could make you fold over cards if you request them. Traditionally, they are for use by women while the flat card is used by men. I'd think 64 lb would be too heavy for notecards, but again ask Mr Honnor. He'll send you samples of whatever paper you desire along with font samples so you can feel the paper and test it before you buy.

 

2) Whatever I choose to order, I'd like it to be very fountain pen friendly--if I'm going to take the time to send a hand-written card, I'd like the finished product to come out looking nice. Have people had good luck with Crane & Co.'s personalized note cards or correspondence cards when using a fountain pen? Does the ink tend to feather? Is it pleasant to write on with a good pen? Are there other products people have tried and found preferable? Piccolo Press? Others?

 

Crane tends to be a mixed lot with no rhyme or reason. Some of their stationery works very well with FPs, but the next batch may not. Cotton content or price is no guarantee that your particular batch of Crane Stationery will be any good.

 

I selected Piccolo Press for my needs last winter. I posted a long-ish review here. I can't recommend them enough.

 

Smythson of Bond Street may meet your requirements as well. I looked at some of their samples when I was in the market, but their customer service couldn't match Piccolo Press.

 

Dempsey & Carroll in Maryland, USA is pretty good as well, though somewhat more pricey for the same product.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Chemyst for your thoughtful reply. It was actually your review of Piccolo Press (and the beautiful engraved USN officers' seal on your correspondence cards) that first made me aware of their existence (and it was to you whom I was referring indirectly as holding them in such high esteem). I think I will contact Mr. Honorr with my requirements and proceed from there.

 

I will definitely let everyone know how the work turns out.

[ScottInNY]

I much prefer correspondence cards, I think its because folded notes, even personalized ones, remind me of folded cards with 'Thank You' printed on the front. Those 'Thank You' notes I find tacky. And while I'm probably using an old-fashioned view of masculine/feminine, I see correspondence cards as more masculine and folded notes as more feminine. I also think correspondence cards add a feeling of crisp preciseness that you probably would like to convey to your business contacts.

 

Generally, I assume you'll use either the cards or the notes for brief 'Thank You/Congrats/Good to have run into you after so long...' type notes; you don't need much space for that kind of correspondence. If you want to write more, you need a letter sheet. Crane's sells 6 3/8 x 8 1/2 inch sheets that will match your cards and will use the same size envelope. Even though I know a lot of people don't use personalized stationary these days, if you're going to do it, do it right; go with the correspondence cards and matching letter sheets.

 

And if you're in New York, find out for yourself how the Crane stock works with your fountain pen. Go to the stationer that you plan on using and if they are worth patronizing they will either be able to provide you with a sample to write on, or at least stock plain cards and/or letter sheets made from the same stock that your stationary will be printed on that you can buy. ~$15-20 for samples isn't bad considering what you're going to end up spending.

 

This seems like good advice. I think you've sold me on sticking with correspondence cards instead of note cards. It might actually provide a useful brake on my tendency to say too much in a note.

[RonB]

My recommendation would be both Monarch stationary and also the heavy note cards. Fold over notes are more typical for women, but you could get away with using it certainly.

 

I have ordered from Americanstationary.com and was very pleased with the result. The quality may not be quite as impressive as Crane or Piccolo, but it will be very nice and much, much cheaper.

[Brerarnold]

An inveterate experimenter, I have a lot of different kinds of stationery. Some I like and stick with, such as Crown Mill and Crane's Monarch stationery. I found a box of correspondence cards at Target (of all places) that is the same color as my ecru Crane's, and so I have "matching stationery" at a bargain price -- and it is plenty FP friendly. I buy fold-over note cards when I see a design I like -- there is that thing about fold-overs for women and correspondence cards for men, but I use them according to how much I have to say. If I am saying less, it's the fold-overs; more, the correspondence cards. Some personalized 3x5 cards from Levenger in my shirt pocket briefcase. Southworth Fine Linen in the granite grey from Staples. And so on.

