The Stationers Guild

Readers of the Stationers Guild Blog are aware that I have very high regard for D’Arconte’s breathtaking engraved Christmas greeting cards. Bob D’Arconte is, perhaps, the only craftsman in the United States that designs and engraves his own Christmas cards, custom invitations and stationery. Plainly an expert of his profession, his cutting-edge designs on stunning papers are plainly little works of art.

Over the past several years, I have been flooded by requests from followers trying to locate D’Arconte’s holiday greeting cards at retailers in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, his brand of stationery and holiday greeting cards are not generally available outside of New York City. Other than our own store in Greenwich, CT, I know that D’Arconte’s holiday cards may be found at Gumps in San Francisco, Francis Orr in Corona del Mar (California) and Tabala Rasa in Salt Lake City.

D’Arconte stationery products are not sold online. Mr. D’Arconte has been reluctant to publicize his Christmas cards on the web because online image resolutions are poor and it is difficult to capture the subtleties of engraving, especially on the vibrant white papers he uses. This season, I acquired his agreement to offer you 18 D’Arconte holiday cards which may be seen and purchased online. Image resolutions do not do justice to the intrinsic beauty of these greeting cards; however, those familiar with D’Arconte’s designs will now have a chance to indulge their desire for these lovely works of art.

A word about D’Arconte’s card designs. First, the online images don’t do his holiday cards justice. Engraved paper prints are three-dimensional and both the striking and delicate shapes of his engraved creations and imprinted frames are easily lost in most Online browsers. Secondly, the loss of color or shade or pronounced “white space” only increases the charm and symmetry of his artistic designs. Seen on a “white” Internet background, the artistic impression and sophistication is sadly lost. Thirdly, D’Arconte “bumps” metallic inks (primarily gold and silver) twice to give them a luxuriant burnished touch. D’Arconte’s talent and workmanship is – in my opinion – several steps ahead of the rest of the field that seems to have problems finding their brand identity and print quality which simply lacks energy.

View and order D’Arconte holiday cards online or find a qualified D’Arconte dealer in your town.

Sheila P. May
Founding Member Holiday Greeting Cards

Readership of the Stationers Guild Blog are aware that I have high admiration for D’Arconte’s striking engraved holiday greeting cards. Bob D’Arconte is, perhaps, the only artist in the United States that designs and engraves his own holiday cards, custom invitations and fine stationery. Plainly an expert of his craft, his cutting-edge designs on stunning papers are plainly little works of art.

Over the past several years, I have been inundated by requests from followers trying to find D’Arconte’s Christmas cards at retailers in their community. Regrettably, his collection of stationery and holiday greeting cards are not generally available outside of New York City. Other than our own retail store in Greenwich, CT, I know that D’Arconte’s holiday cards may be found at Gumps in San Francisco, Francis Orr in Corona del Mar (California) and Tabala Rasa in Salt Lake City.

D’Arconte stationery products are not sold on the web. Mr. D’Arconte has been unwilling to market his holiday greeting cards on the internet because internet image resolutions are inferior and it is difficult to record the subtleties of engraving, particularly on the brilliant white papers he uses. This year, I secured his agreement to offer 18 D’Arconte Christmas greeting cards which may be viewed and purchased online. Image resolutions do not do justice to the intrinsic beauty of these cards; however, those familiar with D’Arconte’s card designs will now have the option to indulge their craving for these stunning works of art.

A thing about D’Arconte’s designs. To start with, the online images don’t do his holiday cards justice. Engraved paper prints are three-dimensional and both the striking and subdued contours of his engraved designs and stamped frames are quite frankly missing in most Internet browsers. Secondly, the loss of color or distinct “white space” only elevates the elegance and balance of his designs. Experienced on a “white” Internet background, the artistic effect and elegance is regrettably lost. Thirdly, D’Arconte “bumps” metallic inks (primarily gold and silver) twice to give them a luxuriant burnished touch. D’Arconte’s flair and artistry is – in my estimation – several steps ahead of the remainder of the field that has difficulty finding their identity in designs and printing quality that simply lacks inspiration.

