Paper
I offer a wide variety of paper options including card stocks with optional hand torn edges or thick enough to letterpress and a variety of handmade papers from various suppliers. Each handmade paper supplier has a slightly different style and technique making each one unique. Using several suppliers means that there is a wide range of style, color, and availability. I also make my own handmade paper. Choosing paper is my favorite part of the process and offers the most creativity and style to your suite!
I have a huge stock of handmade papers, cardstocks, envelopes, and embellishments in order to be able to fill rush orders. Sometimes, due to timing, there are limitations to papers and materials that I have in my stock. Lead times on ordering materials can be up to 20 weeks, so it is important to communicate expectations on color palette, paper type, etc during the pricing process in order to secure materials.*
Artwork
All of my artwork is hand drawn or painted by me! I am a watercolor artist specializing in buildings like venues, landscapes, pets, florals, and crests. I do not paint people! I am also a calligrapher and utilize that skill in line drawings of crests, florals, buildings, landscapes, etc. Line drawings can be used in a variety of ways from digital printing to letterpress whereas watercolor has to be digitally printed. Artwork selection and card design determines which printing method can or must be used. Line drawings can be pressed or digitally printed whereas a watercolor must be digitally printed.
Printing
I offer in-house digital lazer printing (right) as well as in-house letterpress printing (left) on my Chandler and Price platen presses. Printing should be chosen based on the style you are after. Letterpress leaves an impression in the paper with a single color ink, and artworks must be line drawings or vector files. Digital printing offers a photo print of any color except metallics and works well with artworks like watercolor. I do have the ability to digitally print in white ink.
Envelope Addressing
I offer two styles of handwritten envelope calligraphy as well as digitally printed envelope addressing. Calligraphy can be “regular pen” calligraphy ,“dip pen” calligraphy, or “monoline” calligraphy. All handwritten options are available in a wide variety of colors including metallics.
Dip pen calligraphy is my handwritten calligraphy with a traditional dip pen. The thickness of the line varies from thick to thin.
Monoline calligraphy is handwritten calligraphy with a monoline dip pen. The thickness of the line does not vary and the thickness of the line is determined by the size of the tip (fine, medium, bold). I mostly use a fine monoline pen with dipped inks for a really delicate look.
Digitally printed envelope addressing is a digital font printed on each envelope. There are unlimited font options including calligraphy fonts and printing can be in any color but not metallic.
Return addressing can be printed in many ways. Since this is one design printed multiple times, it can be digitally printed, letterpressed, or foil pressed. The return address can include handwritten digitized calligraphy and pieces of artwork.
Suite Add ons and embellishments
Assembly- I will stuff, stamp, and seal your suite. Postage will be provided by the client. The suites will be completely assembled with all embellishments and ready to mail.
Wax Seals- Wax seals can be applied directly or provided loosely with adhesive backings for diy assembly. Wax seals can be used in more places than just the envelope flap.
Envelope Liners- Envelope liners are a beautiful detail and a great place to use more artwork like a map or venue painting.
Silk Ribbon, String, Vellum Enclosures, or Belly Bands- Your suite of multiple cards can be bound together with any of these!
Options and embellishments are endless, but these are some of the more common ones that I price all the time!