 

I even have some cards that I liked, with imprints of petrified leaves on them, which say "Thank You" on the front. Supposedly tacky, and I don't usually use something that says on the front what I'm going to say on the inside, but I really liked the look of these and so I bought them. Box of 20 -- got them 7 years ago -- still have about 5 left -- so not in constant use by any stretch. On occasion, they are just the thing.

 

So, buy whatever you like this time. Then, see something else you like and try that. See how it all fits in and develop a system -- I use the Southworth's grey for business correspondence most of the time, for instance, but sometimes for a letter to one of my brothers. The Crown Mill is used for intimate correspondence. The note cards and correspondence cards, for informal chatty stuff.

 

Makes me want to go on eBay and see what's for sale in the stationery category.

[jleeper]

A couple of things and then I'll quit:

 

I think that evaluating personalized stationary involves the sense of touch so much that if you do have access to B&M stationers, you should visit and make your selection with them. Scott you live in NYC, one of the few places in the world left with decent stationers. I'm going to guess that one might carry something that makes Crane look mundane.

 

And NYC, may also be one of the few places where people may notice this sort of thing, but IMHO, Crane is the minimum that some people you want to impress (esp. business associates) may expect to see. Anything of slightly lower quality may be perceived as 'cheap'. I'm sure some stationers in NYC carry lines that make Crane look ho-hum; if I were there I'd take a look.

 

Now, I expect that Piccolo Press provides one of those products that makes Crane's output look common, and you can get samples sent in, but since you have access to B&M supplies, I'd at least take a look.

 

(Now don't think that I think product from other internet suppliers is cheap...simply using any personalized stationary is more than what 98% of the public does. I'm over my high-priced consulting, got to impress period; Now I'm working a more ordinary job and for friends, I'm making my own correspondence cards on an inkjet printer; I no longer have any business contacts I care to impress. But I think Scott does want to try to make a lasting impression with current and potential clients.)

Edited August 26, 2009 by jleeper

[ScottInNY]

A couple of things and then I'll quit:

 

I think that evaluating personalized stationary involves the sense of touch so much that if you do have access to B&M stationers, you should visit and make your selection with them. Scott you live in NYC, one of the few places in the world left with decent stationers. I'm going to guess that one might carry something that makes Crane look mundane.

 

And NYC, may also be one of the few places where people may notice this sort of thing, but IMHO, Crane is the minimum that some people you want to impress (esp. business associates) may expect to see. Anything of slightly lower quality may be perceived as 'cheap'. I'm sure some stationers in NYC carry lines that make Crane look ho-hum; if I were there I'd take a look.

 

Now, I expect that Piccolo Press provides one of those products that makes Crane's output look common, and you can get samples sent in, but since you have access to B&M supplies, I'd at least take a look.

 

(Now don't think that I think product from other internet suppliers is cheap...simply using any personalized stationary is more than what 98% of the public does. I'm over my high-priced consulting, got to impress period; Now I'm working a more ordinary job and for friends, I'm making my own correspondence cards on an inkjet printer; I no longer have any business contacts I care to impress. But I think Scott does want to try to make a lasting impression with current and potential clients.)

 

Thanks J, you have accurately captured my intentions. I'm not familiar with B&M however, and a quick google search has not shed any light on the subject. So, at the risk of sounding ignorant, who is B&M?

[LDB415]

That's not me but I'll toss it in anyway. That's shorthand for a Brick and Mortar actual physical location store rather than a virtual store.

[jbb]

There was this article in the NY times not that long ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/garden/02papers.html that might be of interest if you haven't seen it already. (They mentioned a place in Oyster Bay (Long Island) that sounded TDF ) I will live vicariously through this purchase of yours. I hope you post a follow up once you've made your choice.

Edited August 26, 2009 by jbb

[ScottInNY]

Ah, thanks. I'm familiar with the term "brick & mortar" to mean a physical store, but just had never seen it abbreviated before. That would explain why I could find neither stationer nor stationery manufacturer named "B&M."

