The Stationers Guild

Now through August 2nd, received 25 FREE thank you notes or personalized stationery from Crane when you order 75 or more.  This great summer promotional offer is available at Crane dealers in the United States or at Crane online.   We recommend shopping locally at your local stationery store to see Crane’s great new designs and customization options.

I’ve always had a love for cotton paper and eye-catching patterns. I still recall how stimulated I was by the engraved crest of a European family that appeared to float on a correspondence card. My ardor has not yet diminished through these years and I’m fortunate to own a stationery store and can indulge my interest.

You will discover something very special and completely unique about making the effort to send a hand-written note to a loved one or close friend. I opt to make use of a half-note with my personalized monogram while my husband prefers the correspondence card with his name engraved across the top edge. We each enjoy the luxury of switching our stationery every couple of years whenever we get tired of the color styles or a particular envelope liner. As such, we were excited to take delivery of the newest Personal Stationery Album from Crane.

For more than two hundred years Crane & Co. has elevated the bar for personalized stationery and custom invitations. In June, Crane launched its latest Personal Stationery album that contains almost everything a customer really needs for communicating in style: foldover notes, correspondence cards, thank you notes, jotter cards and note pads. Crane has rejuvenated many of its vintage stationery styles and designs as well as incorporating a number of fresh modern designs which are certainly very likely to catch the attention of stationery lovers.

Crane’s Personal Stationery album contains a brand new page layout displaying a comprehensive stationery wardrobe for both business and social stationery. Its straightforward product presentation shows many color selection and paper-size options as well as features call-outs highlighting premium features, craftsmanship, etiquette and design ideas.

The latest stationery album also provides a helpful summary of Crane’s premium papers, double hand-bordered cards, engraving and monograms. There are approximately 80 envelope lining alternatives to pick from in addition to Crane’s proprietary fonts and motifs. In short, this is a virtuoso showcase of Crane’s rich traditions in making exceptional stationery.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair

I realize it has been a long winter, but the cold and snowy months of January and February are months for reflection and catching up on correspondence.  This thought came to me while Sheila and I were relaxing and catching a few “rays” between snow storms.

While most of our neighbors spend the winter in Florida, a few hearty (read “foolish”) souls grit it out in the northeast.  We are often so worn out by the holiday season, that we don’t get a chance to read Christmas cards and holiday greetings until early January.   For me, there are few things better than sitting down in front of a roaring fire and leisurely work through a mountain of cards from friends and family. 

“Catching up with the Jones family” may seem rather banal in today’s digital society, but I have found that reading a short note or the occasional letter to be a comfortable and reassuring form of communication.  Other than using exclamation points and the occasional hashtag or asterick, I have found it difficult to express feelings or context in a 140 character text message.  

As I read through the letters, I am often prompted to pick up my pen and dash off a short note congratulating new grandparents on the birth of their first granddaughter or offering sympathy to a friend who had lost a loved one during the previous year.   Frankly, there is something intimate and civil about using a handwritten note for those occasions.

Fortunately, many fine paper companies offer stationery promotions during January and February.  I still believe that Crane’s free die promotion is one of the best sales events of the season.  Simply order 100 personalized notes and cards and receive  free name and address dies (a $96 value).  Similary, William Arthur and Vera Wang will provide you with 25 free pieces of stationery with any order or 75 or more.  Writing those handwritten notes has never been easier or less expensive.  So don’t let the winter get you down and “cut yourself some rope” by getting personal with personalized stationery.

So hang in there and get busy writing. It can be infectious.

Richard W. May
Thérèse Saint Clair

Last weekend, a woman walked into Thérèse Saint Clair looking for ecru sheets that matched the engraved, double hand-bordered sheets of her personalized stationery.   It isn’t often that you see engraved stationery of this quality and I commented on its elegance.  She explained that her husband had bought the stationery for her some years ago in London and that sadly all she had left were a few envelopes.

Her husband arrived shortly thereafter after parking the car in snow-challenged Greenwich and brought with him the matching envelope.  As I suspected, it was engraved stationery from Smythson of Bond Street.   In recent years, Smythson has been a playtoy for investment bankers, but was acquired last year by the Italian group Tivoli.    I tend to think of Smythson more for their leather products than their stationery, but Smythson craftsmanship and paper quality remains high.