View and buy D’Arconte Christmas cards online or find an experienced D’Arconte dealer in your town.

Sheila P. May
Founding Member Holiday Greeting Cards

William Arthur, one of the best creative designers of fine personalized stationery and custom made invitations and announcements, is having its annual holiday custom greeting card and Christmas photo card sale’s event. Now until the end of September, take 10% off William Arthur’s 2011 customized Christmas greeting cards and custom photo greeting cards.

William Arthur, well known for their sophisticated selection of photo mount greeting cards, has moved to digital printing this year. Now, clients have the choice of either digitally producing their photograph right onto William Arthur’s formal cardstock or mounting their photographs right on the greeting card by means of adhesive strips. Actually, some designs allow the customer the option of either printing method with the very same enticing design and style.

Even though digital printing of holiday cards is now very popular on account of its flexibility, ease and price, the conventional method of adhering photographs on beautifully-designed card stock still speaks to many traditionalists. In fact, professionally printed photographs generally have significantly more contrast and pure color resolution than photos that are digitally imprinted.

Whatever choice you ultimately choose to do, William Arthur’s stunning new designs and high-quality publishing will certainly make your holiday family photographs jump out. William Arthur now offers its faithful customers with the option of ordering their greeting cards or Christmas photo cards online or at licensed William Arthur dealers. Visit the Stationers Guild website and find a skilled stationer in your area. When shopping for very fine stationery and custom holiday cards, it is usually best to sort through cardstock and design choices at a store.

Take action now before the end of September and save 10% on William Arthur’s holiday greeting cards and holiday photo cards.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair

Followers of the Stationers Guild news are mindful that I have high respect for D’Arconte’s beautiful engraved holiday greeting cards. Bob D’Arconte is, perhaps, the only artisan in the United States that designs and engraves his own Christmas cards, custom invitations and stationery. Plainly an expert of his profession, his cutting-edge designs on exquisite papers are plainly little works of art.

For the past several years, I have been besieged by demands from customers trying to locate D’Arconte’s Christmas cards at retailers in their neighborhood. Regrettably, his brand of stationery and holiday greeting cards are not generally available outside of New York City. Other than our own retail store in Greenwich, CT, I know that D’Arconte’s holiday cards may be purchased at Gumps in San Francisco, Francis Orr in Corona del Mar (California) and Tabala Rasa in Salt Lake City.

D’Arconte stationery products are not sold online. Mr. D’Arconte has been reluctant to publicize his holiday greeting cards on the web because internet image resolutions are inferior and it is not possible to record the subtleties of engraving, in particular on the bright white card stock he uses. This year, I got his agreement to offer you 18 D’Arconte Christmas greeting cards which may be viewed and acquired online. Picture resolutions do not do justice to the inherent beauty of these greeting cards; however, those acquainted with D’Arconte’s designs will now have an opportunity to indulge their desire for these stunning works of art.

A thing about D’Arconte’s card designs. First, the images don’t do his Christmas cards justice. Engraved printing are three-dimensional and both the striking and subdued shapes of his engraved artwork and embossed frames are simply lost in most Internet browsers. Secondly, the lack of color or shade or pronounced “white space” only increases the beauty and symmetry of his artistic designs. Viewed on a “white” Internet background, the visual impact and intricacy is unfortunately lost. Thirdly, D’Arconte “bumps” metallic inks (primarily gold and silver) a second time to provide them a rich burnished look and feel. D’Arconte’s exuberance and workmanship is – in my estimation – several steps ahead of the remainder of the field that has problems finding their identity in designs and printing quality which simply lacks energy.

