1. Customized shipping labels present a professional image.
   What does it say about your company if your shipping labels are smeared or poorly printed? Labels printed off the office printer using standard size labels are a dead give-away that your office is on a shoestring budget. Even if you are economizing, do you really want to look like you are?
   
   Professionally printed customized shipping labels tell your customers that you are serious about your business - serious enough to invest in the proper tools and materials to get your job done right.
    
2. Customized shipping labels save you money.
   Surprise! If you thought that you would save money by using standard adhesive printer labels and printing your own, you could be mistaken. While it may be true when doing low volume shipping, but once business picks up, the cost of printing your own labels adds up. In addition to the cost of the labels themselves, you will need to factor in paying for printer ink or toner to print them, an expense that many busy managers leave out of their figuring. Not to mention the time it takes to print the labels out. Is is worth your hourly salary to print your own labels when you can easily buy customized shipping labels for pennies a sheet?
    
3. Get consistent; high quality labels make your company look good.
   Consistency is the key to brand identification and excellence. When you use professionally printed customized shipping labels rather than shipping labels that are printed in-house, your labels will always be the highest quality. You will be less likely to have issues with labels that are streaked or faded because of printer problems or ink/toner issues. Your shipping labels will always put your best foot forward.

1. A die maker engraves your custom personalization into a set of plates, top and bottom.
    
2. The plates are set into an embossing machine that consists of a sheet feeder and a press. The plates fit into slots in the top and bottom of the press.
    
3. The paper stock is loaded into the sheet feeder.
    
4. Each sheet of paper is fed into the machine, stamped and then ejected.

Casey

• Make it clear in the first sentence or two why you are writing (so the congratulations does not sound like an afterthought)
   
• Get the note in the mail as soon as possible after you hear the good news.
   
• Say the word "Congratulations." There's no other word in the English language to express the same sentiment.
   
• Keep the note short and sweet and focused on the event or achievement.
   
• Make it fun! This is a happy moment to be celebrated!

So sorry again!
Beth

• First and foremost, as an adult, you must set the example. If your children see you writing thank you notes, they will come to realize that this is the right thing to do.
   
• During the early years, of course, you will do the corresponding on the behalf of your infant and toddler.
   
• 3 to 5 year olds need to be involved in the process even though you as the parent will be doing the majority of the writing. Make this a fun activity, explaining that Aunt Sally really spent a lot of time picking out the birthday present and how special that is. Tell your child how thrilled Aunt Sally will feel when she receives a note telling her how much the gift means. As you write the note, explain what you are doing and why. Leave space for your child's scribbles or have him/her draw a picture of the gift. If your child can write their name, include it at the end of the note. Recipients of these notes will count your young child's efforts as special treasures.
   
• 6 to 10 year olds can be much more involved in the actual process. Your child will think it fun to have personalized stationery. Set aside a time for the family to write their thank you notes (Christmas evening, perhaps) or sit down and write a note to a friend as your tween tackles his/her thank you notes. Be sure to be encouraging and give ideas about what to say and how to say it effectively. Let your tween use self expression instead of creating a scripted letter. Add some music to the mix and have fun.
   
• Teens have the ability to write thank you notes themselves. You should be sure that they have stationery, pens, address books, and stamps - all the necessary tools. The real trick here is to get your teen motivated to write thank yous. If you began this process in the early years, he/she will know that thank you notes are a given expectation in your family. If not, you may have to resort to bribery or whatever works for you. Although not exactly proper, an email note of thanks is better than no thanks at all.

First, you have a decision to make. Are you going to choose a card design based on a photo you would like to use or are you going to choose a card for its design and pick a photo that looks nice on it? If you have your heart set on one specific photo try to pick a design that color coordinates or fits the theme of your photo if a theme is applicable. If you do not have your heart set on one photo, look around and find a design you like the most and select a photo that really stands out.

Select a photo that has very little empty space. Your photo is a personal touch to the card and you want to make sure those who are receiving it can see everyone in it very well.

Try to use a photo that has the most candid or natural poses and expressions.

Photos taken in natural light seem to be brighter and crisper. Photos taken with a flash seem to wash out your surroundings.

Since most card designs have a lot of design elements to them try to select a photo where the individuals in it are wearing solid colors or basic patterns. This will keep those in the photo from blending into the design, thus making them stand out from the card.

Finally, look at photos taken from different angles. People and objects can look very different from different angles.

Most importantly, use your own judgment. No one knows what you like better than you. Selecting a photo and design you like should reflect a little bit about you and your taste.

Read a Sample Condolence Letter

You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Charlotte

(1) January 15, 2008

(2) Dear Katrina,

(3) I hope this letter finds you happy and healthy! Did you ring in the New Year in a fabulous way? It seems like so long ago that I last saw you. It's hard to believe that it was just last month that we were celebrating the Holidays together! All is well on my end. I'm still enjoying work and school...and of course, the dogs are always keeping me busy! In my free time, I've been riding my bike and enjoying the great weather we've been having. I've read a few books lately that I think you'd really enjoy. I'm setting them aside for you. While I was making my New Years Resolutions a few weeks ago, I thought a lot about the things that I am lucky and grateful for in my life. Your friendship was high on my list. (4) I sincerely hope we don't let too much time pass before we see each other again.

(5) Until then,
(6) Kelly

(7) P.S. I ran into Emily at the gym. She says hello!

• Wedding Gifts
  
• Baby or Bridal Shower Gifts
• Gifts and Visits Received While in the Hospital
• Sympathy Letters or Flowers
• Gifts Received Through the Mail

• If you know a card lover there are a couple offerings. American Stationery offers personalized bridge pads and playing cards
• For the children in the family there are also some options. There's the game pad set - a personalized trio of traditional games for children such as Hangman and tic-tac-toe.  What a great way to get children involved in the tradition of game night. They can play games on their level, plus they'll have a good time and not feel left out.
• Another unique idea for children is a kid's travel set. Perhaps you will have to travel for the upcoming holidays.  This set is ideal for traveling by car or plane.  It will  help the child enjoy the ride and save mom and dad from the never ending questions like "Are we there yet?" The travel set includes one pad for ABC's, one for tic-tac-toe and one that has space to connect the dots and an area for "I Spy."  The ABC pad would be a good toold for familiarizing younger children with the game of "I'm going on a trip and I'm taking..." where repetition and memory are key.

This list was designed with families in mind. Hopefully it has sparked the fun of having game night in your own home or has generated a few new gift giving ideas this holiday season.　

- A game loving customer service representative

Re-gifting just means to "give again." Why does it have to be so negative? Re-gifting could be an opportunity to give a meaningful gift to someone else repeatedly. For instance, for your sister's birthday last year you may have gotten her something personalized especially for her. If she uses it and loves it as much as you had hoped, re-gift that same item so that she doesn't run out and keep her stock renewed.　

Another way to look at re-gifting is to look at it as a means of "passing on" the notion of a gift, not the gift itself. Maybe a thoughtful friend sweetly purchased something unique for you from a stationer. Re-gift the idea of the things you treasure. Did they invest in a piece that has really been useful and wonderfully unique? If you appreciated the gift someone else might as well.

Re-gifting does not have to mean passing your junk onto the next person. On the contrary, re-gifting can be an opportunity to give a repeat gift you know they'll like or to pass your likes onto others who would be inclined to have a similar taste or need.

--Mindy Mac

Read more from Mindy Mac

Read Part 2

—Mindy Mac

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• Correspondence Cards are designed to be used as a quick note for business or personal reasons. We've been told that the heavy weight of the stock and the 4 ½ x 6 ¼ size make them perfect for mailing photos. We offer a selection of correspondence cards that have a colored hand-bordered edge. Whether prim and proper or spunky and creative, there's bound to be a correspondence card that fits your personal style.
   
  
• Fold Notes are used for a longer note. Like a card, they also can be used for business or personal purposes, with styles ranging from the more formal embossed note to some very creative printed designs. Embossed notes are very popular as thank you notes. Our wide variety of printed designs range from flowers to pets, polka dots to paisley. There really is one for every personality and purpose.
   
• Social, monarch and business stationery, often referred to as letter sheets, are for longer letters or business correspondence. The difference between them is the size. Social letter sheets are for just that, social or personal writing, and are 5 ¾" x 7 ¾" or thereabouts. The monarch and executive-sized letter sheets can be used for personal letters or casual business letters and are normally around 7 ¼" x 10 7/8". Business letter sheets are for more formal business or a supply of company letterhead and measure a full 8 ½" x 11".
   
• Memos are meant to be a way to jot down a quick note to yourself or someone else. They are normally not designed to be mailed, which is why most don’t come with envelopes. We sell memos in a variety of colors, styles and sizes. Some are even self stick and make convenient office supplies.
   
• Similar to the ones you buy from racks in airports, personalized postcards are for quick, informal notes. They are a heavy weight, 5 ½" x 3 ½" card. They are perfect to send with your children to summer camp or to send a quick hello from your own vacation getaway. Unlike correspondence cards, postcards do not use envelopes and are pre-printed on the back with a designated area for the address and stamp.
   
• Ensembles are just a combination of our products. We also have ensembles that combine notes, sheets and correspondence cards. Likewise, you can get a memo ensemble that just has several different sizes of memo pads. They are perfect for someone who does a lot of writing. They also make nice gifts for the writer in the family or office.
  

-- Mindy Mac

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A word of thanks is thoughtful, poignant and a beautiful sentiment to share. We suggest dropping a line of gratitude to those people who have done things behind the scenes, those who often go unnoticed for their hard work. Who are the folks behind the scenes of your life? 

• Mail Carrier or Newspaper Deliverer
  They see that you get your belongings come rain, shine, snow or wind, and in extreme cold or heat. Leave a little note of thankfulness in the mailbox.
• The garbage man.　
  Tape a quick thank you to the top of your trash can lid. It’s a dirty job and someone has to do it. Aren’t you thankful it’s not you?
• Neighbor
  They’ve brought in your mail while you were on vacation and probably keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood more than you realize, helping to keep all safe and a little more secure.
• Full Service Gas Station Attendant
  This individual of service doesn’t get tips, perhaps a word of a kindness saying a job well done is just what they need to hear.
• Waiter/Waitress
  Many of us have a favorite dining place and frequent it regularly enough that we have a "usual." Isn’t it nice when your coffee is kept topped off and hot throughout your dining experience?

A quick, simple word of appreciation and gratefulness only takes a few moments to write, but can linger in the mind of the one to whom you’ve given it longer than you would think. A word of thanksgiving doesn’t have to be formal, it just needs to be sincere.

—Mindy Mac

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Retirement

After putting in tireless years in the working world you can finally retire. The time has arrived to kick back and relax. Retirement carries you into a new phase of life. It is a time to reintroduce yourself to your spouse. as you’ll now be spending more time together. You many even get reacquainted with hobbies you have only been able to squeeze into your weekends or even pick up a few new ones. You may begin travels and new adventures. A great way to usher in this new phase of life is through a party or social gathering of family, friends, and colleagues. Once you have said your good-byes and moved on, you can continue to share your new adventures and exploits on special stationery that illustrates the new casual you.

—Mindy Mac

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Anniversaries

In this day and age, a flourishing marriage is certainly a thing to celebrate and cheer. The first anniversary, also known as the paper anniversary, hopefully marks the start of many more anniversaries to follow. Perhaps paper seems like an unusual gift, but it’s actually quite sweet. Allow the paper to inspire endearing love letters to your mate. Of course, let us not over look the major 25th and 50th anniversary mile markers. Marriages lasting through the decades are often celebrated with parties or even vow renewal ceremonies.

Career Advancement

Depending on the field of choice, you may have had to climb a very high corporate ladder. Maybe years of study have escalated you directly to a top notch position. Maybe you have finally been able to open your own business. No matter how long the journey, career advancement is exciting! You have been faced with challenges academically, personally, and professionally. You (or perhaps someone you know) may be deserving of some sort of accolade or recognition in honor of a job well done. Maybe a party is in order or maybe something more subdued and useful would be perfect.

—Mindy Mac

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College Graduation

College graduation is not a feat all can accomplish. Many have left behind school friends, family and hometowns in an endeavor for higher education. College is where dreams start to unfold, relationships blossom and careers take birth. It is a catapult into the unknown. It is an opportunity to achieve greater financial stability, an opportunity to embrace a specific field of study and to take personal flight into higher elevations. College graduation is often a push away from the world of academia and a lunge onto a focused pathway.

High School Graduation:

The tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" almost resonates in your ear, yes’? High school graduation is the dream everyone strives after. Year after grueling year has been put in to achieving this high honor. It is an achievement that one works towards from kindergarten forward. A child faces many obstacles, challenges, and advancements in working towards this goal. It is an honor and one to be celebrated and acknowledged. It is the stepping stone into the military, working world or higher education.

- Your Fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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Pre-School Graduation

A pre-school graduation is a celebration for your little one as they prepare for greater achievements in their academic development. One day the achievement of learning their A-B-C’s and 1-2-3’s and writing their name will seem quite insignificant to them. But, as a parent, it’s a huge milestone! You should be proud of how well your little one is learning. They are completing the ground work for a successful education experience. Celebrate, honor and cheer them on in their future endeavors. It will be the confidence builder they need to push them into the next stage they will face.

Sweet Sixteen

Though some may feel turning 16 doesn’t change much there are significant responsibilities and opportunities that are now afforded, such as obtaining a driver’s license or holding a job. Sweet Sixteen parties are gaining more popularity. It somewhat embodies the idea that you’re only young once and is often a point in time adults remember fondly. It’s a youthful celebration. A party in which you are no longer a little child, but are not yet viewed as an adult. Here are some stationery suggestions:

- Your Fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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Bar / Bat Mitzvah

Though many would think of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a party it is actually the term given to represent youth of the Jewish faith who have now reached an age to accept certain religious responsibilities. Many families will celebrate this occasion in a ceremonial manner.

First Birthday Stationery

Though a little one may not remember this moment, it is a significant jump. Over the course of a year an infant grows, changes, and develops faster than many other stages in life. It is an occasion to delight in and remember fondly. The birthday boy or girl is special and should be honored by family and friends. A child celebrating their first birthday may not have a huge need for stationery, however, there are items available that will keep a first birthday memory alive or allow a parent to send a quick thank you note from the child to a gift giver.

-Your Fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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Let's take a sneak peek at some of these milestones that many of you will encounter, whether in your own personal life or in those around you. Over the next few weeks we will be talking about these milestones and giving some stationery suggestions to go along with them.

Coming of Age

• First Birthday
  
  
• Bar and Bat Mitzvah
  
  
• Sweet Sixteen

Graduation

• Pre-school
  
  
• High School
  
  
• College

Life Events

• Career Advancement
  
  
• Anniversary: silver and golden
  
  
• Retirement

-Your Fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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With school started, the crazy schedule is about to get even crazier! Moms, we are proud to offer a fantastic day planner to help you keep track of all the things on your plate. This 17 month planner is spiral bound and sturdy, so you will not have to worry about tossing it in your purse or the car and having things fall out. It comes complete with stickers for marking really important dates or appointments, too. The layout is both monthly and weekly, so you can glance ahead at things in the far and near future. This is a great item for keeping everything in one place: kids’ schedules, grocery lists, appointments, vacations, and even important birthdays and anniversaries. We can’t promise it will eliminate frantic, days full of activity, but it will assist you in your organization and allow you to be prepared for the busyness that lies ahead!

Patriotic Flag & Eagle Invitations

Stylish Stars & Stripes Invitations

Stars Galore Invitations

Patriotic Ribbon Bordered Invitations

Heart of Honor Invitations

We invite you to make comments, suggestions and requests here on our blog.  Of, if you have purchased one of these designs, feel free to write a review for your fellow customers.

-Your Fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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Having a child is a very personal decision and certainly one that requires much planning. It is a good thing, generally speaking, parents get nine months in which to prepare. It is fortunate that pregnancy, birth, and child rearing is not something we do on our own. Everyone loves a baby and looks for ways to celebrate and pitch in, especially for the first time mom.

For the Mom-to-Be

The mom-to-be is a very special person. She is the temporary sole caretaker of the forth coming bundle of joy. But, that only lasts for a short while. Soon her little one will enter the world and mom will learn to rely on others, probably much more than she had been accustomed. One of the many ways friends and family can jump start that support process is through gift giving. A baby shower is of course the traditional way to invite family and friends into the experience as well as supply items that will get mom and dad started.

Have you ever thought about the mom-to-be that isn’t surrounded by a lot of people? Maybe she is new to town or has a limited list of extended family or maybe she is a single parent. Maybe your community has an outreach program for mothers and children in need. Something to consider, especially if you are a church or non-for profit organization, would be to throw a large baby shower. Invite (literally) local churches and other organizations to give gifts that would provide the basic, yet all important necessities a new baby will require. Invitations, even for a larger community project, add that personal affect that people desire.

For Family and Friends
Okay mom and dad, the attention has been focused on you for the past several months. You have often been the center of much attention. That will to come to a halt when your little prince or princess makes their grand entrance into the world. Rightly so. Their arrival has been highly anticipated not only by you, but by those around you. Celebrate the new love in your life with a baby announcement. You could provide all the relevant information people want to know as well as include a photo. What a neat way to say thank you to all those who have been very supportive.

Whether you or someone you know is a first time mom or on the fourth go around, there is so much to anticipate, learn, prepare, fear and look forward to. If you are the mom-to-be, embrace those around you who are willing to impart their wisdom and guidance. If you are a loved one, the mom-to-be will appreciate your efforts to equip her in many ways; materially, physically. and emotionally.