Unfortunately, we were not able to match Smythson’s paper (color and size were a bit off), but I did suggest that Crane had some beautiful hand-bordered papers and could certainly match the color palatte of her existing stationery.  For those not familiar with hand-bordering, the video clip below shows Crane’s experienced and talented artisans demonstrating how card stock is hand-bordered.  This demo took place at the 2010 National Stationery Show:

In a world of flat-printed Photoshop cards, it is a breath of fresh air to see skilled artisans practice their trade and produced hand-bordered stationery of exquisite beauty. To see examples of Crane’s elegant stationery, visit a stationery store located in your neighborhood.

Richard W. May
Thérèse Saint Clair

Now through March 28th, Crane & Co. is offering a free name or monogram die and free return address plate (a $96 value) with any order of 100 printed cards, fold-over notes, folders or sheets and envelopes that are engraved of printed in letterpress.  This is Crane’s signature stationery event and a most popular one for those looking for beautiful engraved stationery printed on 100% cotton paper by Crane.  So popular is this stationery sale, that we strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with your local stationery store and see hundreds of sample cards and notes printed in letterpress or engraved on Crane paper. 

Engraving is one of the oldest and most elegant processes for reproducing images on paper.  Engraving  etches an image onto a copper plate. Ink is then applied to the copper plate or die where the ink gathers in the engraved cavity. Cotton paper is then pressed into the cavity of the plate, resulting in a raised right-reading image on the front and a slight bruising on the back where pressure was applied.   

Engraving is used for all types of events on many forms of stationery. Every piece of engraved stationery is fed into the engraving press by hand. Because there is no mass production in engraving, each impression — be it a note, invitation or card — is a customized one. The most elegant invitations are engraved. Wedding invitations, in particular, are commonly engraved. The finished product has a warmth all its own that conveys an unspoken message of distinction and timelessness.

Sheila P. May
Thérèse Saint Clair

Vanessa Redgrave is my favorite actress and I have had a crush on her since the mid-60s when I saw her perform opposite David Warner in Morgan.    I make it a point of seeing every film she is in and when asked to see a sneak preview of Letters to Juliet (the Juliet of Romeo and Juliet fame) on Mother’s Day, how could I resist?

Now some might argue that Letters to Juliet  is a chick-flick, but any film set in Verona, Siena and the beautiful landscape of Tuscany can’t be all that bad.   With the exception of the dewey-eyed Vanessa and a cameo appearance by Franco Nero, most of the performances were Hollywood-lite but who cares as long as there is a happy ending.  I certainly didn’t.

The plot – if you can call it that – revolves around a young American girl on a pre-honeymoon trip with her boarish fiance.  While touring Verona, she notices many young women posting letters on the wall underneath Juliet’s balcony.   In much the same way people write to Ann Landers, women of all ages  seek advice from Juliet on “matters of the heart” and appear daily to blanket the wall with their letters.  While some may find this behavior somewhat bizarre since Juliet  has been dead for over 500 years and was only 13 years old when she stabbed herself with Romeo’s dagger, I find the ritual charming.

Each day at dusk the self-appointed secretaries of Juliet take down the letters and retire to a nearby palazzo to answer these letters on behalf of Juliet.  These lovely ladies give hope to these heart-stricken women by sending a hand-written note, no doubt written on Juliet’s engraved stationery.  In fact, the young American woman finds a letter hidden behind a stone written 50 years earlier by Vanessa who asks for Juliet’s advice on whether to settle for a conventional English marriage or run off with a young Italian man with whom she was passionately in love.  I won’t spill any further details.

Now imagine if this lovely ritual could occur in today’s digital society.  I suppose one could Tweet Juliet or become a Facebook Fan if Juliet has a “Fan” or “Like” Page, but it hardly seems the same compared to penning a letter in a small courtyard under the most famous balcony in the world.  I guess today’s techies could leave behind a RW CD or, perhaps, a USB port under the balcony in the hope that some “New Age” secretary would would care enough to send an e-mail.  Alas, I think not.  But imagine how rich our lives would be if a perfect stranger - in the interests of “love” – would simply pen a note and let you know they hear you and wish you well. 

Oh, it’s only a film.  We have little time for romance and passion in today’s world.  How sad.

Richard May
Thérèse Saint Clair

I was recently at a cocktail party exchanging the usual banalities when a young woman (early thirties) asked me what I did? I told her that my wife and I owned a stationery store in Greenwich. Perhaps feeling sorry for me, she enthusiastically responded that “some of best friends use stationery.” Helping her to feel more comfortable with her obvious embarrassment, I explained that I had arthritic thumbs and couldn’t text all that well and found that the occasional handwritten note on engraved stationery was a good way to stay in touch with friends.