 

That's not me but I'll toss it in anyway. That's shorthand for a Brick and Mortar actual physical location store rather than a virtual store.

 

[jleeper]

There was this article in the NY times not that long ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/garden/02papers.html that might be of interest if you haven't seen it already. (They mentioned a place in Oyster Bay (Long Island) that sounded TDF ) I will live vicariously through this purchase of yours. I hope you post a follow up once you've made your choice.

 

Thanks, I think this is a great article for this discussion.

 

[tfwall]

There was this article in the NY times not that long ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/garden/02papers.html that might be of interest if you haven't seen it already. (They mentioned a place in Oyster Bay (Long Island) that sounded TDF ) I will live vicariously through this purchase of yours. I hope you post a follow up once you've made your choice.

 

Thanks, I think this is a great article for this discussion.

 

It got a few pages of responses on here, back when it came out. Run a search.

[kazoolaw]

Hi Scott-

I have migrated to using correspondence cards from foldovers. Partly because foldover were thought of being for females, and partially because I think a heavier correspondence card is more impressive. I've never gone to monogrammed or name cards for no apparent reason I can think of other than not being willing to stay with the same card to justify in my mind the cost of an engraved die. If you're not going to the store in person either ask for a free sample, or buy a limited number, as the surface and weight of the cards makes a substantial difference. Crane's correspondence cards are very nice, as are Arturo, and Amalfi. Amalfi is highly textured, so you'll want a rounded nib and an adequate flow.

gary

 

ps- I make an exception and use a foldover note to send to my fellow attorneys with a sense of humor the middle card in this link. The punchline is inside.

http://www.superiorletterpress.com/?110490

[ScottInNY]

Hi Scott-

I have migrated to using correspondence cards from foldovers. Partly because foldover were thought of being for females, and partially because I think a heavier correspondence card is more impressive. I've never gone to monogrammed or name cards for no apparent reason I can think of other than not being willing to stay with the same card to justify in my mind the cost of an engraved die. If you're not going to the store in person either ask for a free sample, or buy a limited number, as the surface and weight of the cards makes a substantial difference. Crane's correspondence cards are very nice, as are Arturo, and Amalfi. Amalfi is highly textured, so you'll want a rounded nib and an adequate flow.

gary

 

ps- I make an exception and use a foldover note to send to my fellow attorneys with a sense of humor the middle card in this link. The punchline is inside.

http://www.superiorletterpress.com/?110490

 

Ha! Now that made my day. Thanks for the info Gary. I will look into Arturo and Amalfi as well.

 

[hehiheho]

I have to mention that Crane cards, though somehow impressive and very well made, are not fountain pen friendly. Except for very dry pens, I have some kind of blotter effect (is it what is called feathering?). If you use wet fountain pens, I think you should avoid this brand. You can also try it before buying, it will clearly prove what I say.

[tfwall]

I have to mention that Crane cards, though somehow impressive and very well made, are not fountain pen friendly. Except for very dry pens, I have some kind of blotter effect (is it what is called feathering?). If you use wet fountain pens, I think you should avoid this brand. You can also try it before buying, it will clearly prove what I say.

 

Yes, as I posted above, Crane seems to be hit or miss. Some batches are very good, but the next batch might be terrible. Personally, I suspect an inconsistency issue with their sizing, either stability or application. It does seem unconscionable that such a high end manufacturer would continue to be plagued with such issues, but such as it is.

 

Crane's correspondence cards are very nice, as are Arturo, and Amalfi. Amalfi is highly textured, so you'll want a rounded nib and an adequate flow.

 

Amalfi, it should be pointed out, is a paper mill not a stationer. Any competent stationer can order Amalfi paper and engrave it to your specifications. I agree with Gary that it is very nice but highly textured. I use the angel watermark stuff now and again.