Moving Announcements

The search is over and you are now making mortgage payments. Between packing, tossing out old stuff, purchasing new stuff and getting acquainted with your new home, you may have forgotten to share your new information with everyone. Save yourself a few phone calls and emails and let the mail man do the hard work. Invest your time in the simplicity of using an "our new address" card.

You may not have had an opportunity to spend a lot of time saying your good-byes. Relocating due to a job or military transfer sometimes leaves people working on short notice. Moving announcements, such as our We’ve Moved Cards are an excellent way let your social network know you have moved. Such a card will allow you to provide not only your new address, but your phone number and email address as well. The recipient will appreciate being able to update their various address books in one fell swoop

Open House and Housewarming

You may have spent days, weeks and maybe even months looking for the house that met your expectations and dreams perfectly. Now that you have settled in, you may want to welcome visitors and entertain friends with style. Consider having a housewarming party.

It could be that you are not moving at all, a move may not have been the solution for you. A remodel or renovation may have been the alternative to your moving plans. A great way to introduce your new surroundings may be to have an open house. An open house will give you an opportunity to display your efforts and celebrate a job well done that may have involved many of your family and friends.

Whatever the reason you are planning a move, it is important to keep your family, friends & even the unavoidable bill collectors in the loop. Why send out a blah e-mail or make many phone calls to bring people up to date.

- Your fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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• Bachelorette Parties & Men’s Outing:
  After months of planning and nervous jitters, there’s nothing more welcoming than the bride-to-be having a night to kick back and relax. This could be a planned event with the bride's suggestions or a surprise event. Invites would be a good idea if you are planning a larger social occasion. Let’s not forget the gentlemen. Men don’t get showers, but what about having a men’s outing or a special event in honor of the groomsmen. An event such as a golf scramble could be a perfect fit for the sports enthusiast of any age range.
  
  
• Rehearsal Dinner:
  Though the rehearsal dinner is typically reserved for those directly involved with the wedding ceremony, a dinner by invite could be right up your alley. Maybe you have out of town guests that you would like to include. They have traveled far and a little extra quality time could be well deserved. Maybe your bridal party is coming from several locations, a more formal invitation just might be the key to ensuring everyone is where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there.

Here Comes the Bride...

Marriage is the event that takes two individuals and transforms them into one union. And with that union comes a much larger circle of family and friends. Couples getting married have a lot of things on their plate; the dress, the rings, the caterer, the honeymoon, and the list could go on and on. It is during this prenuptial time that this larger circle of individuals plays a huge role in giving support, helping to de-stress, and certainly in celebrating. Here are a few ways (besides the wedding day) that family and friends can be incorporated into the big event.

• Save the Date:
  A Save the Date card is intended to give your family, friends and soon to be guests a heads up on the special day. In some cases, this may be the first many have heard the wonderful news. This type of card could be sent when your wedding date is quite a ways down the road or if you have several out of town guests that will need to make arrangements. Perhaps you will be having a more intimate wedding at a far away locale, this type of card will allow your guests to plan accordingly.
  
  
• Engagement Announcements:
  What is the purpose of announcing your engagement or having a party to do so? It is a great way to have an informal or formal meet and greet between the two families and friends of the marrying couple.

The Single Frame Embossed Notes and The Ultimate Embossed Double Border Notes are two of my personal favorites! I like that I can choose the color of paper and have my monogram or name embossed on the notes. These writing papers look sophisticated and rich but are sold for a fantastic price! And they’re the perfect size for a quick "hello" or "thank you" as well as for a more wordy correspondence—it depends on how long you have to wait!

I also like to use the Multitasking Padded Memos with Envelopes. They’ve been a lifesaver when I’m sitting on the sidelines of one of my kids’ sporting events, or while I’m waiting during one of their lessons, or when I realize that I’ve forgotten to write a note for early dismissal and I’m driving up to the school to pick up one of my kids for an orthodontist appointment. These memos are very practical — the name Multitasking Padded Memos is just perfect! If you don’t keep some kind of writing paper in your purse or car, I suggest that you give it a try. You can make good use of your "waiting room" moments!

--Your fellow American Stationery Customer, Mindy Mac

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Disposable placemats are available in many different patterns. Even your favorite photo can be turned into a beautifully functional place setting. Most people like the idea of anything that helps limit a mess.

The placemats from American Stationery are offered in an eight count regular, stain and tear resistant, or twenty-five padded disposable mats. If you are blessed with a slightly cleaner eater for a child or find yourself looking for a great table setting for a nice dinner party or family Thanksgiving dinner, then the regular style might be for you. If you want something that is made for a no fuss cleanup for easy entertaining or just casual dining on a Tuesday evening with your family, then the disposable place mats are a great choice!

Children are typically excited about their first school year experiences. Many kids have gone home and played school with their stuffed animals or imitated their favorite teacher. Here are a few items that will personalize their play and imagination.

• Your Child's Fun Penmanship Stationery
  Allow your child to practice what they learn at school at home.
  
  
• Kid's Travel Desk
  A desk of their own... just like teacher, complete with pencil cup. This desk is travel appropriate, but will also contain all their teaching goodies: pens, pencils, crayons, scissors, stickers, and more.

Pre-Teen & Teens

The pre-teen and teen alike see school as an opportunity for learning, but also for socializing with friends.  The school year is filled with all kinds of things to do with friends. Here are some ideas for your pre-teen and teen this school year.

• Kid's Pillowcases and Door Hangers
  Slumber parties and sleepovers are a lot of fun for both boys and girls. Children of this age are searching for their personal space and belongings. Why not show your child that their personal space is important to you too. Our pillowcases give a place to reflect their personality and our door hangers clearly state where their space begins.
  
  
• Pizza Party Invitations, Bar / Bat Mitzvah Invitations and Sweet Sixteen Invitations
  Nothing is more social for a kid than a party. Your pre-teen or teen may have a variety of reasons to have a celebration. Perhaps you want to throw your child their first boy/girl party, or maybe your son or daughter is starting a new chapter in their lives, or your daughter is celebrating her once in a life time, sweet sixteen. What ever the occasion, celebrate it with a little personalized style.  

Pre-School Age

Okay, so your child hasn’t quite started school per say, but he or she is about to embark on a new journey. They will soon be getting a taste of the social aspects their school days will offer as well as the learning expectations they will face. It is during these formative years that they will learn their A-B-C’s and 1-2- 3’s. They will learn to express themselves through art and learn to recognize their own names. It is an exciting time to see little ones grasp a sense of who they are. You may begin to look for ways to encourage their development. You may want to give them opportunities to express themselves through art. yet keep some organization to their work space.

• KaDoodle Kit
  The KaDoodle Kit brings attention to their name, provides a space for artistic expression as well as a way to keep their space orderly.
  
  
• Melamine Personalized Plates
  Maybe you just want them to feel special about who they are. May we suggest a gift they can use daily? These plates show their name multiple times around a central design. If their school requires you to supply their own lunchtime utensils this would be a good way to ensure their belongings remain their belongings.

- Your fellow American Stationery customer, Mindy Mac

Read more from Mindy Mac

• Square Stamper
  Your room is more than likely filled with books, books, and more books. You will have books for instruction, books that have been provided by your school or books that you have invested in personally, and books for entertaining your young readers. Even though you are sharing these texts with others, it is important to still claim your ownership. It makes an easier return for the borrower as well.
• Teacher Memo Set
  This memo set would be perfect for jotting a note to a colleague. sending a note home to a parent, or even writing yourself little reminders. Perhaps even for taking a few quick notes at a faculty meeting or conference. This memo set highlights your name as well as your school. Maybe you are not the only Mrs. Doe in your school or corporation and need to distinguish yourself.

You have an important task in front you. It is your job to introduce your students to new experiences, ideas, and concepts. But, we know you are also looking for ways to keep your students engaged and actively learning.

• KaDoodle Kit
  This product could be used for a variety of purposes. But, here are a few ideas. How about utilizing this kit as an extracurricular activity or for extra credit. Instead of having a specific name personalized, perhaps the kit could just be called Classroom Doodles. Maybe you have been studying a specific topic like oceans, wildlife or space exploration. What an excellent way for a child to illustrate in drawing what they have been gleaning from lessons. Or if you have been learning about elephants they could draw it and then write a short story. Maybe you have a love for show and tell. Children are notorious for forgetting to bring things to school. Give the child an opportunity to draw that special toy and then show it during class and tell all about why it means something to them.

Your children and youngsters usually equate going back to school with getting up early and doing homework. You, however, as a graduate of the school of life, know that the school years are filled with many experiences that become fond memories. Many of those memories will be derived from the personal experiences they have with teachers and classmates.

We place a huge amount of trust in our children’s teachers. Looking back over your own school years, it probably stands to reason that you encountered some really terrific educators. So too will your children. These individuals not only impart new knowledge, but they are role models and are often a source of confidence building. It is a heavy burden teachers carry for the children in their temporary care. Teachers have chosen their field of expertise, but rarely get the credit they are due. It is not for some glorious high honor they are after. It is the satisfaction of knowing they have made a positive impact on their students.

This school year try to remember that the only reward your child’s teacher may earn is the acknowledgment of a job well done. Share your enthusiasm with that teacher with a gesture of kindness. You could have your child bring in an apple for the teacher or maybe even some colored chalk to spice up their time spent at the chalkboard. But, don’t forget them on special occasions like a holiday or their birthdays. A teacher would perhaps enjoy some personalized memos, such as our DYO Memos. This type of gift highlights their name as well as their love for teaching (by selecting our school days icon — F54).

Teachers not only need feedback from their students, but would appreciate a shared thought from you as well. Think about it, many of us focus on the negative. What a difference it would make to get a little note from a parent expressing gratitude or a kind thought. Maybe you could send a note to the teacher on your personalized stationery. Maybe you have something like our Multitasking Padded Memos that you could pull out of your desk drawer and let them know just how incredible they are.

Though a trip to the spa or a day at the beach might sound like a great treat, let us suggest somethng a bit more simple and thoughtful. Try an evening of reading, writing, and relaxation. Pour yourself a hot cup of tea and instead of grabbing that book you have fallen asleep to every night for the past week, try reading a little history. No...not a history book - your history. Many people have a shoe box or a box of keepsakes buried in the closet or tucked away under the bed. There are a lot of wonderful memories out there in the letters of days gone by. Maybe you'II find that first love letter from your spouse. Perhaps you will find a trinket given to you by Aunt Margaret or you just might even find an old birthday card from a friend that has been separated by many miles.

What an opportunity you would have to share a joyful moment with someone else. Take a little quality time to jot a simple, yet meaningful note on your favorite stationery that you may keep nestled away. Relive those memories with that someone special. You will have had some well deserved time for yourself as well as put a smile on someone else’s face.

Dear Aunt Margaret,

     I thought of you this evening as I stumbled across the locket you gave me for my birthday. The chain is a little small for me all these years later, but I am still thrilled to have it. The picture of you, mom and myself is truly a precious gem! You know, a locket would be a great "just because" gift to share with my daughter.

                                                 Much Love Always,
                                Christine

So, the next time you go looking for a little "me" time, do not hesitate to take a trip down memory lane and maybe even take the time to relive the journey.

You may be close to home, but there is a good chance you have still caught many of these memories in photo. Digital photography has really opened up a new world to the average at- home photographer. Perhaps you have captured the look of satisfaction on the face of your grilling guru. Perhaps you have captured the awe of a little one at their first fireworks display. Maybe you will even capture the element of surprise as dad falls into the lake trying to reel in ‘the big one." We encourage you to not let the everyday be less than extraordinary. If you are looking to celebrate your family, friends, and local adventures consider documenting and sharing your photos. Your personal experiences are worth a thousand words whether faraway or in your own backyard.

American Stationery offers a variety of ways to display your digital images that have certainly become priceless and a treasured commodity. Consider one of the following options for yourself or loved ones; explore our photo book options, create a photo calendar commemorating those special events, or even prepare for the holidays with your favorite photo greeting card.

Fold your letter in half. Place the crease at the bottom and the salutation facing the back of the envelope. You may want to place a flower petal or pressed rose in the letter, or perhaps a picture or other small trinket. Consider a splash of the fragrance you wear. Anything that will let your special person know that you went the extra mile to tell them how much they mean to you. Remember that you can never be too sappy when it comes to a Love Letter. Hand address your letter and seal it with more than a kiss. Consider a wax seal with your monogram or even personalized stickers. Make a special trip to the post office for something other than the basic stamp; something with hearts or a cute animal. Place the stamp on upside down. This traditionally means "I love you". Drop it in the mailbox and you are done!

Taking the extra effort to pen a Love Letter on stationery using a timeless ink, neat handwriting, words and expressions of your feelings and love or perhaps her favorite poem, sending it with a special stamp, wax seal, and spraying the pages with a dab of your favorite cologne will not go unnoticed. She will pull the letter from the mailbox in excitement and anticipation; she could notice the stamp and know that this letter is special. Reading the words you have written on the lovely stationery, she, will likely, smile, laugh, and tear up at how much you love her. She may hold the letter close to her and take in the handsome scent of your cologne, day dreaming of holding you close. Mission accomplished. Your Love Letter will show your darling just how special she is to you, and that is why you are writing the letter in the first place.

Start your letter with terms of endearment. "Dear Jane" is not the lead in for a monumental Love Letter. Consider using a pet name, or simply phrasing it "My sweetest Jane". As with any letter, you will want to state your purpose for writing. Whether your love is far away, you suddenly see your best friend as something more, or the relationship is going well and you cannot keep from bursting at the seams with how much you love this person, start by telling them so. You can be honest and express that you are not sure how to begin or what to say. Mention what the thought of this special person does to you: makes your heart race, ties you up in knots, keeps you awake at night, has you thinking about the future, makes you smile, or frightens you at how much they mean to you so quickly, to name a few. Try to refrain from negatives such as "You must think I am insane" or "I know you do not feel the same". These statements may be true, but a Love Letter is a statement or confession of love. It is not necessarily a correspondence. Be bold, be honest, and be yourself. If you tend to keep things lighthearted and fun you can still include some inside jokes or recollect funny occasions, but do avoid being too casual. This letter should be formally stating your love rather than crafting witty remarks at every line. Your reader should fall deeper in love, not laughter, after reading your words.

The body of your letter should explain why you feel the way you do. Include specific moments when you realized that you loved the person, such as what they were doing and where you were. Recall special times together and memories that you often think of. Try to avoid making lists. While it is acceptable to recount his or her qualities and attributes that you appreciate, you do not want your letter to come off as an inventory of traits. Again, focus on the way the person makes you feel and how they have impacted your life.

If you are a person that cannot express themselves well in writing, there is still another option for you. Consider a different format for your letter. Begin with an adoring greeting and pen the purpose for your letter. From there, you can explain that your words would never fully express how you feel, and state that someone else has done so more adequately than you could. From there you may choose to hand write a poem or prose that reflects your sentiments. It may be written by your lover’s favorite author or just a beautifully articulated sonnet that you wanted to share. Hand writing it out will still reflect the thought and time you have put into this Love Letter. Be sure to credit the author from whom you are borrowing, though.

After detailing your feelings, draw the letter to a close. Try to sum it up in one sentence, the crux of what this person means to you, or close by telling them what writing this letter has allowed you to do, such as "Now I can rest because you finally know how I feel" or "It is so freeing to tell you all that is in my heart". End in a positive, cheerful way. Writing this letter should leave you feeling happy and alive because you are thinking about the one that makes you happy and alive! Be sure to sign your letter with something more than just "Love, John"; you cannot write a letter of love and then close it in such an anticlimactic manner. Consider a "Forever Yours" or "All my love" salutation, something that is heartfelt and meaningful.

Appearance

First impressions are important, whether it is your first date or a Love Letter you are penning. Understand that your Love Letter may become a keepsake that your mate will treasure for years to come. Therefore this should not be something you scribble down on the nearest scrap piece of paper. Start with your stationery. Select a fine piece in ivory or white so that your words will show up clearly. You may choose to use monogrammed or personalized stationery that has your name on it. Opt for something with matching envelopes, as this will be the finishing touch when you send your letter. Next, use a high quality pen. Use black or brown ink. Avoid blue, green, red, or other colors as you want your words to be clear rather than lost in the busyness of a colorful ink. Using a classic pairing of neutral paper and quality ink will allow this message to remain timeless.

Preparation

When you set down to write your words of love, do so with purpose. This is no time for multi-tasking. Block out some time without distraction. Choose a quiet place, like an office, study, or bedroom. You may put on some romantic music or take a look at your favorite picture of your lover before you begin, to help stimulate your thoughts and feelings. Before you begin, be sure to date your letter for posterity’s sake. Pay attention to your penmanship as you write your letter. You want to write neatly and clearly so that the words can be easily understood.

Several years from now your child can look back and read the letters they have received.  Likewise someone else can look back and read the letter that your child wrote. What a fantastic way to remember old friends, grandparents, or relatives. Letter writing leaves a personal record of your child’s past. Inspire your kids to write today so they can leave a written legacy for tomorrow!

To help your child rediscover the art of letter writing, first have them select a handful of people that they would like to start a correspondence with. Depending on the age of the child, you may want to help them with this. Encourage them to write to a variety of people, whether it is a friend from camp, a cousin, a pal that has moved away, or a grandparent. What a great way to get to know a distant family member better and gain insight from an older generation!