See and purchase D’Arconte Christmas cards online or find an experienced D’Arconte dealer in your town.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair Holiday Card

Readers of the Stationers Guild news are mindful that I have very high regard for D’Arconte’s beautiful engraved Christmas greeting cards. Bob D’Arconte is, perhaps, the only artisan in the United States that designs and engraves his own holiday cards, custom invitations and stationery. Plainly a master of his profession, his cutting-edge designs on beautiful papers are plainly little works of art.

For the past several years, I have been inundated by requests from readers trying to find D’Arconte’s holiday greeting cards at retailers in their vicinity. Unfortunately, his brand of stationery and Christmas cards are not well represented outside of New York City. Other than our own store in Greenwich, CT, I know that D’Arconte’s holiday cards may be found at Gumps in San Francisco, Francis Orr in Corona del Mar (California) and Tabala Rasa in Salt Lake City.

D’Arconte stationery products are not sold on the web. Mr. D’Arconte has been reluctant to publicize his Christmas cards on the internet because internet image resolutions are inferior and it is impossible to record the subtleties of engraving, especially on the brilliant white papers he uses. This year, I got his agreement to provide you with 18 D’Arconte Christmas greeting cards which may be viewed and acquired online. Picture resolutions do not do justice to the inherent elegance of these greeting cards; however, those acquainted with D’Arconte’s card designs will now have an opportunity to indulge their desire for these lovely works of art.

A word about D’Arconte’s designs. To begin with, the images don’t do his Christmas cards justice. Engraved paper prints are three-dimensional and both the bold and delicate contours of his engraved creations and imprinted frames are easily missing in most Online browsers. Secondly, the lack of color or shade or pronounced “white space” only elevates the attractiveness and symmetry of his artistic designs. Viewed on a “white” Internet background, the visual impression and intricacy is sadly lost. Thirdly, D’Arconte “bumps” metallic inks (primarily gold and silver) a second time to give them a rich burnished feel. D’Arconte’s exuberance and workmanship is – in my opinion – several steps in front of the remainder of the field that appears to have problems finding their brand identity and printing quality that simply lacks inspiration.

View and buy D’Arconte Christmas cards online or find an experienced D’Arconte dealer in your neighborhood.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair Holiday Card

Crane & Co. just unveiled their 2011 Christmas Card and Holiday Greeting Card Collection. These powerful styles offer Crane’s vintage engraved Christmas tree and a number of other splendid styles that capture the wonder of the Christmas season. No matter if you are searching for a corporate holiday greeting card or personalized Christmas card, Crane has a plethora of rich styles and designs that are sure to to gratify you.

Take action now prior to September 30th and help save 10% on your personalized Christmas card purchase. Also to Crane’s holiday greeting cards, they as well have a great collection of digital photo cards and photomount Xmas cards printed on specially-treated papers to faithfully record your family photo.

Crane Holiday Greeting Cards are imprinted on 64#, 100% cotton paper. These Christmas greeting cards measure 5 1/2″x 7 3/8″ and can easily be personalized by including your own seasonal greeting or sentiment in addition to your name and return address. Select the greeting, font style, ink colors and envelope lining to create your own customized holiday card.

While we strongly suggest that you visit a retailer in your neighborhood to see Crane’s 2011 Christmas greeting card collection personally, Crane & Co. is now offering their holiday greeting cards online. As one of the leading designers and printers of engraved holiday cards, Crane continues to honor the tradition of producing memorable Christmas cards that are likely to be treasured for decades.

Whether you decide to select your holiday greeting card on the internet or at an experienced Crane dealer, you will receive the same marketing rewards and superb service that has long been a Crane tradition.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair Holiday Card

Readership of the Stationers Guild Blog are mindful that I have very high regard for D’Arconte’s fabulous engraved holiday cards. Bob D’Arconte is, perhaps, the only artisan in the United States that designs and engraves his own holiday cards, custom invitations and stationery. Plainly an expert of his craft, his cutting-edge designs on stunning papers are plainly little works of art.

