Custom Letterpress Notecards - A Centuries Old Printing Craft Preserved

The Art of Custom Letterpress Notecards

In today's digital world, receiving a handwritten note on a beautifully crafted piece of stationery is a rare and special occurrence. For many, the act of writing a personal letter or note is becoming a lost art. However, some traditions remain timeless. Custom letterpress notecards are one such enduring tradition that add an extra special touch for any occasion.

What is Letterpress Printing?

Letterpress printing is a method of relief printing using raised surfaces to transfer ink onto paper. The process dates back to the 15th century when Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press. Today, many artisans and printers continue to use this traditional technique to create stationery, invitations, business cards, and more.

Letterpress printing involves arranging movable type and images against an inked pad or roller on a press. The paper is then pressed against the inked surface, transferring the image onto the paper. The result is an impression that leaves subtle indentations you can feel with your fingers. This adds dimension, depth, and texture that other printing methods can't quite match.

Custom Options for a Personalized Touch

One of the best things about letterpress is the variety of customization options available. Whether you want a simple design using a single color and typeface or something more intricate with multiple colors, layers, graphics or photos, there are endless possibilities.

Some popular custom letterpress notecard options include:

• Monogramming or adding initials
• Incorporating personalized names, dates, addresses, or messages
• Using different colors of ink
• Mixing and matching typefaces and fonts
• Adding borders or graphical elements
• Incorporating die cutting into unique shapes
• Printing on different paper types, colors or textures

Work directly with a professional letterpress printer to design fully customized stationery. Many offer design services or can work from a provided design file. This allows for notecards as unique as the sender and recipient.

Letterpress Notecards for Any Occasion

Letterpress notecards present a fabulous opportunity to communicate through snail mail. The exceptional quality and craftsmanship elevate any message. They also make wonderful gifts for just about any occasion, including:

• Weddings - Imagine receiving a hand-addressed wedding invitation suite with coordinating enclosures printed in the bride and groom's custom chosen colors and typeface.
• Birthdays - What better way to make someone feel special than sending birthday wishes on a personalized letterpress notecard?
• Holidays - Stand out from the mass of generic holiday cards by having seasonal greetings printed on cards with custom artwork.
• Thank You Notes - Following a job interview, party invitation or gift, say thanks with letterpress notecards.
• Baby/Wedding Showers - Coordinate stationery for pre-wedding and baby showers with the event's color scheme and details.
• Condolences - There are no words to ease the loss of loved one. Custom letterpress sympathy cards add comfort.
• Just Because - Of course you don't need a special reason to brighten someone's day with a charming letterpress card.

Ordering Custom Letterpress Stationery

When it comes to ordering custom letterpress printed goods like notecards, invitations or business cards, it's best not to wait until the last minute. Creating letterpress stationery is an artisanal process that takes skill and time to get right. Most printers need at least two to four weeks from the time an order is finalized until it's printed and ready to ship. Plan ahead and get your order in early, especially if ordering for weddings, showers or holidays when printers tend to be busiest.

When working with a professional letterpress printer, you'll typically follow these steps:

1. Design consultation - Discuss design ideas, printing/paper options and budget.
2. File submission - Provide text, images, logos, fonts, colors and other necessary files.
3. Sample approval - Review digital proofs or printed samples, provide feedback.
4. Production - Allow the printing facility adequate time to produce the final product.
5. Delivery - Receive, review and send out your fabulous custom letterpress printed goods!

Cost of Custom Letterpress Stationery

Let's be honest, handmade letterpress printing does not come cheap. It's painstaking work requiring highly skilled artisans and specialty printing equipment. Expect to invest anywhere from $1.00 per simple notecard to $10+ for intricate multi-color printing with special details like foil stamping or embossing. Most orders average around $2-4 per notecard.

When pricing out custom letterpress projects consider factors like:

• Complexity of design/number of colors
• Amount being printed (50 vs 500)
• Printing on both sides
• Paper type and size
• Additional treatments like die cutting or embossing
• Amount of customization

The cost goes up for added custom details and complexity. However, the final product is a timeless memento well worth the investment. For many customers, the premium feel of letterpress gives it an elevated perceived value over other types of printing.

Preserving a Centuries Old Printing Craft

In today's technological world of instant emails, e-vites and digital communication, handmade letterpress printed goods stand out. The exceptional depth, dimension, and detail of letterpress simply can't be matched by modern printing methods. Popular for everything from custom notecards and invitations to business cards and broadsides, letterpress adds allure and interest.

By patronizing today's talented letterpress printers and artisans, you support preservation of this centuries old craft. Allow them to create something timeless and tactile to commemorate whatever occasion is close to your heart. Custom letterpress notecards - or any custom letterpress printed item - are as much tiny works of art as functional pieces of communication.

FAQs

What is the lead time for printing custom letterpress stationery?

Most professional letterpress printers need 2-4 weeks from the time an order is finalized to when it's fully printed and ready to ship. Allow more time during peak seasons like weddings and holidays.

What are some popular uses for custom letterpress notecards?

Letterpress notecards make excellent stationery for sending handwritten notes, letters, or greetings cards for occasions like birthdays, weddings, holidays, thank yous, baby showers and more.

How much does custom letterpress printing cost?

Expect to invest $1 - $10+ per notecard depending on the complexity of printing and amount of customization. Simple, single color printing starts around $1 per card. Intricate designs with foil stamping or embossing can cost $10+ apiece.

What file formats do I need to provide for letterpress printing?

Supply the printer with the necessary text content, high resolution image files (PNG, JPG, PDF), logo files, chosen fonts and colors references, as well as clearly communicate the vision and expectations for the final printed piece.