To really get a child inspired, select the perfect materials for the correspondence. Consider using personalized stationery. Children’s stationery comes in a variety of colors and themes. There are options for sports fans, little princesses, camouflage, dump trucks, or even just really bright and fun colors. Having a special type of paper and envelopes to use will make this an activity they can hardly wait to begin. When your child sees his or her name on the top of the paper it will make this project definitively set apart from school related writing. You can also select matching stickers, envelopes, or address labels to make letter writing something they will really embrace!

Letter writing should not be a thing in the past! When you delete an email or text message it is gone. A letter can be saved and read later, by you or your great grandchildren. There are countless number of books and great historical insight that has been gained from reading old letters. This is because letters are more reflective. They are personal. Handwritten notes reveal deeper feelings and emotions and are generally thought out. They take longer to write than any electronic correspondence, so they are more introspective than the traditional email. Sadly, some kids do not even contemplate these things outside of the occasional homework assignment.

There is something to be said for patience and waiting. Life is not about getting exactly what you want when you want it. Delayed gratification is a good thing, sometimes. Text messages have provided kids with a way to get answers to questions immediately. Cell phones provide communication regardless of where you are. Letters are a great way to teach patience to children. When you write a letter you do not get an answer instantly. You can go to the mailbox each day in anticipation. Amongst the junk mail and bills there might actually be a note in response. What a feeling to get something good in the mail! They give that feeling of excitement and surprise to someone else when they send a letter. If they get one in response, they get to see their name and address in print. They also get that good feeling of knowing that someone took the time to think of them and sit down and personally pen a letter, in return.

The excitement you feel when you open your mailbox and see a hand addressed envelope with your name on it and it’s not a bill or credit card application. You carry the envelope into your home and carefully turn it over to see if there is a return address and name on it, then you carefully open the back flap to see what is inside or you can be like some and rip it open leaving pieces of envelope on the table. It can be an invitation to your grandchild’s first birthday, a Graduation Open House invitation, Housewarming Party, maybe a Surprise Party invitation. Some you will save the invitation and scrapbook it, put it on the fridge for a reminder and some of you will just put in a drawer for safe keeping to find at a later date and bring a smile.

Don’t get us wrong, we know the convenience of technology and are all for it. However, may we suggest sending out a personalized invitation and then later send an email invitation that is more of a reminder. Like we said there is nothing like opening the mailbox and seeing your name handwritten on the front of an envelope, knowing someone took the time and thought about you.

Glasses are a staple at any party. Whether you are celebrating a graduation, Father’s Day, a summer wedding, or just a barbecue or picnic, select the "Design Your Own Tumblers" to complete your serving needs. Is your company having a corporate picnic or perhaps a sales meeting or banquet for your top clients? Serve up your drinks in these cups. Choose from many ink colors and styles to fit your preference or theme. You can opt for a basic monogram, initials, or your name and design. These cups are durable and the perfect choice for serving your cooling concoctions. Tumblers are available in several sizes, from eight, ten, twelve, fourteen, or sixteen ounce sizes. Offered in both clear and frosted, these cups are personalized and shipped in a matter of days. Make your order now for your party this weekend!

Your calendar year can start on any month you choose. This is a nice tool because you can start the calendar the month a baby was born or if you are giving it as a gift you could start it in May for Mother’s Day or June for Father’s Day, December for a Christmas gift or any other month you prefer.

All elements of your photo calendar are fully customizable. You can use as many images as you like and enhance those images in many ways (fading, black and white, sepia, touch ups, etc). The Digi Lab software allows you to put images on your special dates. For example, you can place a picture in the date box of a loved one’s birthday. You can also type text in any location. The software supports several languages, too. There are 36 optional holiday overlays, designs, and starter templates to help you make your calendar distinct.

The software is easy to use. Simply download and install it to your machine. You have full control of what you want your calendar to be. Select one or two photos for each month. Then use the text boxes to add words (if you prefer) and effects such as special fonts, colors, or angles for your text. Once you have finished adding all your special holidays and birthdays to your calendar, simply save the file. You can come back to it at anytime, or simply place your order and your calendar will ship to you. If you want to create a calendar each year, you can start from your existing saved file. This will save you the time and hassle of having to retype all of those birthdays and special occasions. American Stationery and Digi Labs photo software are the total package. You can download the software for free. Use the software to design your own calendar. If you like what you see, then simply submit your order! Printing is done quickly on the highest quality paper with the finest printing materials and machines. The pricing is competitive, with these photo calendars costing less than most of the other online dealers and popular photo sites. The American Stationery difference: satisfaction is guaranteed!

Photo books are a great keepsake for displaying your most precious pictures and allow you to tell the story even better than just the photo itself can. You can make a photo book for a graduation gift that includes pictures of your graduate over their high school years. You can photo book trips or vacations. Photo books are ideal for wedding albums and honeymoon memories. There is nothing more adorable than a photo book of a new baby! If you have pictures then it can be made into a photo book. Photo books are the perfect gift for loved ones, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, or make one to keep for yourself.

Creating a photo book is so easy and can be done quickly. You can download our Digi Labs photo book software for free. It is compatible with Macs and PCs. The software is fully customizable. You can choose to use a template that lets you pick your favorite photos and will organize them automatically. But with a little more time, you can customize all of it. Choose from dozens of backgrounds and layouts. Make one page one giant picture or choose eight or nine images. It is completely up to you! You select your photos and how you want them in the book; you can even add your own wording. The nice thing about the Digi Labs software is everything is customizable. You can change ink color, font, the number of pictures you want on a page (where as most programs only have a few layouts to choose from) and you can even manipulate the pictures the way you want them by rotating and enlarging or shrinking them down. The words you add can be placed anywhere you want them (as opposed to other programs that only allow for you to type in their pre-determined text box location). If you can envision it you can make it happen in the photo book.

The Digi Labs software allows you to save your photo book. You can start it and add to it over time. For instance, you can begin with the birth of your baby and add pages as he or she grows, finishing with pictures from the first birthday party. The price of each book includes 20 pages (40 front and back), but you can add pages at a small additional cost to expand your book to 40 pages (80 front and back). Once you have created the book you desire, simply submit your order. The highest quality papers, inks, and machines are used to print your finished photo book. Satisfaction is guaranteed!

You cannot miss with a photo book. It is the perfect way to create a lasting collection of your favorite memories. Give them as a gift or make one for yourself; display them on a coffee table for everyone to see or put them back as a keepsake to go back to and reflect on at a later time. These books really are terrific!

The first step is to begin keeping a memo pad on your refrigerator. In doing so, you can keep a running list of anything that you are about out of or need throughout the week. Next, plan your menu using the circular. Your local grocery stores advertise in the circular and based on sale items that week (particularly meats and vegetables) you can determine what you want to prepare for the week ahead. Use a separate memo pad for the menu. You can post this on your refrigerator as well so that you and your family know what to expect for meals. Planning your menu will help you to visualize what food will be eaten. Be sure to include meals out on your menu. This way, you can use leftovers most effectively, instead of throwing it out. Setting your menu will help you to easily determine what you need to pick up at the grocery store. It will reduce the number of trips you make to the store, and in turn help you to reduce your gas prices.

Once you plan your menu you can start writing your grocery list. Peruse your pantry and refrigerator to see what you already have. Make sure any recipes you will be using are out so that you can reference them and write anything you need to prepare them on the grocery list. The grocery list will help you from overbuying on food or making impulse purchases that you don’t need. Write your list. Some people prefer to lump the list by the location in the grocery (i.e. produce, frozen, meat, etc) but this isn’t absolutely necessary. Grocery lists are an asset in today’s economy. They are one easy way to save on food. The key to cutting costs is no further than a memo pad on your refrigerator!

Letter writing lets you be yourself. It gives you an outlet to express who you are. Choose a style, color, and font for your stationery that reflects you. Using this stationery will say more about you than plain old words ever could.

Clever

Practice makes perfect in all aspects of life. Letter writing is no different. The more you write the better you’ll be. If you’re still working on becoming a good writer, practice on your friends and family.

Confident

Keep in mind when writing letters that "it’s not what you say but how you say it." Nothing could be more true when it comes to letter writing. As you write more you will develop a definitive written voice. You might actually find it easier to express yourself through your writing than through speech.

Appreciative

You’ve probably all been told about the importance of thank you notes. Birthday presents, graduation gifts, wedding presents, baby gifts are just a few situations that call for thank you notes. But have you ever considered sending a thank you note for the everyday things you’re grateful for? Try thanking someone for their friendship through the years, or a mentor for their support and encouragement. These unexpected thank- you’s are even more rewarding for you and the recipient than the standard thank you.

Considerate

It’s always a good idea to treat people how you want to be treated. Imagine those rough patches where a little extra encouragement from your friends made all the difference. Do you know any one who’s going through a rough patch? Why note send them a note letting them know you’re thinking about them. You’d be surprised how much comfort, love and strength they’ll get from your small gesture.

Successful

Directly after a job interview you should send the interviewer a sophisticated, professional note thanking them for their time and consideration. Once you’ve landed the job and are starting your climb up the corporate ladder don’t forget to thank the people who have helped you get where you are today. You never know when you’ll need a recommendation or reference, sending them a quick, cordial thank you note will go the extra mile and help keep you in their good graces. So if you do for some reason need a letter of reference from them it will be a good one.

Courteous

In today’s society most people’s idea of manners leaves a lot to be desired. By using handwritten notes to say "thanks,""congratulations," or "you’re invited" you’ll be a stunning example of perfect etiquette and common courtesy. The recipient of your hand written note will appreciate the thoughtfulness of your gesture.

Well-Liked

We live in a technologically advanced world where c-invites and phone calls are the norm when inviting people over. By using hand written invitations you give off an air of preparedness and style. Your guests will have a hard time turning down a handwritten invitation. Your event will also be hard to forget since they have the invitation as a physical reminder of your party.

Joyful

Don’t forget the old saying "Give and you shall receive." Start a tradition among your friends where you write letters back and forth. The letters don’t have to be just about special occasions; they can also be about everyday happenings. Seeing a handwritten note from a friend in their mailbox will lift their spirits and make their day a little better. You can also keep the letters as a keepsake of your friendship and shared experiences.

Proud

Letters are the perfect way to share all sorts of happy news. Write a quick note to keep the important people in your life up to date with your achievements, like moving, having a baby, getting married, changing jobs, or graduating.

Write a letter to a soldier.

Why not do your patriotic duty and play a part in history? Why not become a pen pal to a military person overseas. A letter from you may be the only mail they get to remind them of home and who knows, you’re letter might be the only thing keeping them going in the dark world they’re in. There are websites you can join like Soldier’s Angels that will set you up with your pen pal.

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.

Have you ever read a newspaper article that just really caught your attention? Don’t keep your feelings to yourself anymore. Write a letter expressing how the article made you feel and it could end up in the paper, too. There is some required information though when writing a letter to the editor. You’ll need to include your full name, home address and telephone number for verification purposes. Visit your newspaper’s website to get the editor’s contact information.

Write a letter to an important teacher.

Chances are there you had a teacher that really made an impact on your life. Why not let them know just what they meant to you? You can usually get their contact information from their school.

Write a thank you note for a random act of kindness.

You write thank you notes for the big events in life, why let the little things go unnoticed? Each random act of kindness deserves another and writing a thank you letter is just that. Why not write a thank you note to the neighbor who fed your dog while you were on vacation or to the coworker who always makes the coffee in the morning?

Write a recommendation letter.

There is someone in every group who is doing miraculous things and going unnoticed for them. Why not bring the appropriate attention to that person by writing a letter saying how great they are doing and sending it to the proper leadership.

Write a letter to your hero.

Your hero can be anyone from your mom to your favorite sports player. Write a letter letting them know what you admire most about them. Send the letter to their fan club, home address or hang it on your wall to remind you of the type of person you want to be.

Write a love letter.

Everyone has love in their life, whether it is your spouse, your dog or your favorite food. Why not let that special love know just how you feel?

Write clearly.
This tip isn’t just about grammar. We also mean penmanship. When you write a letter you need to use decent handwriting. For some of you this might be asking a lot, but at least try. Proper grammar is also important when writing a letter. Try to avoid spelling errors. Nice handwriting and proper grammar not only makes the letter easier to read, it makes it look nice too.

Get personal.
You don’t have to write about all the intimate details of your daily life, but there’s nothing worse than getting a letter that seems like it was written and then copied for a group of people. You want your letters to be personal to each recipient not like a form letter for a whole bunch of people. The more connections you make between your life and the readers life the better.

Encourage a response.
Obviously the easiest way to go about this is to actually ask the reader to write back. A discreet way of doing this is to include your return address somewhere in either in the letter. This way the recipient can respond when they want to.

Write on eye-catching stationery.
Don’t misunderstand this tip. You don’t actually have to have a whole collection of colorful paper and professional stationery to write your letters on, although we have plenty to choose from if that’s what you want to do. The important thing is that you use good quality, attractive paper that reflects your personality and style. If you write on a crumpled, stained piece of paper then just think of what that says to the recipient. It’s simple really: your paper, your style.

Put thought into the paper.

Important business letters shouldn’t be written on just any note card. At the same time you probably shouldn’t write a letter of condolence on business stationery. Think about what kind of letter you’re writing and then pick the paper accordingly.

Stay alert.

When writing your letter stay focused on what you want to say and what you want to happen once the letter has been read.

Take a step back.

If while writing your letter you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed with emotion take a step back, take a break. Come back to your letter in a few hours once you’ve cleared your head and read it to make sure it says what you actually wanted it to say. Now that you’ve got a clear head you might notice a few things you’d like to change.

Get technical.

You’re computer has a spelling and grammar check for a reason. Don’t be afraid to use them. Type up a rough draft of your letter on the computer and use the grammar tools to help edit your letter. Then write out your final draft. This can be extremely helpful when writing business letters.

Produce a perfect ending.

Remember that the last things you say in the letter are the last ones the reader will read. More often than not, they’re also the things the reader remembers most about your letter. Be sure to end the letter with a positive tone, either by expressing thanks, gratitude, admiration, or affection. Whichever way you choose to end your letter be sure to end it politely.

Every playful youngster gets tuckered at some point. Let them rest their sleepy little heads on a personalized pillow case! Choose from customized screen printed names in pastel rainbow colors, handsome blues and greens, or choose from our character prints which accent the name with images of puppies, kittens, or sports balls. There are so many options and each is sure to please! These are great at home but also make a nice choice for traveling, heading off to camp, or just group sleepovers; since the personalization is built right in there is no need to label a pillow or worry about mistakenly switching it with someone else.

Teens and tweens can be difficult to buy for. Consider our special door hanger or pillow case designs geared toward that slightly older kid that wants to decorate their space in a unique way. The "Uptown Girls" design features some savvy girls decked out in their trendy clothes and jewelry. They are looking pretty in pinks, ready to take on the mall, or give their friends a call on the phone. This look is a great idea for that girl that seems to be growing up so quickly. For the guys, consider our "Skateboard" design. These images feature a bright blue backdrop with pyrotechnic colors and some skaters nailing tricks and hitting jumps on their boards. The door hanger cautions all who enter that this space belongs to one cool dude.

Look no further than the American Stationery Company for great personalized gifts for children of all ages!

A child’s bedroom is their haven. It can be a castle or a fort one minute, and a peaceful place to lay a sleepy head the next. Let them proudly place their name in their room with a decorative sign, personalized pillow case, or door hanger.

The Ballerina sign features two sets of pretty pink ballerina shoes, a light pink pin stripe back ground and your tot’s name as the center of attention for this design. It is the perfect choice for your tiny dancer.

For your beautiful princess, select the Princess sign design. The customized name is set on a pretty pink crown, bookended by a stately horse drawn carriage. Whether she’s the belle of the ball or playfully dreams of being a little princess, this sign will let everyone know that this regal room is hers.

For the sports nut, consider the Sports room sign. Soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, baseball, and football equipment adorn this handsome sign. This is a great choice for that active little one in your life!

Maybe your child’s room is always a work zone. Whether he or she loves cars and construction or tends to keep things slightly messy like a work area, this Construction sign is a great look. This sign features bright yellow caution tape, orange cones, dump trucks, men with hard hats, and road work, setting the tone for your little builder’s name above a road sign marking their room.

Each sign is made of pressed wood with a glossy finish. They are built to last and come ready to hang with included hardware. These signs make great gifts for kids and allow them to decorate their room and put their own personalized touch on it with, what else, but their name!

The billiards sign is green, just like a classic table complete with cue sticks, a beer, and an up close shot of the brightly colored billiard bails, racked and ready to break. Add a year (as an established date) and name to the sign and your gift is ready to give to your favorite pool shark.

For the poker fan, select this poker lounge sign. Just like the cards themselves, the lounge sign is done in brilliant red and black, complete with four of a kind aces and stacks of chips to accent the personalized lounge name. Go "all in" and give this gift to your favorite poker player.

For the person that loves a dip in the pool or just wishes to be whisked away to paradise, the tiki hut sign is a great choice. It looks great in a pool house, outdoor bar, or patio area! The sign reflects the relaxing island life with a beautiful sunset, crashing waves, surfboard and deliciously refreshing frozen concoction (complete with mini umbrella) positioned above the customized name. What a treat to recreate an oasis at home!

The old Irish pub design is a classic look for any home bar or recreation area. The perfect gift for that person of Irish descent, this pub sign features a weathered wood grain backdrop, clover, and stein of beer. Personalized with an established year and name, this sign also features an Irish saying: "May your pot of gold always be filled to the brim, and your beer stein also."