Proving that all good samaritans now have an iPhone, my enthusiastic new “friend” promptly explained that “the iPhone has this new app (read application) which allows you to speak into the phone and it will automatically post your Tweet.  No need to struggle with your disability.  Doesn’t Apple think of everything?”   

Not one to miss out on continuing this informative conversation with Generation Y, I explained I had heard of Twitter, but “was looking for a more meaningful form of communication than 140 characters.”

“Oh, don’t be silly,” she responded. “It’s not what you say, but how often you say it.  It’s all about being connected with your friends.  Sending a note is cute and sentimental and all that . . . but imagine being able to chat with all your friends  instantaneously.”

Feigning ignorance, I remarked “I had never thought of it quite that way.  I suppose none of my friends really care to be that – oh, how shall I phrase it:  ”intimate?”  Doesn’t it bother you to be on call 24/7 and what about privacy?

Not one to be deterred, “Twitter_Lady” quickly picked up on the privacy issue.  “It used to bother me until I learned how to create circles of friends and small groups on Twitter to share my thoughts.  I mean you don’t have to share everything with everybody, it is really pretty cool how you can be as open or as private as you need to be.”

“I find the subject very interesting. Perhaps I could drop you a note and you could let me know what I need to do to get connected on Twitter,”  I suggested.

“Oh, it’s not that difficult, just go to Twitter.com and set up an account,” she said.   Once you’ve got your Twitter name, just send me an email Tweet @jtpapertiger and I’ll add you to my followers.

To paraphrase the eighth Century poet Han-shan

“There was an old woman who lived east of me
She laughed at me for falling behind
I laughed at her for getting ahead
We laughed as though we would never stop
She from the East and I from the West.” 

Richard W. May
Thérèse Saint Clair

Several years ago the wife of the US Ambassador to Czechoslovakia told me “you simply must carry Jan Petr Obr stationery in your store.”  I have always kept my antenna up for fine European papers and was pleasantly surprised to find Jan Petr Obr at the National Stationery Show a few months later.

My husband was blown away by the engraved images which graced richly textured hand-made cotton paper.  The cotton paper was supplied by Bohemia Papers, a small mill located just outside of Prague using the same paper-making technique that has been virtually unchanged for over 300 years.  In their printing shop, Jan Petr Obr creates stunning engraving dies for virtually every occasion.  The Royal Czech seal seems to float just above the surface of deckle-edge paper with a laid finish.  The sample business cards, fold-overs and and remarkable designs are simply a tribute to European craftsmanship.

Jan Petr Obr Engraved Stationery

Therese Saint Clair carried Jan Petr’s boxed stationery and holiday cards for several years and they have proved extremely popular with our clients.  We also carry their wedding invitation and stationery albums for those looking for quality papers and superior craftsmanship.  While some of the designs may strike one as old-fashioned, we believe that Jan Petr’s Art Deco style retains its fascination and beauty for every occasion.

Jan Petr Obr Fine Paper

If you are looking for fine paper with a distinctive European edge, I strongly recommend that you contact a Stationers Guild member store in your neighborhood that carries this exceptional line.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair

As stationers, we are often asked what type of stationery is appropriate for college students and graduating seniors.  In an era of online applications, networked college communities and the largely “in-your-face” but impersonal world of social networks,  stationery may seem to be a relic of times past.  I am pleased to report that the handwritten note is back in fashion and, according to some college recruiters, often a deciding factor in selecting among college applicants.

The handwritten note is a sign of civility, good etiquette and maturity that often distinguishes one talented graduate from another.  In selecting one’s stationery, one must consider the type of stationery to be used in each situation.  For instance, the fold-over note or correspondence card are often used for less formal occasions.  Specifically, a fold-over note might be used say “thank you” to a fellow student, college counselor or the parents of friends who have bestowed a favor.   A half-sheet or monarch sheet might be used in more formal situations such as job interviews or a follow-up letter after meeting a college admissions counselor.  While these forms of correspondence are often  inter-changeable, I have always preferred using  correspondence sheets for more formal situations.  Nevertheless, any form of handwritten note is preferable to none or the insipid email.

When selecting your stationery, there are many cost-saving options available.  While engraved stationery or letterpress stationery is certainly beautiful, it is often beyond the budget of most students.  Guild stationery stores generally carry several lines of boxed stationery from Crane, William Arthur, Vera Wang and other fine paper companies.  Personalizing this boxed stationery with your name or monogram can generally be done within 48 hours.  Avoid pre-printed thank you notes, since they are so impersonal and appear to be ”last minute”  or commercial.   Personlalized stationery can be used in many situations and remains a relevant if not vital form of communication in today’s society.

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.