The Stationers Guild

On a scale of 1 to 10, Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations score a 10 in terms of originality, color and unique design.  For 32 years, Therese Saint Clair has been helping families create custom Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations that are truly memorable.  Sheila May, the owner of Saint Clair, says “designing a Mitzvah invitation is truly a family affair with everyone pitching in with his or her opinion.  No two invitations are alike.  The spontaneity and creativity is something that every stationer relishes since you know you are creating a work of art.”

While several fine paper companies such as Encore, Luscious Verde and Checkerboard have albums dedicated exclusively to Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation designs, most stationers will use samples of social invitations, wedding albums and other fine paper sources to create a truly custom invitation.  Rich colors, layering, and the use of vellum and ribbon often come into play when designing the invitation.  “Nevertheless, tastes are so varied,” says Sheila, “that you never know where you are going to end up.  I tend to look at each invitation as a blank canvass with my client supplying the paint and design.  My job is to make sure that they have all of the artistic tools at their disposal.”

While Crane and William Arthur have often proved popular for classical Bar Mitzvah invitations, these two companies have great customization capabilites to create truly unique invitations.   If you are planning a Mitzvah for your son or daughter, we strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with a Guild stationer in your neighborhood.  These stationers have helped hundreds of families create truly memorable invitations.

Smythson of Bond Street is one of the oldest and most venerated stationer’s in the world.   Established in 1887 by Frank Smythson, this London landmark is known for its fine leather goods, beautiful engraved stationery and its distinctive robin’s egg blue packaging.  Stationer to the Queen since 1965, Smythson has undergone several ownership changes in recent years, most lately in 2005 when it was acquired by a  private equity firm.

The UK Press Association reports that Smythson has attracted a number of potential suitors and initial reports suggest a large premium to the reported GBP 16 million  (US$24 million) that were paid in 2005.  While the Smythson name certainly commands a premium, it does seem to be a bit of a stretch given today’s economic conditions to assume that the sale will generate a substantial premium over the 2005 price.   Nevertheless, the weakness of the pound may play into the hands of a foreign investor.

While Smythson no longer sells its lovely stationery through independent stationery stores in the US, Smythson is an exceptional line of stationery with much history and beautiful craftmanship. 

Richard May
Founding Member

Arzberger is sponsoring a Spring Special for engraved stationery.  Receive free engraving plates with any engraved stationery order from Arzberger’s stunning Stationery Album.  This offer includes a standard monogram or one-line name plate, plus a return address plate (up to a $110 value).  This promotion runs from March 1 through May 31st.  Contact a Guild Member store in your neighborhood that carries Arzberger’s exceptional line of engraved social stationery and business stationery.

Arzberger, formerly Arzberger Buening, is one of the oldest printing firms in the United States.  They are known for their outstanding craftmanship and beautiful engraving dies.