For the traditional bar look, choose the tavern sign. The simple brick design with the words: "It’s always 5:00 pm" and "Family owned and operated" arc a nice accent to your personalized tavern name. This is, again, a great choice for a game room, wet bar, kitchen, or den.

For a touch of elegance and class, turn your wine cellar, kitchen, or wet bar into a personalized winery with the Red Wine Sign! A picture of a wine bottle and glass of port, with a Tuscan landscape backdrop are the highlight of this piece. Framed in a faux aged, vintage wine label border, your customized winery name is scripted at the top. What a fine looking sign for the wine connoisseur in your life!

We hope these new offerings from the American Stationery Company are exactly what you have been looking to give as a gift for the person that seems to have everything. We are proud to offer quality paper products and so much more!

Though stationery is the first thing that comes to mind for an item that can be personalized, customized gifts actually come in a variety of options. The American Stationery Company has several new arrivals to their catalog.

Candles are an incredibly versatile gift, no matter what the occasion. Take it up a notch and give a personalized candle gift. Made of one hundred percent palm wax, our candles burn nearly soot free. Both natural and biodegradable, they are infused with pure plant based oils for a clean, neutral scent. Offered in a pleasing champagne color, this candle will look good in any room, regardless of decor. The candle comes in two sizes: a three inch square pillar and a four inch square pillar. You can customize two to three lines or opt for a trendy monogram with the recipient’s initials. The personalization is deeply carved into the side of the candle in the font you choose.

Another new product offered is the personalized spa soap sets. Select a handsome monogram or three lines of print, these soap bars are a unique gift! Crafted fresh in Vermont and triple milled for extra rich lather, this bath essential is the perfect choice for a spa gift set or basket. Consider this option, too, for the individual that often entertains company, as these custom soaps would look lovely in a guest bathroom. The water based bar is gentle on the skin and the warm white color will fit in with any color scheme.

The USPS has established a standard addressing plan for all domestic mail. Many will of course recognize this as:

Name	Name	Name
Street Number	P.O. Box	Rural Delivery
City, State  Zip Code	City, State  Zip Code	City, State  Zip Code

In order to make Military Mail conform to this standard, several thing were created. These were:

Three Military "States":

AA stands for Armed Forces (the) Americas
AE stands for Armed Forces Europe
AP stands for Armed Forces Pacific

Two "City" equivalents:

APO stands for Army Post Office
FPO stands for Fleet Post Office

A typical Overseas Military address looks like this:

Name
Postal Service Center - Identifier
APO, AE ZIP

Or

Name
Postal Service Center - Identifier
FPO, AP ZIP

Now when you receive that overseas Military address from you son, daughter, grandchild. niece. nephew or friend you will understand what the abbreviations stand for and the mystery is gone.

Thank you to all of our brave men and women, past and present, who are serving or who have served our country.

Common Sense

Common sense is the basis of etiquette. For example, when you’re writing an invitation you need to include the essential information if your want your guests to actually come to the party. They need to know the specifics, like time, date, and location. An invitation, if worded properly, includes all that information and announces it in a way that is to the point and easy to understand. The rules of etiquette are there to help you accomplish just that.

Civility

When civility is used, relationships are strengthened and become more rewarding. It requires us to be more understanding of others. The guidelines of etiquette might not always seem proper. If the guidelines you’re trying to use seem like they might offend someone, let civility take over. Find a way to be proper in your actions and wording that also takes the unique audience and situations into account, since the last thing you want to do is offend a loved one.

Practice

The third idea is practice. The old adage, "practice makes perfect," has certainly proven true in your life, so why not in your use of etiquette. By practicing, you make proper etiquette more common and people who do not use etiquette in their correspondence may indeed take up the practice as well. Practice also helps you take an etiquette guideline that civility says disagrees with your situation and vary it to fit without doing extra research.

• Ladies day out
  Our Pastel Border Note Assortment is the perfect note card to use when organizing a Ladies’ Day.
• Father/son go if outing
  Your guys will be the talk of the green when you use our "Hole in One" Correspondence Cards to announce tee time.
• Prayer Group
  Our Golden Cross Cards are the perfect way to let people know when the next meeting is.
• Dinner with extended family members
  Why not invite the family over for dinner, you have to cook any way right? They’ll be happy to come when they receive your invitation in the mail when it’s written on our Favorite Hand Bordered Notes.
• Children ‘s play dates
  Our Swizzle Notes are the perfect way to invite friends to a day at the park.
• Beach Trips
  Our Starfish correspondence cards are a great way to invite friends and family to a day of fun and sun at the beach.
• Movie Night
  For an invitation to movie night any blank note card will do, but why not do it with style and use our Jet Black Hand Bordered Correspondence Cards. Be sure to remember the popcorn!
• Game Night
  Impress even the biggest game enthusiast with an invitation written on our "Cards, Anyone?’ Cards.
• Book Club
  Our Bibliophile Correspondence Cards are perfect for book club meeting reminders.
• Going Away Parties
  Use our Bon Voyage! Correspondence Cards for invitations to any farewell party.

Last minute dinner invitations

Just because the dinner party is last minute doesn’t mean you should call people to invite them. Phone calls not only take up a lot of time, but it also makes your friends feel obligated to make a decision right then. Sending invitations frees up some time for you and it gives your friends some time to decide. Don’t send emails either. Put your blank note cards to use and write a quick "invitation". Here are some tips to help you turn your note cards into inviting invitations:

• Casual and simple
  "Stop by next Saturday for a cookout. Burgers, drinks, and games are on us. Plan on eating around 6:30 and feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Be sure to bring big appetites, music, and good sports!"
• A more formal event
  "Please join us for a Sunday morning brunch complete with champagne mimosas. Coffee, tea and a variety of delicious treats! Sunday February 22 at 10:00 am to 12:30 at Jessica’s house. Please let me know if you plan on coming.
• Extra uses for your blank note cards
  Write out the menu for the meal and put a few copies on each table.
  Write individual place cards for each person to make a seating arrangement.
  Make tags for the food on the buffet so the guests know what’s what.

Belated Birthday Cards

There’s nothing worse than forgetting someone’s birthday. Why make a trip to the store and make the card any later than it has to be? Use one of the blank note cards you have on hand and get it sent that much sooner. Here’s an idea for writing a birthday greeting that will help them forget it’s late:

Happy Belated Birthday Leah! I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there to help you celebrate the big day. Sorry this note didn’t quite make it in time either. I hope you had a great day and I wish you lots of happiness in the year to come. You deserve it! Lots of love as you begin your 27th year. Let’s get together soon to celebrate!

Love, Jessica

Not understanding how to use punctuation symbols in sentences is another of the common mistakes in letter writing. Placing unnecessary commas in sentences can confuse and irritate readers. Punctuation symbols used incorrectly can change the tone and message of your letter in unintended ways. Learn how to use punctuation correctly.

Let the run-on-sentence not be forgotten as one of the common mistakes in letter writing. Many people struggle with when to stop a train of thought or how to properly punctuate a compound sentence (really two complete sentences in one). It can be agonizing trying to determine the perfect spot to end a sentence with a period, and thus begin a new one -- or where to place a comma, or when to use a semi-colon instead. For the average writer, it is best to read your sentence aloud. This is often the most helpful tool for determining where one sentence needs to end and another begin.

Unintentionally focusing your letter more on yourself and not on the letter recipient is another of the common mistakes in letter writing. Be stingy about using "I" in your letters except where necessary in the context of a particular sentence or paragraph. "You" places the focus where it should be -- on the letter recipient. Use this word as often as possible in the natural flow of your letters.

Wordiness is another of the common mistakes in letter writing. Most of us are very busy people. We do not want to have to spend a lot of time reading something that is ripe with unnecessary wordage cloaked around the real message contained in the letter. The shortest path to what you want a reader to know by reading your letter is always the best path. Pay attention to coherence as well. People do not want to read a letter that is all over the map. There needs to be a sensible and sequential flow of ideas and points made in your letters.

Look for these common writing mistakes in your letters, and fix them before they leave your home or office.

You may be familiar with many of the following common mistakes in letter writing, that's what makes them "common"! It is not the end of the world; avoiding these errors, however, should help you to communicate your message more clearly and avoid unnecessary embarrassment at the same time. By proofreading, you can fix the mistakes you find and no one else has to know that they were in your original draft.

Some proponents of online mail and instant messaging would prefer to relegate the practice of letter writing to the history shelves. The art of letter writing is actually not in decline. Many people still use this technique to attract attention and add personality and style to their messages. Handwritten communications are much more personable than computer and other technological mediums. Technology cannot duplicate the uniqueness of handwritten expression.

One common mistake to avoid is the use of impersonal or generic salutations. Dear Sir or Madam, or the famous To Whom It May Concern, in place of a name is not the best writing strategy. Many times, a generic salutation leads the recipient to not even read the letter or to take it less seriously. It is always best to ask peers, research the company profile through the internet, or do whatever you can to find out the name of the person to whom you are writing the letter so that you can greet them properly. There will inevitably be times (the fewest as possible is best) that the most diligent searching will not provide you with a name, and you will have to use this most impersonal greeting in writing your letter.

Another of the common mistakes in letter writing happens because too many people trust the "all clear" that spellchecking programs are prone to give, despite errors that can be clearly seen and also heard when read aloud, when you bother to proofread your letters. Spellcheckers should be your first line of defense as you are writing your letter. However, you should back this up by looking your letter over yourself after you have finished the first draft.

Similar to the muscles of your body, the brain needs lots of regular exercise for optimal functioning and long-term health. Writing stimulates your neural activity. A byproduct of stimulation to the brain is the production and release of natural chemicals your brain and body need in order to function properly. These hormones are also responsible for producing feelings of happiness, contentment, pleasure, excitement, love, and other "feel-good" emotions.

Challenging yourself with various writing drills exercises the brain and mind. The psychological benefits of this include increased comprehension, memory, retention of information and decision-making skills. Keeping your mind "fit" in the present provides more benefits in the future as well. Scientific studies have shown that some older adults demonstrate higher rates of memory recall and mental acuity well into their advanced years via practicing brain-stimulating exercise such as writing and writing drills.

There is also documented and anecdotal evidence about the psychological benefits of writing as observed in clinical settings. A reduction in the risks for developing depression and other physiological disorders is a benefit of writing which has broad implications. Stable moods assist people to better relate with others and to improve their relationships. Having a positive outlook on life leads others into trying new things and achieving their life goals. People who do not actively suffer from depressive and other psychological disorders generally live longer and more fulfilled lives than those who do. Writing can help you to lift yourself out of the doldrums before it can take over your life and become a major issue.

Writing improves your mood and mental health in a variety of great ways. Get out paper and pen, or open a new file and begin writing. Enjoy all that writing has to offer in your life.

The human mind can become overwhelmed and thinking befuddled when presented with massive amounts of information. Stress may escalate especially when all that information is coming into the brain at a fast pace. This kind of pressure causes the majority of the misunderstandings and mistakes that people experience. Your brain is not just receiving information from outside sources. Your mind is constantly creating new information (ideas and perceptions) for your brain to process as well. We are not always consciously aware of this. However, even in sleep, our minds are at work creatively. Whether this information is coming from outside or inside the brain, it also produces feelings, and the brain must process these new feelings. It is therefore understandable why people become confused, lose focus, or have difficulty making decisions with all this activity going on.

Writing has the psychological benefit of "releasing" information onto paper or into a computer document. This frees up "space" so that your brain and mind can perform the processing of new information, and corresponding perceptions, thoughts, and feelings, without becoming overwhelmed.

By writing down some of what is swimming around in your head, you can get a clearer picture of what information you have and what you might be able to do with it. Writing enables you to take tidbits of ideas and inklings of possibilities and turn them into clear- cut goals with a definite direction from which to launch efforts towards successful fruition. Being clear on what you need to do helps raise performance level, and maintain the motivation to continue with projects to the finish. It is easy to see how this could be beneficial in your personal life as well as at work.

A surge in confidence, self-esteem, and sense of accomplishment are all psychological benefits which are possible through writing. Experiencing these positive emotions is akin to writing your own prescription for success. People with high levels of confidence, self- esteem, and the ability to accomplish things have greater happiness or overall satisfaction than those who do not experience these important emotions.

Decorative stationery for social use really lets you express your personality more than what is generally acceptable to display in business, and to make a variety of statements to suit your every mood. You can choose from funky, contemporary, classic, and humorous designs with personalization of your choosing. You can find affordable, quality-made personalized stationery in such a wide assortment that you never have to use the same stationery twice for different occasions unless you choose to do so. Each style or design makes a statement of its own and choosing one over another is simply a matter of the message you wish to send at the time.

Can decorative paper, which is what stationery essentially is, make a statement for you? Do the personalized designs you have chosen for your stationery really “speak” to others or do they only speak to you? Personalized stationery can make any number of statements. Because personalized stationery makes a statement whether intentional or unintentional, it is wise to think about what statement or statements you hope to send others. The words you write on your stationery are not the only “conveyors” of your message.

Define Your Identity

To the contrary, personalized stationery says a lot. Personalized business stationery for instance, relays to others that you are a confident and successful businessperson. It can illustrate that you are a detail-oriented professional. Conveying an image of confidence, attention to detail, professionalism, and geared toward success, combines to be very attractive in business.

With personalized stationery you can also make a number of statements about yourself among your family, friends, and social contacts. Your personalized stationery may tell others whether you have a somewhat whimsical or very serious personality. Alternatively, it may tell them that your personality falls somewhere in-between the two. Perhaps you are even of the personality that you want to keep them guessing about what your real personality type is. Trust me; there is a personalized stationery choice just for that.

Do not be fearful of letting personalized stationery make statements about your personality, tastes, and business aptitudes. Self-expression can be very liberating and satisfying. From a personal and career standpoint, finding and using as many effective ways possible to acquaint others with whom you are and what makes you tick is a great decision. Put your best and positive self out there so that the people that matter in your world can get to know you better. Make positive statements about yourself with personalized stationery, and chances are very good the results you get back will also be positive.

Cell phones, texting and email technology has not eliminated the need for handwritten letters and invitations. In fact, sending messages via fun and unusual paper designs is becoming more popular than ever. Many people recognize the value of a solid piece of paper. If you have not shopped for stationery in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised with the great variety of personalities and messages you can express with today’s personalized stationery.

Project Your Business Image

For personalized business stationery, stick with a crisp, smart-looking design to make a solid statement about your high level of professionalism to those who receive business letters and other paper communications from you. Some stationery suppliers also provide an electronic template matching your personalized business stationery, so you can send messages to business contacts through the internet while maintaining your branding image. This can be far better than the ordinary and boring design of typical email messages. Smart business professionals use personalized business stationery because they know it makes an influential statement about them to those they work with or desire to work with.

Personalized business stationery should exhibit a subtle and professional design in order to send the right messages. Nevertheless, that does not mean that you cannot add some “personality” to your business stationery. Create a snazzy company logo or pay a professional designer to create one for you. A logo is an acceptable way to add some eye- catching flavor to your business stationery while still keeping it looking professional and business-like. So go ahead and make a statement with personalized business stationery.

Send announcements, write thank yous, or send general notes using our sweet pastel hand bordered notes. 

The hot pink hand bordered notes are an especially fun and modern way to communicate with friends and family on behalf of your little girl.

Kids

Even if your little one isn't talking or writing on his own yet, you can help him start communicating in style!  Stationery personalized for kids is a great option for hand-writen birthday present thank-you notes and more.

Kids Critter Notes come with your child's name and favorite animal. Optional printed envelopes are also available to help encourage your little writer to drop his masterpiece in the mail.

The geometric notes are a colorful and popular option for young writers of all ages

Teens

Teen stationery should be fun AND functional.  Custom notes and envelopes allow teens to express who they are in a sophisticated (but not stuffy) way.

One great option for teens is the friendly, personal notes, which provide a crisp yet casual look.

Fashion-foward gals will go ga-ga over glamorous, personalized cards and retro girls cards

For the bolder teenage, polka dots or curls and swirls might really be her style.

The light-hearted graduation notes are a great way for graduates of all ages to send thank yous, invitations to parties, and announcements

Looking for the perfect accessory to top of your place setting? Our Textured Guest Towels and Napkins are ideal when hosting a dinner party or brunch. These luxurious and absorbent guest towels and napkins are a great addition to any table or bathroom. The napkins and towels can be personalized in many ink colors and a block, script monogram or a single initial and name.

Our Design Your Own Cocktail Napkins are another great option for napkins that can be used for any occasion. The napkins measure 4 ¼" x 4 ¼" and can be printed in several different colors. Best of all you can choose a design icon that is best for you and with over 50 icons to choose from you are sure to find the perfect one. If you prefer a monogram to an icon you are free to choose that as well.

As mentioned before American Stationery offers sever napkins for holiday use. For Halloween there are napkins featuring ghosts, pumpkins and even black cats. We have napkins to put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving feast that feature acorns or cornucopias. If you have that Christmas spirit and want to show it we have Christmas napkins as well featuring snow flakes or Santa’s red sleigh. Our Holiday Napkins offer almost 20 different holiday icons to choose from. There are even Valentine’s Day Napkins for those romantic dinners at home.

The team at American Stationery is confident that we’ll have just what you are looking for. However, if we don’t happen to have just the thing you need please check back often. The designers here at American Stationery are always designing new product for our collection.