For the past several years, I have been overwhelmed by requests from customers trying to find D’Arconte’s holiday cards at stores in their community. Unfortunately, his line of stationery and Christmas cards are not well represented outside of New York City. Other than our own shop in Greenwich, CT, I know that D’Arconte’s holiday cards may be purchased at Gumps in San Francisco, Francis Orr in Corona del Mar (California) and Tabala Rasa in Salt Lake City.

D’Arconte stationery products are not sold on the internet. Mr. D’Arconte has been hesitant to promote his holiday cards on the internet because internet image resolutions are very poor and it is unlikely to capture the subtleties of engraving, particularly on the vibrant white papers he uses. This year, I acquired his agreement to provide you with 18 D’Arconte holiday greeting cards which may be viewed and purchased online. Image resolutions do not do justice to the inherent elegance of these cards; however, those acquainted with D’Arconte’s designs will now have an opportunity to indulge their craving for these stunning works of art.

A word about D’Arconte’s card designs. To begin with, the online images don’t do his holiday cards justice. Engraved paper prints are three-dimensional and both the daring and subtle shapes of his engraved motifs and embossed frames are easily lost in most Internet browsers. Secondly, the lack of color or shade or pronounced “white space” only enhances the attractiveness and balance of his artistic designs. Experienced on a “white” Internet background, the artistic effect and intricacy is regretfully lost. Thirdly, D’Arconte “bumps” metallic inks (primarily gold and silver) a second time to give them a rich burnished feel. D’Arconte’s talent and craftsmanship is – in my opinion – many steps ahead of the rest of the field that appears to have problems finding their brand identity and print quality that simply lacks inspiration.

Take a look at and order D’Arconte holiday cards online or find a qualified D’Arconte dealer in your neighborhood.

Sheila P. May
Founding Member Holiday Greeting Cards

Crane & Co. recently introduced their 2011 Christmas Card and Holiday Greeting Card line. These robust styles and designs offer Crane’s vintage engraved Christmas tree and a great many other striking styles and designs that capture the wonder of the holiday season. Whether you are searching for a corporate holiday card or your own Christmas card, Crane has an abundance of distinctive designs and styles that are sure to to gratify you.

Take action now earlier than September 30th and save 10% on your personalized holiday card purchase. As well as to Crane’s Christmas greeting cards, they even have a high-quality collection of digital photo cards and photomount Holiday cards printed on specially-treated papers to faithfully record your family picture.

Crane Christmas Greeting Cards are reproduced on 64#, 100% cotton paper. These Christmas greeting cards measure 5 1/2″x 7 3/8″ and can easily be customized by adding your own seasonal greeting or sentiment in addition to your family names and return address. Select the greeting, font style, ink colors and envelope lining to design your own tailored holiday card.

While we frankly recommend that you visit a retailer in your neighborhood to see Crane’s 2011 Christmas greeting card collection personally, Crane & Co. is currently selling their holiday greeting cards online. As one of the leading designers and printers of engraved holiday cards, Crane continues to pay tribute to the custom of making unique Christmas cards that are likely to be cherished for many years.

Whether you decide to buy your greeting on the web or at an experienced Crane store, you will receive the same promotional benefits and exceptional customer service that has always been a Crane tradition.

Sheila P. May

Founding Member Holiday Greeting Cards

William Arthur, among the best designers of high-quality personalized stationery and customized invitations and announcements, is having its once-a-year Christmas greeting card and Christmas photograph card sale’s event. Until the end of September, take 10% off William Arthur’s 2011 customized holiday greeting cards and customized photo greeting cards.  If you order now before August 15th, William Arthur is offering free shipping.

William Arthur, long known for their sophisticated selection of photo-mount greeting cards, has moved digital in 2011. At this time, consumers have the choice of either digitally publishing their photo right onto William Arthur’s formal paper stock or mounting their beautiful photos directly on the greeting card utilizing adhesive stripes. In fact, some designs give the customer the option of both printing options with the very same appealing style.

