Stationery That Fits My Personality

[Etain]

Hello everyone. I just wanted to ask you all if you could please help me with my stationery dilemma. Im going to be ordering stationery from Crane (online) soon and I wanted to know which one would better reflect my personality. A bit of background about me first. Im a musician (I play violin), Im a devout Christian, and Ive got hydrocephalus (an invisible disability❤). I do know that I want my stationery to be engraved on ecru paper in Kent size. I just dont know if I should go with a motif or my full name. Thank you all so very much for your help.

[Newjelan]

Personally, I think a motif looks nicer and gives you greater flexibility. A violin perhaps?

[AlohaLani787]

Instead of Crane, where you're limited to either your monogram, name, or pre-defined set of designs, why not explore custom stationery?

 

Minted, and photo sites like Shutterfly offer a photo option for your stationery. A search for "custom artwork on stationery" brought me an extensive list of suppliers.

 

It might be easier to merge your interests in a custom design of your choosing. Good luck!

[DilettanteG]

Im considering this myself, but can never quite justify the cost. There are lots of off the shelf stationery sets with a motif avaliable at pretty reasonable prices, but getting your name engraved just seems more luxurious.

 

Have you decided on an ink color? border? envelope linng? Are you gong to engrave the envelope flap with your address? I love brown ink with a matching border and brown tissue lined envelopes. Looks smashing with a letter written with brown ink. Burgundy or white on blue paper, grey or blue on white paper, engraved mettallic inks on just about anything, really ties a hand written note together.

 

A name and a motif looks great on cards and sheets, or a monogram alone for fold overs or again sheets also looks nice.

 

I love Cranes, but Dempsey and Carroll does an annual engraving sale that might be worthwhile for you. Pineider (italian) and Smythson (English) also do nice engraved stationery. A motif and a name can add up quick, especially with mutli color dies. Jan Orb does a beautiful engraved violin on white cardstock. I find their paper a bit toothy for finer nibs.

 

In college, I had Cranes ecru kid finish monarch sheets with my name thermographed in hunter green to match the double border and envelope linings. Absolutely adored it and was sorry when i ran out. Have been lusting after the engraved stuff since.

 

Please let us know how it turns out!

Edited April 2, 2019 by DilettanteG

[DilettanteG]

Heres a link to those Jan Obr violin cards:

 

https://www.thestationerystudio.com/product/violin-engraved-motif-note-cards-p54517.html?pCat=3628

 

If you order a hundred or more they will letterpress your name rather than simply using flat printing. Seems like a good deal.

Edited April 2, 2019 by DilettanteG

[Mr. Pink]

I use a lot of Crane. I get the plain sheets in Monarch size and print my own borders and headers.

[DilettanteG]

I do that too with Southworth for my farm stationery, but there something really satisfying about engraving. its tough to justify the $$$ if youre not in love with your plates or a frequent correspondent. Plus metallic ink really looks best with engraving or letter press.

 

The nicest looking invitation Ive ever received was from the British Embassy. Engraved Gold Coat of Arms with the body in black ink on a lovely, heavy white card if I remember correctly. Looked absolutely smashing and Ive coveted engraved gold stationery since.

Edited April 2, 2019 by DilettanteG

[Carrau]

Heres a link to those Jan Obr violin cards:

 

https://www.thestationerystudio.com/product/violin-engraved-motif-note-cards-p54517.html?pCat=3628

 

If you order a hundred or more they will letterpress your name rather than simply using flat printing. Seems like a good deal.

If you like the embossed/engraved look, you might look into getting your own plate made, then you keep the plate, and bring it along whenever you need more or different stationery. My stationer did that for me 25 years ago, and anytime I’ve needed more personalized stationery, I just bring the plate in for them. I don’t know where you can order them ( the stationer had someone he used, and that stationer is no longer in business), but I’m sure there must be online sources for that service.