• Don't send a thank you email.  This is really too impersonal.  It shows that you didn't want to take the time or effort to write an actual thank you.
• Don't write, "Thanks for the gift.  It was great!"  You should always mention the gift when writing a thank you.  That way the giver knows that you know which gift was from them.
• Don't use pencil.  Pencil is temporary and often times messy.  Use black or blue ink.
• Don't type your thank you.  Again, this is too impersonal.  You should hand write the thank you using ink.
• Don't mention dollar amounts.  It is tacky to thank she person for the $40 they sent.  Instead say, "Thank you for your generous gifts.  It was really appreciated."

1. Greet the Gift Giver
   How formal you want to be here will depend on your relationship with the person as well as the message you want to convey.  You don't have to start addressing your sister as "To My Dear Ms. Emily Kate Witherspoon" just because you are thanking her for a lavish birthday gift.  On the other hand, if you want to show respect to your great Aunt Beatrice by following traditional etiquette, you might not want to scribble "Hey Aunt Bea."  Follow the path that feels right to you...just make sure to mention the gift giver by name.
   
   
2. Say Thanks
   This seems like it would be the easy part, but for some reason it's usually not that simple.  Don't get stuck...just say it!  If "thank you for the pretty bouquet of flowers" sounds like an overly simple sentence to you, it's because it is...and that's what makes it so perfect.  The point of your note is to acknowledge that you received the gift and to express your thanks.  Stick to the point. 
   If you received cash as a gift, never mention the monetary amount.  Use words like "generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness" in place of a dollar sign.  "Your generosity is appreciated" trumps" Thanks for the 20 bucks"
   
   
3. Explain Why or How the Gift is Special
   Now you should tell the person how you'll put the gift to use.  "The roses smell lovely and the bright colors are really lifting my spirits during the cold winter season."  Stuck on the money issue again?  Try explaining why their generosity is appropriate at this time.  For example, "I'll be thinking of you when we put it toward our long-awaited vacation next month.
   You should have some fun here, and get personal and descriptive if you want, but keep it honest.  Telling your Aunt Bea that "I literally have not taken off this sweater and matching hat since the day they arrived two weeks ago" seems less than sincere.
   
   
4. Reflect on the Past and Look Ahead to the Future
   This is a nice touch because it makes the recipient feel that they are a part of your life.  As a guide, think about why or when the gift was given and think about when you'll see the gift giver next.  "It was wonderful to see you at our wedding.  I'm looking forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving."  Writing to someone you barely know or rarely see?  Try something like "It was so nice of you to think of me.  I hope all is well with you and that we cross paths soon."
   
   
5. Say it Again
   Drive the point home by saying "Thanks" one more time.
   
   
6. Sign-off
   Give your regards and sign your name.

1. Write it ASAP
   It's never too early to thank someone for his or her professional help, or for loyal and continued business.  If you are thanking someone for a job interview, you should mail the letter within 24 hours.
   
   
2. Address the recipient by name
   Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person, and refer to him or her again by name and/or title within the body of the letter.  If you can, refer to specific experiences or instances the person will remember.  You don't want the letter to sound like a generic form you send to anybody and everybody.
   
   
3. Use quality stationery
   E-mail has become increasingly acceptable in our society, but if you want to stand out from the crown, a hand-written note is the way to go.  Customized stationery or letterhead lends itself to the professional and memorable image you want to portray.
   
   
4. Get to the point.
   Thank the person for their time, advice, or business.  Do not be overly dramatic or make grand gestures or promises you can't keep.  You want to be sincere and succinct.
   
   
5. Proofread!
   There are few things more unprofessional or annoying than common grammatical errors.  Typos send the message that you are careless and unprofessional.  If you need to, type a draft of your letter in a word processor to check for spelling and grammatical errors

Of course professional letters should be just that. . . professional. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t be personal. Try to insert some personality into you letter by making a connection with the recipient in some way. Have you met this person? You can open by saying "It was so nice to meet you at last week’s reception." Do you have something in common or a shared interest? Mention it! Especially if you have interviewed or conferenced with this person, it will serve you well to mention a specific aspect of your conversations. It will likely peak the interest, or at least stir a memory in the reader, which will hold their attention...your ultimate goal.

Extra Advice for Business Correspondence

Here are a few extra tips to help you communicate effectively:

Common Abbreviations and Their Meanings:

ASAP - As soon as possible
Enc - Enclosure (indicated that there is an attachment)
Cc - Carbon copy (indicates other recipients of the letter)
PS - Postscript (any "afterthoughts" added after the signature)
PTO - Please turn over
RSVP - Please reply (from the French "répondez, s’il vous plait")
RE - Regarding (lets the reader know why you are writing)

What if I Don’t Know to Whom I am Writing?

In all cases, it’s always best to address the letter to an actual person, so do your best to gather the name of the hiring manager or office manager or whomever you need to contact (check the company web site or call the office to gather this information). If it’s not possible to secure a name, try any of the following (less personal) salutations:

To Whom it May Concern:
Dear Sir or Madam:
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Miss, Ms or Mrs?

Miss - addressing an unmarried woman (rarely used today. Ms is "safer")
Ms - addressing a woman whose marital status you don’t know
Mrs - addressing a married woman

Finding out someone’s official title may actually take a little research on your part, but it will be well worth the effort. First, find out whether the person uses an official title (Dr. for example). Without this important sign of respect, you’ll run the risk of insulting your reader before she has even begun reading. After the greeting or salutation, place a colon before skipping a line and beginning your business letter.

2. Do Present Yourself Well With Professional Stationery

Business letters, cover letters, and professional letters of all types are often your first and only chance to make a great impression. In the same way that you would wear your nicest, most professional attire to an interview or important meeting, you should put your best foot forward with high-quality, professional business stationery that it is a reflection of you and your business.

3. Do make your intentions clear

Especially when dealing with busy professionals, it’s important to be specific and candid about what you want. It’s even more important that you get to the point within the first few sentences. Studies show that readers simply lose interest if the intent or meaning of a letter is not made explicitly clear within the first paragraph. Keep the concentration on what you are trying to say and/or what you want to happen after the recipient has read the letter. In most cases, you should leave the reader with a specific follow-up action (i.e. "I will call your office next week to follow up on this matter," or "I look forward to your response").

4. Do Proofread

The spell-check and grammar functions on our computers have helped us, but hinder us at the same time. There is no "auto-correct" on a hand-written letter, so you’ll have to become your own editor! One great idea is to type your letter using your word processor to check for any mistakes before putting your pen to paper. There are also multiple web sites that will allow you to check your spelling and grammar. But, the most important advice we can give is to read and re-read your letter, than read it again before sending it. Often, we can’t see our own mistakes, so it’s important to "walk away" for a while before coming back and editing your work, or you can give your letter to a friend or colleague to edit. It’s important to send your letter in a timely matter, but it’s more important that any errors, misspellings, or typos don’t reflect poorly on you or distract from your important message.

Just by reaching out to a friend in an "old-fashioned letter," you’re making a stylish statement. Why not start an entire string of hand-written communication? We bet you’ll love the feeling of finding a beautiful, meaningful hand-written note in your mailbox among all those bills and junk mail! The most obvious way to encourage ongoing correspondence is to explicitly ask the reader to write you back. You should also consider including your return address on your letter itself so the recipient can write a return note if they wish, even long after the envelope has been tossed in the trash.

5. Do Make A Memorable Exit

Don’t sign your letter and seal the envelope unless you’ve said adieu in an unforgettable way. Some trusty standbys are: "Love," "Best wishes," "Sincerely," "Very Sincerely," "Cordially," and "Gratefully" But, you are free to get as creative as you want. Here are a few examples of inspired ways to sign-off: "all the best," "ciao," "see you soon," "love always," "fondly," and "cheers!"

Extra Advice for Social Correspondence

Here are a few extra tips to help you communicate effectively:

Everyday Is A Reason To Write

Most people receive letters on birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other happy occasions. But, what about all those other everyday events and accomplishments that are worth sharing and celebrating? When we hear "Holidays Cards," why not think of New Years, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July as well as Christmas and Hanukkah? Any time you think of a loved one or friend is reason enough to write and let them know they are loved.

Save the Date

Hand-written letters often become saved mementos of friendships, experiences, or happy memories. Imagine that your recipient may want to save this "piece of you" and pull it out someday for comfort, happiness, or just for sentimentality. By dating your letter in the upper right corner, you can put a timestamp on this timeless memento.

Have Fun!

The main reasons many people shy away from letter writing is because it takes some time, it takes some effort, and it seems somewhat "serious." We encourage you to break away from these bonds and just have fun with your letter writing. A great first step is to find some fun, unique, carefree stationery.

Think about your stationery as the blank "canvas" on which you get to create something timeless and completely original. Along the same lines of putting your best foot forward and making great first impressions, stylish, high-quality paper makes a statement before your recipient even begins reading. The style of stationery matters, too. Rarely would you want to write a condolence letter on business stationery, or a love note on a "Thank You" card. Consider the color, weight, quality, and size of the paper as those qualities can convey a surprising amount of emotion and meaning. Browse our complete collection of personal stationery here: http://www.americanstationerv.com.

2. Do Address Your "Audience"

It’s important to address your recipient by his or her name (or nickname) to establish a sense of personal connection. Of course, the title and greeting you choose to use will depend on your relationship with the recipient, as well as the tone and level of formality you want to establish in the letter. The most common greeting is "Dear," but a less formal "Hi,""Hello,""My Friend," or even "Hey" is a perfectly acceptable opening line for a friendly letter. For our guide to more professional or formal letters, see the Top Ten Dos and Don’ts of Business Letter Writing.

3. Do Get To The Point

A concise, thoughtful letter actually takes longer to compose because the writer has to put some thought into what you really want to say. There is no "backspace" button on your pen, and there is a limited amount of physical space on which you get to write. Written letters are not as conversational as phone calls, not as succinct as texts and not as unrestrained as emails. We recommend jotting down the main ideas, news, and thoughts you want to share with your reader before actually putting pen to paper. From your list of notes, you’ll be able to craft a friendly letter that successfully says what you want it to say.

Mark Twain effectively and famously summed up the importance of devoting care, thought, and time in order to communicate succinctly and efficiently. In this era of informal emails and casual text messages, many of us have lost that natural "knack" for communicating in a genuine, heartfelt, and meaningful way. Letter writing is becoming more than just a "disappearing art form," as it’s recently been labeled, It’s also an important tradition and a practice worth preserving.. .for good reason! Letter writing can be a great way to communicate, to reconnect, and to build relationships. And, as Mark Twain reminds us, it shouldn’t always be about communicating quickly or even extensively rambling about the little details, but about communicating meaningfully. Whether you are a consistent letter-writer, or just learning the tricks of the trade, here are our top tips to help you craft beautiful correspondence and say what you want to say; be it in a friendly casual note or a flawless professional letter.  Over the next several days we will be posting articles with tips for writing both social and business letters.

Retirement parties are both happy and sad. They are the end of a career, but the beginning of a new life. People who have worked together for a while become acquaintances and then friends. These relationships are special and though friendships can continue, they will be different than they were when you were working alongside someone. Leaving a familiar place and starting a new life can be challenging. A retirement party celebrates this challenge, remembering the past and looking ahead to the future. Your focus will want to be not only on the time that was spent at the company, but the opportunity that is on the horizon.

The retirement party should be a celebration of the person retiring as well as his or her family. Careers affect the spouse and children significantly, and the future will almost always involve more time with loved ones. Most parties involve toasts of the retiree, photos and stories of past milestones or accomplishments, and gift giving. Retirement parties can be a surprise or a pre-planned event. They are the best way to allow everyone the opportunity to express their appreciation for all that the retiree has done and wish them well for the future.

As with any party, you will certainly want to select the perfect invitation. You can select something classic and simple or an invitation with images of retirement activities, such as golf or fishing. Your invitation will not only let your guests know when, where, and what you are celebrating, but more importantly how you will be celebrating. Your guest of honor will feel important when they see the invitation, knowing you took time and effort to select the perfect invite. In addition, the invitation serves as a perfect keepsake from this once in a lifetime event. It will give the retiree something tangible to look back on and recall the party that celebrated their years of hard work and dedication to a career. Retirement parties commemorate a remarkable accomplishment in a person’s life. Set the tone for this celebration and create a long lasting memento for the retiree by selecting the perfect retirement party invitations!

The Abstract Flowers invitation is a really fresh look for a wedding anniversary party. Earth tone colored daisies and a beaded design sit below your invitation wording. This invitation is perfect for a cocktail reception to celebrate the happily married couple! Perhaps our most fun look is the Holiday Gala invitation. Pin stripes and stars set the stage for your celebration! Whether it is the first anniversary or the fiftieth, your guests will know that this is a casual gathering that will be entertaining and exciting. If you are looking to throw a wedding anniversary extravaganza this year, this is the invitation for you.

No matter what anniversary, make sure to take time to celebrate! Whether it is with a few close family members or all of your family and friends, the American Stationery Company has an invitation that is perfect for your get-together and will serve as a great memento for years ahead.

The American Stationery Company offers a wide line of wedding anniversary party invitations to choose from and each is customizable so it will show your own personal touch. From exquisite and formal to contemporary and casual, they have an invitation to suit any party theme.

For a party with all the frills, consider our Antique Frame anniversary invitation. Set on a backdrop that resembles golden parchment, the words "Happy Anniversary" are printed in a beautiful script font. A light banner dashes across the center of the invitation framed by a Greek key border. The year of the anniversary is displayed on the upper right hand corner and can be customized, followed by your invitation wording. This invitation has vintage flare and sophistication. It is the right choice for any formal anniversary party. Your guests will know that you are pulling out all the stops in celebrating this occasion! For something a little more modern, consider our You’re Invited invitations or Chandelier invitations. Both have a striking baroque background to accent your personalized invitation wording. The "You’re Invited" invitation has a whimsical place card holder, to let your guest know that you have a special seat reserved for them at your celebration. Your custom wording can go in the place card as well as below in your invitation details. Like wise, the "Chandelier" invitation is a delightful choice for your wedding anniversary invitation. Set in an oval frame, an elegant chandelier sets the tone for your classy party. This invitation has a rich look and fancy feel to it.

Each and every wedding anniversary deserves to be celebrated in a memorable way. When you celebrate a wedding anniversary each year it is an annual renewal of the love and commitment to one another. It is an opportunity to reflect on how much closer the two have become and how much deeper your relationship has grown.

Celebrating the anniversary dates back to the 1200s, but the tradition was polished and refined in the Victorian era. Today, with more than half of marriages ending in divorce, it is even more important to celebrate the wedding anniversary. A wedding anniversary commemorates a milestone in a lifelong commitment. Etiquette states that there are specific gifts to be given in correlation with the year of the anniversary. Below is a list of the traditional and modem gifts: 

Anniversary	Traditional Gift	Modern Gift
First	Paper	Clocks
Second	Cotton	China
Third	Leather	Crystal, Glass
Fourth	Linen	Appliances
Fifth	Wood	Silverware
Sixth	Iron	Wood
Seventh	Wool	Desk Sets
Eighth	Bronze	Linens
Ninth	Pottery	Leather
Tenth	Tin	Diamond
Fifteenth	Crystal	Watches
Twentieth	China	Platinum
Twenty-fifth	Silver	Sterling Silver
Thirtieth	Pearl	Diamond
Thirty-fifth	Coral	Jade
Fortieth	Ruby	Ruby
Fiftieth	Gold	Gold
Sixtieth	Diamond	Diamond

Wedding anniversary parties are a way to commemorate the occasion and celebrate with the family and friends that have been there for your journey as a couple. Whether casual and fun or sophisticated and elegant, from first anniversaries to fiftieth, a party is a fine way to mark the special day. The significance of the anniversary party is understood by all the guests, and that is why the invitations should be as distinctive as possible. Wedding anniversary invitations do so much more than give your guests the date, location, and time for your party. They convey the theme of the party as well as provide a great memento for the couple or others that wish to preserve record of the festivities. Set the perfect tone for your wedding anniversary party by selecting the perfect invitation to send to your guests!

Around the world, the day is about various cultures coming together to celebrate the things that make them unique, and these differences unite under the common theme of a people who like to have fun, enjoy each other, and celebrate. Costumes, masks, and beads are common place, as well as the Mardi Gras favorite, the king cake. Mardi Gras parties are a great time to indulge in Cajun cuisine, take in the jazz band sounds, New Orleans flair and beautiful bright purple, green, and gold colors of the original Mardi Gras theme.

Before you host a raucous party to celebrate Mardi Gras, you have to send out the perfect Mardi Gras party invitations. In addition to all of your party information, including the location, date, and time of your bash, you will want to convey that your party will be fun and festive. Your guests will have the first impression of your party the moment they open up the invitation. Keep in mind, the carnival, mask party, or Mardi Gras theme in general can be used year round for a party (not just on Fat Tuesday). Look for invitations that are stylish and extravagant and set the tone for a party atmosphere filled with excitement and pleasure for your guests. Look no further than the American Stationery Company for your Mardi Gras party invitations!

Regardless of your background or ethnicity, anyone can have a party on May 5th! For most, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity to gather together with friends and have a fiesta. Margarita parties as well as Mexican dinner parties are probably the most common type of celebrations. Spice your party up with decor and music with Mexican flare. As with any party, send out the perfect invitation to mark the event! The invitation will not only let your guests know the date, time, and location of your gathering, but it will also let them know the theme of your get-together. Mexican inspired Cinco de Mayo party invitations are the perfect way to bring out the culture, tastes, and sounds for your party!

