notecards

Since most of my correspondence occurs via email, I want my notecards to be timeless and versatile. It's always nice to bring a smile to a friend's face with humor, but when I buy a box of notecards I want them to be appropriate for more than one person, and not to lose timeliness like the set you picked up at the Musée D'Orsay on your most recent trip to Paris might. B Designs Boxed Historic Patterns Notecards ($12 for six cards) fit the bill with their decorative floral and classic patterns with a contemporary color palette. With 13 choices like Hollyhock, Chains, and Mums letterpress printed on cream-colored recycled card stock, in a variety of colors,
you're bound to find a card that's right up your alley. And when you do, address it to CasaSugar: I can guarantee you it's right up my alley, too.

While emails may be quick, and gag cards funny, I can't stress enough how important it is to have a set of personalized notecards on hand. Sending a hand-written note on personalized stationery exhibits thoughtfulness and timeless, chic style. Of course, some occasions call for a bit of snark, or a swift reply, but when writing a thank-you note or dropping someone a line, setting a more formal tone is key. Iomoi's Custom Stationery (20/$68-200/$438) includes personalized flat cards and coordinating envelopes that are cute, smart, and classic, not to mention substantial in heavyweight paper. You can choose from a variety of designs, ranging from a simple monogram to an eccentric fox in a smoking jacket, or others tailored to the bride-to-be, the new mom, or the dog lover. Personally, I get a kick out of this top-hatted seahorse, which my friend aptly described as "a Mr. Peanut of the sea."

When it came time to print my wedding invitations, which had been designed by a friend, I knew that I had to have letterpress invitations, budget be damned. Letterpress printing is printed with movable type, and the surface of the type is then inked and pressed against a smooth substance, such as a note card or envelope. Letterpress was the go-to source for printed matter for over 500 years, but since it is so time and process intensive, letterpress has become a specialized art and rather expensive as well. While I knew that in theory, I wasn't prepared for the price of letterpress invitations for my wedding. After frantic searching and re-evaluation of the budget, I stumbled upon Vertallee Letterpress, which basically saved my wedding budget (and life).

Owned by husband-and-wife team Kat and Brad Murph, this full-service letterpress and design firm operates out of a shop in Austin, TX. They roll out their designs on a tabletop Hohner letterpress as well as a Heidelberg. They're happy to design everything from wedding invitations to business cards, and are just as willing to work with other designers as well. They also provide finishing services such as scoring, die cutting, perforating, folding, and trimming.

Working with Kat and Brad was a dream — they answered all of my emails in a timely manner, were up front and on budget with estimates, and were just darn nice. Their work is stunning as well. Take a look at the gallery for some images of their work and press. You can also check out more of their cards and invitation work at their Etsy shop.

Source

These Swirls of Ivy Thank You Notes ($15) from Crane and Company are so pretty they may compel a thank you note in return for the thank you! Decorated with swirls of flowers and ivy in a rich chocolate brown, the pink "Thank You" message contrasts beautifully with the darker color. I also love the matching envelopes that feature a coordinating design on the inside flap.

Do you love these colors as much as I do?

As today's Midday Muse, I'm admiring this set of retro-floral notecards by A Punkin Card Company. The unlikely combo of hot pink and baby blue with olive green and brown shows how to give cutesy florals an edge. How could you use this idea in a room?

via Hostess with the Mostess