business people
Can the paper you use make a difference in your business? In a world often dominated by electronic media, websites, and insta-this-and-that, is there still a place for business letters, notes, and cards?   According to Forbes (Jan 2013), “In this day and age, when sadly we’re getting fewer and fewer letters in the mail, a handwritten thank you note on well-crafted on top-quality stationery, will make a candidate stand out from others who chose not to take that extra, personal step.”   The April 2013 issue of Harvard Business Review explains why personal notes and great stationery are so important. “Written notes mean more because they cost more. Emails, tweets, texts, or Facebook messages are essentially costless. They’re easy to write and free to send, and you and I produce hundreds of them every day. A recent study indicated the average corporate email account sent or received more than 100 emails per day, and Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 now send or receive nearly 100 texts per day.”   Handwritten notes are also valued because of their place in our lives. How many emails do you have taped to your refrigerator or pinned up on the...Read More
stationery
Once upon a time there was a brick and mortar stationery shop in nearly every city in America, and more in the larger cities. Today, you have to look far and wide to find a location that carries quality paper, pens, and other high-end writing products. Even specialty chains like Hallmark have found it hard to compete, dropping from over 5,000 stores to just over 2,000 in less than a decade.   The Internet changed things; nobody denies this. What is in question is whether or not the change was for the better. Is digital everything the wave of the future? Are analog methods of communication as archaic as the quill pen or papyrus? Do brick and mortar stores have a place in the digital world?   Surprisingly, the largest digital marketplaces and suppliers in the world are giving us the answers to these questions, and it’s likely not what you think. Digital is going to be an important part of the future, but it will not be the end of paper and pen. Internet stores will continue to grow, but they will not fully replace physical locations. In fact, Ebay, Amazon, and Google are all expanding their presence in...Read More
Sending out fun and beautiful stationery, accompanied by a meaningful or quirky gift, can really brighten someone’s day or even set the perfect tone for an upcoming event. Don’t feel limited in your opportunities to send out invitations or congratulatory notes, either. Life is full of events worth celebrating and making fond memories of, and a beautiful card and thoughtful gift can really go a long way in helping create those memories. Whether you’re always on the lookout for new ideas or tend to hit a few brick walls when trying to think of the right thing to send, here you’ll find a full host of ideas and examples for every occasion. Christenings Christenings and baptisms are certainly traditional events, filled with serious symbolism and deep meanings, but this doesn’t mean that announcements and invitations have to be super serious and somber. After all, these events are really meant to be joyful and mark an important moment in the life of child. If you’re sending out announcements and/or invitations, consider customizing your stationery with a picture of your child. Choose something sweet and fun, something with laughter and bright colors that conveys the happiness and well-wishes of the future. For...Read More