Guys, are you planning a raucous party of your own or perhaps something more tame? Consider our Holiday Gala invitations or Blue Frame invitations for your bachelor party. These invitations are simple, modern, and versatile. The "Holiday Gala" has festive pinstripes and stars, which will have your groom-to-be excited for the bash that you are planning. Whether it is a night on the town or some pool and darts with the guys, these are a great choice. The "Blue Frame" invitation is a contemporary looking invitation that is an excellent choice for a sports themed bachelor party. Will you be taking in a baseball game with your boys or perhaps paintball or extreme karting? Any activity will fit nicely on this bright white invitation that is framed by a handsome royal blue border. Your friends will appreciate the invitation and keep it to remember the amazing time you had on your last night out with the guys.

No matter what kind of bachelor or bachelorette party you are planning, the American Stationery Company has the right invitation for you!

The American Stationery Company has many invitations to fit your special bachelorette party. Whether you are planning a wild night on the town or an afternoon tea, these invitations will certainly be a hit with your guests and the bride-to-be.

If you plan to celebrate with a few adult beverages, consider our Girls Night Out Party Invitations or Pink Bachelorette Invitations. The "Girls Night Out" features a fun design, complete with margarita, cocktail, and martini glasses. With the first round lined up right below your custom wording, your ladies will know to plan for a late night and a lot of laughs when they receive this invitation in the mail. The "Pink" invitation dons a trendy little pink cosmopolitan drink below your customized invitation wording. It is a nice choice for your big night out!

Planning the perfect bachelor or bachelorette party is usually an honor reserved for a close sibling or the best man / maid of honor. Any member of the wedding party can assume the responsibility though. Take his or her personality and preferences into account. Even though you are celebrating the farewell to life as a single, you should still be respectful of the person’s future spouse. For a girl’s night out, you may paint the town red by dressing up and dancing or just have a slumber party complete with romantic comedies and girl talk. For the groom-to-be, a sporting event, golf, paintball, or poker is a great alternative to the stereotypical bachelor party fare. Regardless of what your party agenda entails, the event should be a celebration of the bride or groom and the friendship that you share with them.

Just like any other party you plan, the invitation is the first step to celebrating. Send your invitations out at least four to six weeks before the party and ask for responses two weeks in advance. This will give you time to book a hotel room(s), get dinner reservations, or plan accordingly for food, drinks, and anything else your party will include. In addition to the date, location, and time of the party, your invitation will convey the theme of the party. It will provide a nice souvenir from the event for the bride or groom to use in their wedding album or scrapbook, as well. Select the perfect invitation and let your guests and bride or groom-to-be know they are in for an unforgettable time!

The American Stationery Company offers several invitations to choose from for your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah. Each of them features the stately blue and white color scheme, the perfect look to celebrate your Jewish heritage and Star of David. Our Intricate Bordered Bat Mitzvah invitation is the way to commemorate your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. With its delicate flower design in brilliant blues on a bright white background, this invitation is both feminine and beautiful, just like your daughter on her special day. For a more modern look, consider our Light Blue Bordered Bat Mitzvah invitation. The lovely blue waves and light blue and white border frame your invitation wording nicely. The Black Border Bar Mitzvah invitations are a fresh looking invitation for your Bar Mitzvah party. With a handsome black stripe down the left side and contemporary blue triangular design set behind your customized wording, this is a great look to invite guests to rejoice in your young man’s coming of age. Similar in style is our White Border Bar Mitzvah invitation. Set on a vivid blue background with a clean light blue stripe and thin white stripe on the left side, this is a classic invitation that is simple and attractive. The Blue Bordered Bar Mitzvah invitation, as its name states, has a royal blue border that surrounds your invitation wording. Your customized wording floats above a modern design of blue hues. Any of these is a fine choice for your son or daughter’s celebration.

Let your son or daughter know how important this day is to you by selecting an invitation from the American Stationery Company. It will give your child a keepsake to look back on and recall the memory of their special day for years to come!

Read Intro

Traditionally, the son or daughter is called up during Saturday Shabbat services to recite a blessing. In more recent times they may teach the entire lesson, read portions of the torah, or memorize the haftarah. A speech is customarily given, generally beginning with the phrase "Today I am a man" or "Today I am a woman". A commitment is usually made by the child to continue to study the torah for the remainder of their lives. The service is followed by a reception that can be small or very elaborate (somewhat like a wedding reception).

As with any party, your bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah party starts with the perfect invitation. This is a momentous occasion for which family and friends should gather and mark the rite of passage of the individual. The invitation is the first way in which you can share your joy with others, in announcing your son or daughter’s growth in faith and responsibility, and inviting them to share in the festivities. The invitation will also serve as a keepsake for albums and scrapbooks to recall the event for years to come. An invitation will let your son or daughter know how important this day is to you, and give them something tangible to look back on and recall the cherished memories for years to come!

Read Suggestions

Try planning an evening with your closest friends, or try an hors devours party for a larger group of guests. Are you single? Put together a ladies’ night complete with cocktails and romantic comedies. If you are planning a romantic evening in with your valentine or a nice candlelight dinner for two at your favorite restaurant, an invitation is sure to have him or her waiting in anticipation. No matter what kind of party you are planning, our invitations are a great way to get the word out.

For a light, whimsical look try our "Scrolled Heart" invitation. Set on a light pink backdrop, the fanciful heart dances behind your invitation wording. Are you looking for something more contemporary? Take a look at our "Dual Hearts" invitation. The modem striped background is livened up by the two bold hearts that accent your invitation wording. For that classic look, our "Cascading Hearts" invitation is the way to go. With a split black and white setting and vivid red invitation wording aligned above a river of flowing hearts this invitation is simple yet elegant.

This year, don’t settle on the same old routine. Set the tone for a Valentine’s Day to remember with our unique invitations!

American Stationery has several Thanksgiving invitations to choose from to set the tone for your event. The "Fleur de Lis" invitation is stylish, with its bold stripes highlighted by fleur de lis pattern on the top and bottom. The clean white background draws the eye to your customized invitation wording. If you are looking for something more contemporary, the "Autumn Leaves" invitation is for you. Contrasting thick and thin stripes adorn the top and bottom of the invite in festive colors. The stripes are accented by a pair of enchanting autumn leaves to set the perfect backdrop for your invitation wording. If it is grace and elegance you are after, the "Falling Leaves" invitation is best. The beauty of fall foliage sweeps across the corners of the invitation, leaving the spotlight on your personalized wording and party information.

These invitations from the American Stationery Company will make any guest thankful to be a part of your fall festivities!

St. Patrick’s Day invitations can be used for social gatherings, pub crawls, parades, and social events, just to name a few. Our "Leprechaun Hat" invitation sets the stage for a lighthearted gathering. The shamrock border and fanciful hat will let your guests know they’re in for more than a wee bit o’ fun. Or, celebrate with the "Shamrock" invitations. The large green shamrock embellishes the upper left hand corner of these stylish invitations. They are a nice choice for any gathering in the month of March. You can finish your envelope off with a customized "Luck of the Irish" address label and your invitations will have everyone feeling lucky to be on your guest list!

No matter which invitation you choose, your guests will know that this party will be a blast; order your personalized 4th of July invitations from the American Stationery Company today! Remember to check our New Arrivals category as well as our Holiday Cards and Gifts category, too, for additional designs as they become available.

Wording Option 1	Wording Option 2
Something sexy Something sweet Something to knock Mr. Spillman off his feet! Saturday, April 15, 2032 2:00 pm Given by Eden Fort 11111 Baggins Ct. Whitestown, IN RSVP by April 10th (555) 876-1234	Soon she'll be a bride, all dressing in white Let's get her ready for her honeymoon night! Hosted by Allison's bridesmaids Bachelorette party to follow Saturday, April 15, 2032 Six o'clock pm Hosted by Molly Luttrell 11111 Baggins Ct. Whitestown, IN Regrets, (555) 876-1234

These are just a few ideas for a shower theme and some options for wording. The American Stationery Company offers several invitations that allow for customized invitation wording that will fit your party perfectly!

Formal Wording	Informal Wording
Please come to a Couple's Shower honoring Allison Stogsdil and Emerson Spillman Saturday, April 15, 2032 Six o'clock pm Given by Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Luttrell 11111 Baggins Ct. Whitestown, IN RSVP by April 10th (555) 876-1234	Before they take the plunge Please join us for a Couple's Shower honoring Allison Stogsdil and Emerson Spillman Saturday, April 15, 2032 at 6:00 p.m. 11111 Baggins Ct. Whitestown, IN Hosted by Ethan and Molly Luttrell Regrets only, (555) 876-1234

Traditional Shower- women only, hosted by bridesmaid, friend, family member, or coworker; gifts generally given for the bride’s home, such as kitchenware, tableware, home accents, bedding, or bath items; can be formal or informal

Formal Wording	Informal Wording
Please join us for a Bridal Shower in honor of our bride to be Allison Stogsdil Saturday, April 15, 2032 One-thirty pm til Three o’clock pm Given by Chandler McLarren 1234 Heavenly Drive Carmel, IN 46032 RSVP (555) 876-5555 Allison is registered at Crate & Barrel	Allison’s wedding is on the way let’s get her prepared for the big day A bridal shower for Allison Stogsdil Saturday, April 15, 2032 1:30p.m. Hosted by Chandler McLarren 1234 Heavenly Drive Carmel, IN 46032 Regrets only (555) 876-5555 Allison is registered at Crate & Barrel

If you are having trouble coming up with an idea, ask the bride and groom for their input. They might have a hobby or common interest that you can plan the shower around. One idea is a barbecue. Most people can appreciate a gathering of this type and it is easy to plan activities outdoors that will be enjoyable for both men and women. Another alternative is wine and appetizers. Because your guest list will naturally double with a couples shower, look for venues other than your home in which to have the shower. A local restaurant or park is a nice option. Try planning the shower time around a sporting event; the men can watch the game while the women play a more traditional shower game involving the bride. Then you can bring everyone back together with the gift opening portion of the party.

Most couple’s showers are casual. That is not to say that you can’t make it an elegant affair with dancing and dinner, though. There is no limit to what you can do; just keep in mind your guests of honor as they are the most important part of the event.

Your shower invitation is a great way to let people know what to expect. Whether it is a casual Sunday afternoon pot luck or an elegant dinner at a banquet hall, your invitation will set the mood for what is to come. The American Stationery Company offers several options for your shower invitation needs. The "Mint Julep" is a classy looking invitation that is perfect for your couple’s shower wine party. The paisley print backdrop and fleur de lis design are timeless and elegant. For something more casual, the "Tree" invitation is a nice look. A silhouetted tree and beautiful summer sunset set the stage for your custom invitation wording. They are a great choice for a couple’s barbecue or outdoor gathering. For a more traditional look, consider the "Umbrella" invitation. A delightful chocolate and floral print umbrella adorns the top of this simple invitation. Your guest will enjoy the look of this fun invitation. Invitations from American Stationery Company are sure to have both the guests and the bride and groom-to-be excited about the couple’s shower you have planned!

If you are looking for something that’s sassy and fun, look no further than our "Zebra Stripes" and "Fun and Fabulous" invitations. Animal prints are always a sign of an exciting time. With a zebra striped border, polka dot border, and glamorous high heels, these informal invitations are hip and trendy! The "Fun and Fabulous" line features a plain white background with chic zebra stripe purse and fun pink lettering. Either of these are a good choice for any shower, but particularly a nice choice for the lingerie shower! For something a little more traditional, the "Mint Julep" invitation is a great option. Set on a light pink and mint paisley print background accented by chocolate fleur de lis on the top and bottom, this pretty invitation is great for any shower. This tea-length invitation is both classy and elegant, yet would look great with either formal or informal invitation wording.

The "Umbrella" and "Flower" bridal shower invitations are equally versatile. With a beautiful chocolate, bright blue, and lime fun floral pattern, both of these invitations are contemporary and modern. The "Flower" invitations have the design in a thick band on the left side of the invitation with accent stripe on the bottom. Your wording custom wording sits nicely on the right side of the invitation. The "Umbrella" invitation has the floral print in a classic umbrella centered at the top of the bright white invitation, highlighted by the words "Shower her with love!" Your custom invitation wording follows, capped off by a dainty outline of thin lines and tiny dots. Either of these invitations is sophisticated and casual enough for just about any shower theme. Make sure your shower gets off on the right foot with the perfect bridal shower invitation from American Stationery Company!

Customarily, the maid or matron of honor hosts the bridal shower. However, it is not uncommon for a bride-to-be to have multiple showers hosted by different people. Because showers are gift giving parties, it was once taboo for the bride’s family to host, but this is no longer the case. Some conventional hosts to consider: any of the bridesmaids, family member of the bride, family member of the groom, co-workers, church members, or other friends and acquaintances.

Most bridal showers take place approximately four to six weeks prior to the wedding, but this is not a steadfast rule. Gifts are generally given for the home, such as kitchenware, bedding, bath accessories, or other home accents. Gaining popularity are the lingerie shower and the tool shower (at which the groom-to-be receives home improvement gifts from his friends), as well as the couple shower. There is no set rule for the type of shower you must throw. Keep in mind the guest of honor’s personality and know that the day should revolve around spoiling them with gifts that they will need for their new life as husband and wife.

Stationery and stationary are homonyms and both are frequently used incorrectly. Webster’s dictionary describes the words as follows:

sta-tion-ery
Function:
noun
1 : materials (as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing
2 : letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

sta-tion-ary
Function:
adjective
1 : fixed in a station, course, or mode : immobile
2 : unchanging in condition <a stationary population>

The reason for the confusion stems from the words’ origin. Both come from the Latin word statio, meaning job, station, or position. The adjective stationary was used to refer to a fixed military position. Later, it was used to describe stationary sellers (as opposed to peddlers who would travel). These "stationary sellers" became known as stationers. Booksellers were often "stationers" because their items were too heavy to transport. It then made sense to term the items that "stationers" used, such as pens, ink, and paper as stationery. In England, stationary was first used as an adjective in 1626. It wasn’t until 1688 that paper and writing products became known by the noun stationery.

Puzzled? You’re not alone. Here’s how to differentiate quickly between the two. Think back, once again, to those grade school days. Remember the mnemonic device (a trick that helps you remember something) "i before e, except after c"? Here’s one for stationery: stationery with an e refers to envelopes.

If you have to think twice before writing these words on stationery, don’t be too hard on yourself; how these words perplex us is a stationary part of their nature.

EMBOSSED CORRESPONDENCE CARDS

Elegant, formal, sophisticated. . . everything you would need in an embossed correspondence card is offered here. This 6 1/4" by 4 1/2", heavy stock correspondence card is an excellent choice for your short, formal note card needs. These cards come in your choice of crisp, clean white or the more elegant ivory color paper. Feature top and center is your personal name, last name, company name, or whatever you want embossed there. Your personalization comes in your choice of a block or script font. With only the name embossed. This card leaves you with the front and back for your note writing needs. The embossed correspondence card is definitely a good choice for formal note writing occasions.

POLISHED EMBOSSED CORRESPONDENCE CARDS

A very elegant correspondence card awaits you with this product, yet another 6 1/4" by 4 1/2" heavy stock correspondence card with a touch of sophistication. These formal correspondence cards also come in your choice of crisp, clean white or the more elegant ivory color paper. The personalization of your choice is featured top and center of these correspondence cards. Your choice of script or block font for your personalization. The block font adds a unique touch with capital letters with the excess height falling below the lower case letters, unlike normally the excess height rising above the lower case letters. Only one line of personalization is embossed on these cards leaving front and back for note writing needs. Optional return address embossed on the envelopes is offered with this product. A beautifully elegant correspondence card for any formal or business writing needs.

DESIGN YOUR OWN EMBOSSED CORRESPONDENCE CARDS

These correspondence cards are a fun yet elegant way of note writing. The top of these cards features one line of personalization and a choice of design. This allows for options to make the stationery fit your personality. Paper color options are white or ivory. Your one line of personalization can be printed in one of a selection of fonts. These cards can be as formal, informal or anywhere in between as you want with choice of font and design. Optional return address embossed on envelope flap.

For the ultimate in elegance make sure you have your return address embossed onto the envelopes. This is an option usually available for an additional charge. But, it is certainly worth the extra money. The beautiful embossing on the envelopes only adds to the elegance of your stationery. Plus, it saves you from spending all the extra time it takes to hand write your return address on all of the quick notes you will want to write to your friends and loved ones once you receive this beautiful piece of stationery.

The embossed correspondence cards may come in a few different designs. The stationer may add an embossed border around the outside of the stationery. Perhaps a single line may be embossed under your personalization. A design may be embossed down one side of the card. However, designers continue to come up with new ideas and the number of designs available continues to expand. All the extras being added by designers are making a very elegant piece of stationery priceless.

DOTTED SWEET SIXTEEN INVITATIONS

A cute, fun, sophisticated sweet sixteen invitation is all available in this one product. The top of these sweet sixteen invitations has a fairly large pale green banner that says it all – "Sweet 16." Below the word "sweet" lies a row of colorful dots with a giant 16 next to it. Underneath the sophisticated, eye catching banner is the ever important birthday bash specifics. The sweet sixteen information rests upon a crisp white background. This invitation comes in your choice of font and color for the important party information. To complete the invitation another banner rests along the bottom of the invitation. The bottom banner has two rows of different color polka dots set on the white background. When it comes to sophistication and attention getting sweet sixteen invitations, this invitation is an excellent choice.

