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...Read More
In the today’s world, technology reigns supreme. Small businesses and big corporations alike depend on the Internet for daily functions. But it’s not just the business world that uses technology to communicate and go about the daily tasks. We are also reliant on our tablets, smartphones, and laptops for personal use. Whether we want to get in touch with our coworkers or family and friends, many times we turn to our iPhones to do that. And why wouldn’t we? Since smartphones have the capability to make emails, texts, and the occasional phone calls this makes sense. However, while these are all convenient ways to stay in touch with loved ones, they lack the personal touch. Adults no longer experience the joy of a receiving a letter in the mail like we once used to. While you may not realize it, there are plenty of people in your life you can send notes and letters to. The following are just several ideas: Long distance family members/friends Neighbors Mentors Teachers/professors Colleagues That’s why sending a letter or note, preferably handwritten, is a much more personal way to stay in touch with others. And, while a letter is a good way to reach...Read More
interpersonal
You have gone to great lengths to get where you are in life. Your family, your name, and your position are causes for pride and celebration. Consider personalizing your surroundings with items that highlight this love. Not only will personalized accents stand out, but they will make an impression on everybody who sees them.   In times of old, a family’s heritage was proudly displayed on a coat of arms passed down from generation to generation. Many families also possessed a seal which was used to authenticate documents, letters, and other correspondence. In many parts of western Europe, these symbols of tradition are still used to this day.   Monograms go back to hundreds of years BC. Used as signatures by artists or craftsmen, a monogram is an overlapping combination of letters usually representing the initials of a person or business. The traditional 3-letter monogram has a person’s last name in a larger font that is centered. The first name initial is usually to the left, with the middle initial to the right. Monograms of this type are often used on towels, clothing, and luggage.   Class and elegance didn’t die with the Renaissance, they just faded into the background...Read More
business writing
Business correspondence may take place through email, Twitter, and all sorts of other electronic means, but the art of the letter is far from extinct. In many ways, the hand-written letter is more important today than it was 100 years ago, because fewer people possess the skills it takes to pen a truly great business letter, or even a thank you card, by hand.   Think about it. When was the last time you received a personal thank you note on beautiful card stock? When was the last time you received a hand-written note thanking you, reminding you, encouraging you? Chances are, if you have received one, you remember it. You may even have it on your refrigerator, desk, or bulletin board.   If you’re a business executive, you have likely received more hand-written notes and official cards than most others. Business etiquette at higher levels demands this sort of personal service and flair. If you don’t have it, you can bet your competitors do, and who can afford to give an inch in this day and age?   For those who are newer to the world of business etiquette and note writing, here is a quick primer:   •...Read More
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
Stationery
In our modern age of quick mass production, where everything seems to come with a one size fits all impersonal nature, it’s refreshing to hold something in your hand that’s more individualized – especially if it’s custom made.  Not everyone is all that crafty with their hands, and even those who are may not feel as if their skills extend quite so far, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least be up to date on various style trends.  After all, there are some great sources for stationery out there that provide hassle-free, quality products that still allow you to express a more personalized tone. A Touch of Spring: Everyone loves it when the long, chilly darkness of winter finally starts to recede, and spring ushers in a special awakening of plants and animals.  The days begin to lengthen and grow warmer, flowers and new shoots start to burst forth, and one is struck by an unmistakable sense of rebirth.  Spring is a time for positive outlooks, for stretching one’s body and soul after the long haul of winter – thus making this the perfect time for celebration.  Whether you have family and friends with birthdays or special anniversaries in...Read More
The ways in which we can communicate with each other have grown dramatically as we continue to advance our technology. From social media messaging to texting, it is easier than ever to get in touch with family and friends. If you’re looking to make a more personal connection, writing a letter on personalized stationery could potentially make the biggest impact. Anyone who wants to make their letter stand out and showcase a bit of their personality should consider using personalized stationery. In fact, there are a lot of benefits when it comes to using this kind of writing paper. For this reason, it is important that you think carefully when it comes to selecting the right type to make a more personal connection. WHY USE PERSONALIZED STATIONERY? Even though texting and email are the norm in today’s technology-driven world, they are often seen as impersonal. Despite the popularity of social media, studies show that it is actually making us less social. Stepping away from these bland forms of communication and writing a letter on personalized stationery instead can produce more benefits than one might think. Whether you are using it to write letters for business clients or to write to...Read More
Do you own hundreds of pens? Could you explain the difference between correspondence cards, fold notes, and ensembles in your sleep? If so, you may just be addicted to stationery. In fact, we found 27 easy ways to tell if buying and using stationery products is more than just a hobby, but rather an obsession. You would marry someone just to pick out wedding invitations and write thank you cards. Sure, it sounds a little extreme, but choosing just the right wedding invitation makes a big difference in setting the overall theme of your wedding day. In fact, some brides dream of all the things that go into planning the wedding, as much as acting out the actual day. If you love writing handwritten thank-you notes, and dream of writing them for your own wedding day right now, but you don’t yet have a groom, you might be addicted to stationery. In fact, you could pick out the love of your life based on penmanship alone. Not only are the invitations a big deal, but you consider the mark of a good partner tied to his or her penmanship. Forget dating anyone who just scribbles his or her name as...Read More
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