While digital stamping of Christmas cards has become well liked on account of its flexibility, simplicity and cost, the conventional process of adhering photographs on beautifully designed paper stock still is of interest to many traditionalists. After-all, traditionally printed photos tend to have significantly more contrast and pure color resolution than photos that are digitally reproduced.

No matter what selection you ultimately choose to do, William Arthur’s lovely new patterns and high quality printing will certainly make your holiday family photographs shine. William Arthur now gives its dedicated buyers with the choice of purchasing their greeting cards or Christmas photo cards on the internet or at licensed William Arthur dealers. Visit the Stationers Guild website and get a hold of a skilled stationer where you live. When you shop for fine stationery and custom holiday photo cards, it is often most effective to sort through paper and design options in person.

Take action now before September 30th and save 10% on William Arthur’s Christmas greeting cards and Christmas photo cards.

Sheila P. May
Therese Saint Clair

One of the highlights of my year is visiting Bob D’Arconte at his studio in Dumbo (Brooklyn, NY).  Bob does not suffer fools lightly, which is why I always ask Sheila to schedule the appointment.  We normally schedule a meeting in early August to select our holiday card designs, but this year we got overtaken by events (new granddaughter) and, as such, this meeting was a “last minute” attempt to salvage a few boxes of his much sought after holiday cards.

Each year, I try to select a few images that I believe can be faithfully reproduced in a digital format for viewing on the Internet.  I am always sorely disappointed since D’Arconte’s colors, beautifully engraved images and blind-embossed frames and designs simply can’t be properly reproduced in today’s digital medium.  For that I am truly sorry, since his flair and craftsmanship is - in my estimation - several steps ahead of the rest of the field that seems to have difficulty finding their identity in designs and print quality that simply lack inspiration.

Since we arrived late in the year, Bob was already well into formulating his new holiday cards for 2011.  Like all great artists, some of these “new” designs are mutations of earlier efforts, but all were dazzling examples of what an inspired artist can create who fully understands and appreciates the medium he is working with.   In addition to the holiday cards, we had the opportunity to see some of the initial designs of a new line of stationery that incorporates Bob’s unique art deco motifs.  While Bob can clearly visualize the end result of the design and engraved color combinations,  I saw a few geometric shapes and some “scratchings.”   He patiently talked us through his art deco concept and I am more than convinced that a rich stationery treat awaits us next year.

Found below are several holiday card designs featured in this year’s collection.  These cards are engraved on heavy paper stock and are available in only a few leading stores located in major metropolitan centers across the United States.  D’Arconte does not actively promote his stationery or holiday cards preferring to work only with a few qualified stationers and corporate clients who appreciate the uniqueness of his product and are as passionate about service quality as he is.  I mentioned to him that I had received several requests for images and samples of his designs and we agreed that perhaps next year we could throw up a website that would feature some of his remarkable holiday cards and perhaps some stationery.  I realize this doesn’t help those looking for his cards this year, but at least it is a step in the “right” direction.

Close Up of "Joy" Holiday Card

A word about D’Arconte’s designs.  First, the images don’t do his holiday cards justice.  Engraved images are three-dimensional and both the bold and subtle contours of his engraved designs and embossed frames are simply lost in most Internet browsers.  Secondly, the absence of color or pronounced “white space” only enhances the beauty and symmetry of his designs.  Seen on a “white” Internet background, this visual impact and sophistication is sadly lost.   Thirdly, D’Arconte “bumps” metallic inks (primarily gold and silver) twice to give them a rich burnished feel.  As each engraved color is applied in a separate press run, this extra “bump” for metallic inks  requires an additional run.  Trust me.  The impact couldn’t be more stunning.

Please find below two additional holiday card samples.

Richard W. May
Thérèse Saint Clair