SWEET SIXTEEN PRINCESS INVITATIONS

Many women like to be treated like a princess. One of those times is at their sweet sixteen. This sweet sixteen invitation combines two important aspects, turning sixteen and being a princess. Featured at the top of these invitations is the word sweet, the large numeral 16, and a beautiful tiara (which is necessary for any princess). Below this adorable header is the sweet sixteen specifics. The birthday bash information is printed in your choice of font and color and rests on the crisp, clean white background. Underlying the sweet sixteen specifics lies two rows of colorful polka dots that add a beautiful finishing touch. Looking for cute and sophisticated, then these sweet sixteen princess invitations are just the thing for any young princess.

For the early childhood years, we offer both the Giraffe invitation and the Critters invitation. You can choose from either baby boy blue or little girl pink. The "Giraffe" invitations boast of your little one’s big day, with a playful giraffe and a combination of stripes and polka dots at the top and bottom of the invitation. They create the perfect frame for your invitation wording. The "Critters" invitations feature the giraffe, as well as an adorable elephant, lovable lion, and cute turtle that march across the top of your child’s birthday invitation, ready for a parade. Below, your invitation wording sits charmingly atop a backdrop of circus tent stripes. These invitations will have your youngsters squealing with delight!

Our Plaid photo invitation line is perfect for any age. In either bright blues and white plaid border or bright pinks and white plaid border, the highlight of the invitation is the photo of your child. The photo is enhanced by a light blue or pink background and thin green border to showcase the guest of honor.

If you are looking for a more traditional invitation, take a look at our It’s A Party! invitation. A bouquet of brightly colored balloons floats along the left side of this invitation with your custom wording on the right, creating a classic look that is sure to delight your child of any age.

For any young girl’s birthday bash, consider our Pink Birthday Celebration or Pink Party invitations. These sophisticated invitations feature light pink flowers that lightly dance in the background of your customized invitation wording. A bright pink banner tops off the invitation. These invitations are a nice look for her little princess party or even her sweet sixteen celebration.

No matter what age, commemorate your child’s birthday party with invitations from the American Stationery Company! They are sure to make them feel unique and help them to recall the magic of that special day for years to come.

The American Stationery Company offers several birthday invitations to choose from. The Giraffe invitations and the Critters invitations are a great choice for your baby’s party. You can choose from either light blue or pale pink. The Giraffe invitations commemorate your little one’s big day with a delightful stuffed animal style giraffe and an arrangement of polka dots and stripes at the top and bottom of the invitation. The design creates the perfect frame for your invitation wording. The Critters invitations feature the same little giraffe, as well as a baby elephant, lion cub, and turtle tot that parade along the top of your child’s birthday invitation. Below, your invitation wording sits adorably atop a backdrop of circus tent stripes. Both invitation styles are reminiscent of the whimsical images that adorn infant clothing and toys alike.

To celebrate in a more personalized way, the Plaid photo invitation line is a fantastic choice! Complete with your own photograph of your little prince or princess, these invitations are stylish and chic. Select from either bright blues and white plaid or bright pinks and white plaid. They serve as a frame that accents the picture and invitation wording of your choice. This invitation makes a nice keepsake for parents, grandparents, and the guest of honor, as well.

Your child will never have another first birthday. Whether it is your closest family or everyone in your address book, let them know how important this little person is to you by celebrating in a big way. Make it memorable with an invitation from the American Stationery Company!

Papyrus quickly became the writing surface of choice. It was made by stripping the stem of the plant to the pith and laying the strips together in a single line. Next another layer was placed on top of this layer, cross wise. The strips were moistened and hammered together to make a solid sheet. Lastly, the papyrus sheets were dried and ready for use. Papyrus was not only more accessible than parchment made from a dead animal, but it lasted much longer. Papyrus was more resistant to mold and rot and could be produced in bulk. It was for these reasons that its use spread.

Papyrus was used around Europe until the twelfth century. Egypt’s dry, hot weather allowed the papyrus to hold up much better than in humid climates. Documents from Egypt still exist on papyrus dating back to the third millennium BC. However, its shelf life was much shorter in European countries, with documents lasting only one to two hundred years. In addition, it was mostly imported, which made it expensive. A need for a better surface still plagued most of the world.

In China, they had been using the pulp from reeds to press together in the first paper since the second century AD. It slowly made its way through Asia and eventually appeared in Europe a thousand years later. Using the pulp from reeds, trees, and even grasses made it cheaper than importing papyrus and also resulted in a more climate resistant material. In the nineteenth century, advances in pulping (to separate the fibers) made for stronger and thicker papers. As a result, letter writing and bulk printing (newspapers and magazines) made information available to the masses.

Today, paper is available in many thicknesses, shapes, sizes, and colors. It is a comfort that we take for granted sometimes, as access to it is limitless in our culture. It all started with a plant in the desert and a pharaoh’s desire to record his reign for posterity.

If the stationery is already personalized with the teachers name and information it saves a lot of writing as well as time. Even the busiest on the go parent will take time to appreciate a nice-looking note with the teacher’s name and contact information clearly printed.

Teachers can customize any of our Correspondence Cards with their name. The professional memo pads are also a good choice because of the amount of information you can have printed. The teacher can not only have their name, but the school’s name, their room number, phone number, and email address. You can even get creative and show your school spirit by getting the paper and ink color to match the school’s colors.

If you want to send a professional looking letter, you might consider one of our custom letterhead choices like the Executive Stationery. There is a wide variety to choose from to help you send a professional, sophisticated message.

For over 85 years businesses have used our Standard Stationery Box for their correspondence. It is available in ivory or white with a variety of ink colors and typestyles. No matter which one you choose, it’s sure to be a quality product for your business needs at a reasonable price.

Our Top Quality Business Stationery is another good buy at up to 40% less than retail prices. Offered in white, ivory or grey 8.5" x 11" sheets it’s sure to be a hit with all of your business associates.

Since nobody wants to spend a lot of time paying bills, try using our Self-Seal Privacy Envelopes. Available in two sizes their perfect for business or personal use and since they’re self seal there’s no licking the envelope.

For quick notes or interoffice memos consider using our professional memo pads. They’re perfect for advertising your business since they have all of your business’s information printed on them. You could even use these as client gifts. If you’re interested in something a little more compact you could try our personalized, self-stick memo pads. Since they’re sticky notes they’re great to use for reminders and because of their size they’re perfect for beside the phone, computer or fax machine.

If all of these choices are a little daunting and you can’t quite decide which one to go with there’s always our Business Basics Box. It has everything you need to get your business’s stationery supply started.

A good choice for family stationery is something that includes the last name as well as the first names of all the family members. Our Dynasty Note does just that. It has your first names repeating in the background and the last name printed on top. Since it’s available in a variety of colors there’s sure to be a combination to fit your personal style. Feel free to get creative when personalizing your notes. Instead of having "The Smiths" you could put "The Smith Gang" or "The Smith Bunch". For a fun twist on the repeating names try using nicknames. If your pets are like family members feel free to include them on the note. Anything goes with this fun note so get creative.

Another option is The Heart of the Family note card. It has the same concept as the Dynasty notes only instead of covering the entire front of the note card, the personalization is in a heart shape.

If you want a more formal and traditional family stationery you can’t go wrong with the Debossed Panel Informal Notes or the Timeless Embossed Notes. Either one can be personalized with your family’s name, monogram or just your last name initial. Even though it’s formal stationery it should still reflect you and your family.

If you’re still having trouble deciding which item is right for your family’s needs, take a look at the family thank you cards. They are simple and to the point. You can use them for a variety of things, not just thank you cards as the name suggests.

Of course the best trick of the trade is to have plenty of quality stationery on hand, so you'll be ready to write whenever an occasion presents itself.

Looking to get started?

The Friendly Letter - Getting started

The Anatomy of a Friendly Letter

Specific Letters - How to

How to Write a Friendly Letter

How to Write a Condolence Letter

How to Write an Apology Letter

How to Write a Love Letter

Teaching Children to Write Letters

Letter Writing - Commonly Used Abbreviations

RSVP (please reply)

ASAP (as soon as possible)

PS (postscript - for adding last-minute notes after your signature)

CC (carbon copy - for when you are sending the letter to more that one person)

ENC. (enclosure - indicating there are additional items in the envelope)

Make a bold statement. Use your initial as the label design:

"Take Note" labels

Insignia labels

Your Initial is the Design! Labels

Big Initial Family Labels

Have some fun with the whimsical return labels, cat and dog labels, or swirls.

If address labels aren’t for you, there are many alternatives to choose from.

Consider a Quick Stamp, which allows you to customize up to four lines of for your name, address, personal message, etc.

An embosser with changeable plates lets you create multiple professional looks for the ultimate in style and sophistication

From fashion stripes to sleek and simple.

If you’re more interested in function than fashion, these basic yet contemporary personal memo sheets leave the talking to you.

Wedding Gifts
A fantastic way to celebrate the joining of a couple and their names is to give them personalized stationery. You’re certain to find something perfect for the newlyweds with our endless color and style options. If you’re looking to get the couple a classic set of stationery our Elegant Embossed Monogram Ensemble is a good choice. With three different pieces all personalized with their monogram it has everything they need. If you’re looking for something a little more fun and lively you might consider the Your Favorite Stationery Set. Since it’s available in 22 different colors there is sure to be one that will fit the happy couple.

Anytime Gifts
Any of our products would make a nice gift regardless of the occasion. We have many wonderful and useful items to choose from. Who the gift is for will help you narrow down what type of stationery to purchase. You can’t go wrong with one of our Correspondence Cards or one of our Embossed Notes.

Men’s Gifts
If you’re shopping for the man who has it all think about getting him some stationery. Chances are he doesn’t have any. We have a wide variety of stationery perfect for the special man in your life. Here are few suggestions:

• If he’s a traditional guy take a look at the Embossed Correspondence Cards or for something with more color you could choose the Classic Stripe Gift Set. 
• If he’s into sports we recommend the Tennis Anyone? Correspondence Cards or the Hole-in-One Correspondence Cards.
• For the true businessman the Top Quality Business Stationery is always a good choice. There’s also the Handsome Desktop Memo Set or the Diplomat Correspondence Card.

In case he doesn’t fit into any one category browse our full selection of stationery for men.

Anniversary Gifts
Stationery is the traditional gift for the 1 year anniversary. However, it makes a great gift for any anniversary. If it’s a milestone like the 25th or 50th we have the perfect stationery. Take a look at our 25th Anniversary Silver Hand Bordered Cards and 50th Anniversary Gold Hand Bordered Cards. If the couple hasn’t been married quite that long you might choose one of our Letter Sheets or Fold Notes.

Housewarming Gifts
Stationery is a perfect way to welcome someone into their new home. You could get our All-in-one cards since the name and address is right there on the card. One of our note cards with personalized envelopes is another good choice. For a gift that can’t go wrong, try purchasing one of our Return Address Labels or the New address cards

Now, you might be saying how can this be true. With the technological world we live in where email, text messaging and internet, how can stationery be so popular? Easy, because of how technologically advanced the world is people are often longing for human contact. This makes traditional stationery even more appealing for important or sentimental purposes.

Obviously a box of stationery will not be replacing a PDA or cell phone any time soon. Stationery will always be around to help people communicate in a more personal way which is an idea that appeals to every generation.

Stationery has historically provided people with a personal form of communicating, however, today keeping in touch means much more than simply exchanging contact information and important news. Stationery is an outlet for personal expression as well as a communication device, which is why today’s stationery companies offer a variety of products to meet the quality, personalization, convenience and style and demands of their customers.

Quality is a must have when shopping for stationery. Well produced stationery will last you for years to come. As well as being a lasting product, the quality of the stationery will be apparent to your friends and family. Good quality stationery tells the person you’re writing to that you have taste and they will appreciate what you have to say more.

Personalization is everywhere. In today’s society you can get just about everything personalized. Why not get personalized stationery? By adding your name, monogram or initials to a product you automatically make it more of a personal thing. When you’re buying stationery for a gift you always want to get it personalized. This tells the person that they meant enough for you to take time.

Convenience is an important thing to keep in mind when shopping for your stationery. It might be easier to go to your local stationery shop (if you even have one), but it might cost more. Why not shop online from the privacy and comfort of your home. When choosing your stationery company, whether it’s online or in person, be sure to pick a stationery company that won’t charge you for the conveniences they offer. A few things to keep in mind are:

• Make sure the company guarantees their product against any printing error or damages.
• Make sure to get the company’ s phone number. It’s usually easier to reach a customer service representative by phone than it is through the website.
• Make sure the company has a secure site. Before placing your order you might want to view their security certificate. Also, it’s probably a good idea to check out their privacy policy.

Consider this:

The average birthday card retails for $4 and greeting cards range in cost from $1 to $10, with the average generic greeting card retailing for $3.

Now consider the following facts, courtesy of the GCA (Greeting Card Association):

U.S. consumers purchase approximately 7 billion greeting cards each year, generating nearly $7.5 billion in retail sales. More than 90 percent of all U.S. households buy greeting cards, with the average household purchasing 30 individual cards in a year.  The average person receives more than 20 cards per year, about one-third of which are birthday cards.

The most popular everyday cards are:

Birthday (60%)
Anniversary (8%)
Get Well (7%)
Friendship (6%)
Sympathy cards (6%)

The most popular seasonal cards are:

Christmas (60%)
Valentine’s Day (25%)
Mother’s Day (4%)
Easter (3%)
Fathers Day (3%)

The Logic:

An elegant, multi-functional stationery ensemble of 150 pieces = $46
Vs.
150 store-bought cards at the $3 National average = $450

Even if you only have a need to send the National average of 20 cards per year, you’re better off purchasing the 150 pieces for $46 than 20 store-bought cards for $60. You’ll STILL be saving money, and you’ll have 130 cards left over for the next year.. .and the next.. .and the next...

The bottom line:

Nine out of 10 Americans say they look forward to receiving personal letters and holiday cards. Receiving cards in the mail allows us to keep in touch with our loved ones and makes us feel that we are important to someone else.

Over the course of any given year, you will need birthday cards, holiday cards, and greeting cards to send to your friends and family.. . not to mention invitations and other miscellaneous occasions. By investing now in a great set of stationery, you’ll be able to avoid the "dash to the card aisle" for good.

Take a little time to master the art of letter writing and you’ll be able to skip the sappy verbiage and steep price tag of the standard store-bought card. Even better, in many cases, a considerate, thoughtful, and timely letter can stand in place of (or help bolster the sentimental impact of) a traditional gift. It’s a sentimental, personal, and economical way to let your loved ones know you’re thinking about them, holiday or not.

The colors you like actually say quite a bit about who you are as a person. The color you choose for your stationery will let people know that you are one of a kind, just like the color clothing or nail polish you wear or the color car you drive. If you don’t know which colors you like, then the color masterminds at Pantone can create custom colors based on your birthday. Looking at your surroundings, your wardrobe and your home furnishings can clue you in to just what colors you like.

When picking your stationery you should consider the season. You don’t want to be sending out a Christmas theme in July, just like you wouldn’t want to send pastel colors in the fall. Pastel colors are perfect for spring time. Look to the flowers for inspiration. Summer colors are usually bright, electric yellows, oranges or pinks. For fall you’ll want to choose rich shades like chocolate brown, burgundy, hunter green or rusty orange, think autumn leaves. For winter red and green are an obvious choice, but you could also use gold, silver, plum or navy.

Now that you’ve decided what color you like and which colors go with what season, you’ll also want to keep in mind the purpose for the stationery when choosing a color. You’ll want bright, vibrant colors for fun correspondence cards. However, for a condolence letter you would want to go with a more subdued color such as black, grey, tan or navy. For business stationery you would also want to choose something a little more subdued. It can be a little cheerful, but still should have the business look. Ivory or white paper with black or navy ink is the most common choice for business stationery. For baby announcements pastel colors are the likely choice. Thank you notes can be as you and me. Whether it is vibrant and colorful or discreet and muted, it is completely your choice. Keep in mind though that the thank you note should fit the mood of the message.

Embossed Border Stationery: These classic vellum sheets with their embossed border offer a classic option for your stationery needs. They are appropriate for both business and personal correspondence.

Handcraft Vellum Business Stationery: This classic vellum paper is perfect for pen, computer or typewriter. It is available in monarch size for your business use and social size for personal use.

Best Value! Our Standard Box: This stationery has been a customer favorite for over 85 years. This is an excellent value for its quality. It is a medium weight, social size stationery perfect for social or professional writing.

Handsome Desktop Memo Set: This versatile memo set works well for professional individuals of all ages. Not just for business, it’s a perfect gift for dads and grads, too.

Top Qality Business Stationery: Just as the name suggests this stationery will fit all your business needs as well as your budget.

Recycled Sheets: If your business is trying to go "green" then this is the perfect stationery for you. Since it’s made from 100% recycled fibers you get to be environmentally friendly and still get quality stationery.

1. To whom am I writing?
   Consider your reader’s point of view. Put yourself in his or her place and envision how you might react upon receiving the same note. How do you want them to respond or react? (i.e. Happy, sympathetic, encouraging, grateful, etc.)
   
2. What am I trying to say?
   Sometimes we all need to go back to basics when it comes to communication. Think about the most important thing you wish to get across in your letter. It may just be a word or two. (i.e. I miss you, I’m sorry, I need your help, Congratulations, etc.)
   
3. Who am I?
   It sounds silly, but you may need to consider this, depending on the type of letter you are writing. If the reader does not know you or does not know you very well, you will likely need to identify yourself right away. (i.e.I am an employee, I am a friend, I am new to the neighborhood, etc.)
   
4. What do I want to happen next?
   This is pretty self explanatory, but it’s extremely important to this process. If you don’t know the answer, how can you expect your reader to? (i.e. I would like an interview, I want to know what’s new with you, I just want you to know I’m thinking of you, etc.)
   
5. What type of impression do I want to make?
   This will help you determine how casual or formal your letter will be, which can be expressed through everything from the type of stationery you use to the language you use to express yourself. (i.e. relaxed, casual, formal, professional, etc.)
   

• When choosing a stationery get personal. Your stationery choice should reflect your personal style. Even if you’re buying it for business purposes the stationery should still reflect who you are.
• Think about the purpose for your stationery. Deciding how you’re going to use the stationery will help you decide what kind to get. Fold notes or embossed notes are a good choice if you’re looking for something to use for shorter letters. They are also good for thank you’s. You might also consider one of our correspondence cards. They are good for business or personal use and come in a variety of colors and designs. Letter sheets are a stylish choice for either personal or business needs as well.
• The next thing to consider when purchasing stationery is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? The more intricate your stationery choice the more expensive it will be. Make sure that you don’t go overboard when making your choice. Simple stationery is sometimes a better choice than a more elaborate one.
• The last thing to consider when buying stationery is the company you’re buying it from. Make sure you choose a stationery company that guarantees their work. If you order online make sure you write down the number for the customer service department in case you have to call about something. If you’re ordering from a catalog be sure to keep it for the same reason. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to know what you’re buying so there are no surprises when you receive the order

On the bottom of my daughters birthday invitation I would like to give some ideas on things she likes since I am always asked what she is "into" at this time. Is that appropriate?

Debra

The Everyday Etiquette Answer:

Debra,

It is never appropriate to offer written gift ideas on a party invitation. I know that you would be doing this as a convenience for the guests; however, this could be misinterpreted as "legislating" what gifts your daughter is to receive. If the guests want gift suggestions, they will ask and then you may offer some ideas.

Thank you for asking Everyday Etiquette. I hope the birthday party is a huge success.

Ms. Carey

Ask your own Everyday Etiquette questions

For return address mailing labels, what is the correct etiquette for the order in the first name? Does the husband or the wife's name come first?
e.g. John and Jane Doe  or  Jane and John Doe?

Martha

The Everyday Etiquette Answer:

Martha,

This is a very popular question. I know that there are differing opinions out there among etiquette experts. Personally, I have always believed that it is "ladies first" and that the gentleman's first and last name should not be separated unless children's names are being included in a signature (i.e. a Christmas card).

My recommendation would be:
Jane and John Doe

I hope this helps you out. Thank you for asking Everyday Etiquette.

Ms. Carey

Ask your own Everyday Etiquette questions

Misspelling:	Correct Spelling:
Alot	A lot
Acceptible	Acceptable
Acheive	Achieve
Beleive	Believe
Calender	Calendar
Conshence	Conscience
Definately	Definitely
Embarass	Embarrass
Neibor	Neighbor
Occured	Occurred
Percieve	Perceive
Recieve	Receive
Reccomend	Recommend
Seperate	Separate
Sincerly	Sincerely
Supercede	Supersede
Suprise	Surprise
Untill	Until
Tommorrow	Tomorrow
Wether	Weather
Wierd	Weird

Don’t forget these commonly misused rules too:

Their / they’re / there (Their is possessive, they’re stands for "they are," there is a place!)

Its / It’s (Use the apostrophe only if "it’s" is replacing "it is")

All ready / already (All ready means completely ready. Already means before the present time)

Too / Two / To (Too means "in addition," two is a number, to is used for everything else)

A beveled edge is the precise angle cut along the edge of the bevel edge cards.

Bright-White

Paper stock that is crisp, clean and the purest shade of white. Most often used for letterhead and envelopes.

Blind Emboss

Blind emboss is a technique in which the impression of an uninked image is pressed into a sheet of paper. The image is raised on the paper.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a traditional form of beautiful handwriting. Elegant, stylized letters are hand-written using a pen or ink and a brush.

Correspondence cards

Correspondence cards are single-sided stationery notes that can be plain or adorned and serve many functions. They can be used for short notes, thank yous, informal invitations, and more.

Ecru

Often used to describe fabrics like linen and silk in the natural, unbleached state, ecru is a warm, very pale beige. Ecru coordinates well with an ivory color scheme.

Emboss

Embossing is the process of creating a raised image on paper. It is accomplished by pressing the paper against a three-dimensional die, creating the raised image.

Deboss

Debossing is a process similar to embossing, but the image is pressed into the paper as opposed to being raised.

Envelope Lining

Glossy paper that lines the inside of formal envelopes. Lining the envelopes adds an attractive and festive accent to the invitation.

Foil Stamp

Also known as "stamping" or ‘hot-stamping", it is the process of fusing foil to the paper. It is accomplished by pressing a thin layer of foil between the paper and a heated die. The image on the die effectively cuts and heats the foil, binding it permanently to the paper.

Fold Note

This is a note card that folds over. Typically. the front is imprinted with a name or monogram, and your message is handwritten on the inside. Fold notes include envelopes. They are ideal for informal correspondence and brief, personal messages.

Hand Bordered

Paper stock bordered by hand in a contrasting color.

Letter Sheet

A letter sheet is a piece of personalized stationery, ideally suited for personal correspondence.

Monogram

A design composed of one or more letters used an identifying mark, typically the initials of an individual’s name. Traditionally, the last initial is set in the middle, with the first and middle initials to the left and right, respectively.

Pinstripe

A design consisting of a very thin stripe or stripes.

Proof

An example of how your final invitation or stationery will appear, allowing you to confirm the accuracy of spelling, information and spacing.

Soft White

Soft white is a rich, creamy vanilla-colored paper that has the look of timeless elegance.

Thermography

Thermography is the process of creating raised lettering by applying a powder to the freshly laid ink and fusing it to the paper through the application of heat.

Type Style

A variety of typeface designs; for example, roman or italic.

Whether you want the up to date color combinations in your stationery or want to keep things understated and tasteful, there is a stationery set to match your style.

If tailored and streamlines are what you’re looking for then look no farther than our Classic Correspondence Cards. Available in white or ivory with a variety of ink colors they are sophisticated without becoming stuffy.

Suitable for both men and women, any one of our "Hand Bordered Stationery" choices are stylish and timeless.

Our Embossed Triple Bordered Notes are a completely versatile choice for all your stationery needs. These are perfect for thank you notes, gift tags, condolence letters, or just a quick hello letter.

The Bold Bordered Correspondence Cards prove that timeless can still be stylish. These colorful bordered cards are sure to be a hit for years to come.

Whether you have two green thumbs and want your stationery to look just like your prize roses or can’t keep a fake plant alive there is a floral inspired stationery that’s perfect for you.

• The Gracie Notes with their green stripes and fanciful flowers are perfect for sending a message with the perfect amount of sophistication.
• The Chocolate and Lime Hand Bordered Stationery is a bold color choice and with it’s botanical envelope lining, it’s a less feminine choice in floral stationery.
• The elegant Garden Notes with their green stripes and sprinkling of roses and leaves are a perfect choice for the floral enthusiast.
• If you’re looking for a whimsical flower theme, look no further than the tall Art Nouveau Slim Notes.
• If exotic is more your style then the striking Cloisonné Ensemble is the perfect choice.
• If classic and timeless are more your style then the understated elegance of our Secret Garden Stationery Set will be a great addition to your stationery collection.

Be ready to send any message in style by stocking up on trendy, distinctive stationery pieces. These stationery sets are a must have if you’re interested in original, artistic, happy, high quality stationery.

Looking for stationery with a flourish of color? Then look no further than our Peacock Quill Notes. This fun stationery set comes with matching striped envelope lining.

The Flirty Pink Polka Dot Stationery manages to be both trendy and ageless at the same time. Complete with sheets, cards, notes and labels, it is everything you need in one fabulous stationery set.

Having trouble picking just one color? There’s no need to struggle with the decision. Take a look at our collection of colorful stationery. This is the ultimate creative correspondence set in one simple package. It even comes with a gift box.

Want to send a heartfelt thank you? What could be better than saying thank you from the bottom of your heart? Anything but ordinary, these correspondence cards are perfect for a heartfelt thank you.

Your friends and family won’t be able to hold back the smiles when they open the Polka Dot Pizazz Notes. These are a cute, colorful choice for your letter writing needs.

Self-stick memos are the perfect addition to any desk. These repositionable memos are padded together by their adhesive backing and are sold in a cube or a pad. Be sure to get the memo holder for an additional charge. It is money well spent as it will go a long way in organizing the desk of any professional or stay at home mom.

Designer memos are one of the larger memo pads available. This stationery measures 4 1/2" x 7" and give you a little extra space for those longer notes. These memos have several icons to choose from including holiday designs, pets, beach, symbols and hobbies. To top it off these memos are offered in several different ink colors and typestyles.

Thinking fashion forward? Then maybe our Fashion Striped Memos are just for you! These memos are perfect for quick notes and the striped patter makes them perfect for to do lists. There are several designs just for the fashion forward.

If you prefer a memo with a more elegant touch you may like our Artistic Flourish Memos.  These memos are alive with colors and swirl. This design is sure to perk up your day. These Aqua and Brown memos come wrapped with a Grosgrain ribbon and tucked in an acrylic holder.

Looking for something with a little flare? You may like our Floral Memos. These memos are great for reminders and are sure to make an impression on those you leave notes for.

Leave a lot of notes or like to keep things organized? Our personalized Organizer & Memos may be just the thing for you. These memos have been a staple in our collection for many years and for many reasons. The set offers three sizes of memos pads which allow you to leave notes and reminders of different lengths and boasts a clear acrylic holder to keep everything organized.

Need to keep your children on task? Our K — 12 Colorful Memo Set is great for doing just that! These memos are perfect for your children to write reminders and to do lists on. The memos will keep your children on task and may even make letter writing a fun and enjoyable hobby in the digital era we live in.

As you can see there are many different types of memos available. American Stationery has many designs, colors and sizes to choose from. The choice is yours; however you may not be able to pick just one!

One of the best ways to ensure that your business image is consistent across your entire suite of office and business stationery is to order it all from the same source. When you source all of your custom business stationery from one supplier, you can be certain of the quality and the consistency of your design across the full spectrum. When you are choosing a source for your business stationery, be certain that they can supply all of the pieces that you will need to put your business’ best face forward. A full suite of business stationery includes:

• Business cards
• Letterheads (including departmental letterheads)
• Envelopes in various sizes
• Invoices, receipts, purchase orders, shipping labels
• Internal-use forms (inventory, billing orders, supply request)

Creating an image with your Business Stationery

What impression do you want to convey about your brand? Here are some specific suggestions for paper and color choices that you might make for your company.

• Youthful, Creative and Hip — Choose bright, clear colors and rounded typefaces, smooth surfaced papers and glossy finishes
• Green and environmentally conscious — Keep it simple. Use unbleached and un-dyed paper with a rough, matte surface.
• Executive, Traditional and Formal — Blue and gray are colors that ooze tradition. Stationery in soft gray or blue, or pure white, engraved black type and crisp typefaces will convey authority and tradition.

Of course, the message you want to send will vary depending on your company, but there are some constants that you want to convey. No matter what your business is, you want your business stationery to deliver the message that "we have really got it together and can get the job done." Coordinated business stationery delivers that message unequivocally. When everything from your business cards to your letter stationery to your invoices includes the same design elements, you subtly establish your company as truly professional.

Branding is more than a logo

There is more to a coordinated appearance than just putting your logo on everything. Every design element of every piece of stationery should coordinate to present a polished image that is unmistakably your own. Every time a customer or contact sees a piece of paper from your office, they should immediately recognize that it came from your office. That is what branding is all about — creating an impression and then making certain that every time your company is seen, it fits that image.

That means that all of your stationery, from business cards to invoices to executive correspondence cards carries common design elements. You should keep colors, fonts, sizes and typefaces consistent across all of your business papers.

Business stationery is more than just your letterhead, though your company’s official letterhead stationery is certainly important. The term stationery encompasses every bit of paper that your company uses in communicating with its customers and associates. That means letterhead, envelopes, invoices, shipping labels, calling cards, calendars and presentation folders — to name just a few. In order to make the best impression on prospective customers and business contacts, you need to first define your brand — and then make sure that every single piece of communication that leaves your office carries through on the theme. Coordinated office stationery and business stationery make it easy to keep your brand consistent across a wide range of communication and correspondence products.

Why Business Stationery is so important

Imagine that you are interviewing salespeople to handle a million dollar manufacturing contract for your company. You are handed two business cards from two different sales representatives. The first is lightweight and bends easily, has the company logo printed on a plain background and the sales rep’s name is written on a line below the company name. The other card is heavy card stock with a smooth finish, the printing is raised and glossy, and the sales rep’s name is engraved in a font that coordinates with the company logo. Which company would you rather do business with?

Communication on your business stationery is often the first impression that you and your company make on a new business contact. Whether you send a letter of introduction, drop off a business card or include an invoice with a shipped order, the paper on which that message is printed carry a subtle, but very potent message about your business. Choosing business stationery that presents your company positively with the image that you want to project sets up an expectation in the minds of your business contacts. 

Stationery designs have come a long way from their "plain" past. Notecards are no longer restricted to an understated monogram or simple stripe. Fashionable styles and daring designs will keep you in style throughout the coming year. Whether you are passionate about polka-dots, mad for metallics, or can’t get enough of the daring damask trend, there is a fashion-inspired stationery design for your unique tastes. And, the best part is that when you select a stationery style that is so striking, you can save money by making these cards multi-task as birthday cards, invitations, thank you notes, and everyday stationery. Multi-tasking stationery is the ultimate in stylish accessories!

• Elegant yet edgy Damask notes are as stylish as they are practical.
• Whimsical, eclectic notecards will make you (and your recipient) smile each and every time.
• Browse Stylish Bella J Stationery from American Stationery

Affordable Luxury

No matter how much you are looking to spend, your best bet is to look for high-quality stationery from a reputable source offering appealing prices. Buying the cheapest option ensures that you’ll "get what you pay for," and might not get the quality or customer support you deserve. While rock bottom prices might be immediately appealing, do some shopping around before you commit to making a purchase. Who you buy from can be as important as the stationery you select. Online ordering is a wonderful convenience and can help you save time and money, but know who you are buying from before placing an order. Click here for a list of questions to ask your stationer.

You just might be surprised at the assortment of gorgeous, superior quality products that offer true value with a combination of craftsmanship and low cost.

• American Stationery makes it easy to shop for hiqh-quality stationery with confidence and ease. Click here to start shoppinq for your 2009 stationery today.

Long gone are the days of boring, blank white stationery. You can now select from a rainbow of exciting styles to be used for everything from everyday notes to formal thank yous. New patterns, fresh graphics, and exciting hues are becoming the standard as people start to think outside the box for everyday communication. Consider bold pinks and greens, exciting yellows, and even metallic tones which, when paired with classic stationery styles, offer a new interpretation of traditional taste.

• Our Hot Pink hand bordered correspondence cards are perfect for everyday correspondence.
• Fine quality, heavyweight, tangerine hand bordered correspondence cards are the ultimate daily accessory.
• Add just the right dash of glamour by designing your own correspondence card and incorporating a signature gold motif for understated elegance.

Mad for Monograms

Monograms were everywhere in 2008, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Not only do you get to customize your cards with your initial(s), but you can create your own unique look with almost limitless combinations of colors, fonts, and printing styles. The appeal of a totally customized product makes monogrammed stationery a perfect base to your personal stationery collection, and also makes a welcome gift for almost any occasion.

• Navy hand-bordered cards create a tailored and professional presentation.
• Sophisticated styling and subtle texture make Embossed Linen Notes an elegant addition to any stationery stash.

As 2008 comes to a close, we are looking ahead at the trends, styles, and designs that will be big in the next twelve months and beyond. And, in order to help you stay in touch and stay in style in the coming year, over the next week, we'll show you the top stationery trends for 2009.

Luxe Details

Small, unexpected, and even understated elements all add up to create a polished feel and an interesting effect that’s all your own. In order to make a big statement, you don’t necessarily need an overpowering color, message, or print. Look for small, meaningful motifs, interesting personalization options, and even accessories like lined envelopes for major impact without a lot of effort or expense.

• Hand bordered correspondence cards in Chocolate and Aqua get a little extra embellishment with a whimsical Palm Tree design.
• Rounded corners, beveled edges, and a doubled thickness cardstock offer sumptuous luxury on these silver correspondence cards.

Complete Ensembles

As 2008 comes to a close and things start to feel a bit hectic, look for little ways to get organized and feel ready for anything. Complete, comprehensive stationery ensembles in creative, high-quality designs help you start off the year on the right foot. Look for packages that come complete with a variety of styles so you’ll be excited to reach for that trusty stationery set each and every time an opportunity arises. Use your unique stationery ensemble for everything from thank you notes to dinner invitations, and get the most of these sweet and sensible sets.

• For the perfect ensemble: select your favorite American Stationery pattern or color for lined envelopes, labels, and seals to be paired with our traditional correspondence cards for a totally unique stationery set.

• Safari Memo Stack
  A "wild" collection of classy yet daring paper, all tied together with a bow and a coordinating pen.
   
• Chocolate Toile Gift Tower
  Classic stationery styles in a trendy palette of blue and brown, all tied together with a coordinating pen and tied up in a ribbon.

• Eco Foldnotes
  Made from 100% recycled paper, these eco-friendly Sedona foldnotes scream more "gorgeous!" than "green." The name is hand-lettered by our calligrapher and beautifully foil stamped across the front.
   
• Eco Chic Cards
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