Be Sincere
It may seem obvious, but don’t write a love letter unless you’re, oh, in love. If you’re not in that point in your relationship yet, don’t force it — better to share your desire for a romantic trip to Paris when you actually want to take one.

You’re Not a Poet, and Know It
Keats, Wordsworth, Shakespeare. Poetry of the amorous variety should be left to the experts. Unless you’re intentionally attempting to be cheeky, there’s no need to struggle with finding a word that rhymes with “mon cheri.”

Keep It Sweet
A love letter shouldn’t read like a chapter in a romance novel. There is a time and a place for content rated for Mature Audiences, but Valentine’s Day is about love, not lust. That said, you’re not in junior high school. Hence, a love letter shouldn’t read like a chapter of a Young Adult novel, either.

Be Original
Many a lovely sonnet, movie quote, song lyric and novel has been written about love. But those are their words, not yours. If words from any of the former sources have special meaning to you and your special someone — first date, where you met, etc. — then by all means, incorporate them into your love letter in a subtle way. But if they’re just words you happened to have found while searching “love quotes” on the Internet, skip them and include something straight from the heart instead.

It’s all in the Details
If you’re writing a love letter, you’ve hopefully made many cherished memories together. A love letter should be a reminder as to why you love the recipient so. You don’t have to recount your entire first date, but rather the smaller moments — the way he eats his pasta by twirling it on his fork; the way she laughs with abandon during movies.

Make it a Looker
You’ve taken the time to craft the perfect love letter, don’t skimp on the paper and presentation. Make it a note they’ll want to tuck in a drawer and keep forever.

This post features our Love greeting card!

The post How To Write the Perfect Valentine’s Day Love Letter appeared first on Crane Post Script.

“One of her best traits,” Jana wrote, “is how beautifully she writes—not books or articles (although she probably could do that, too), but rather letters, note cards and thank you notes.”

Annabelle, Jana added, is also a big fan of our stationery.

“When I married her son, she gifted me with boxes and boxes of your notes embossed with my new monogram (complete with the copper plate), and she has passed along to each of her children and grandchildren the importance of putting pen to (Crane) paper to keep in touch.”

The reason she was emailing, she continued, was because Annabelle was turning 80 years old soon.

“It would tickle her to death to receive a letter from someone at Crane for her birthday—would this be possible?”

Well, of course it was! Our president, Katie Lacey, took pen to paper without hesitation, wishing Annabelle a very happy 80th birthday and thanking her for using our stationery. We also sent along stationery to add to what we’re sure is a very impressive stationery wardrobe. It was the least we could do for a customer as loyal as Annabelle.

Annabelle, opening the letter and box of stationery on her birthday.

Jana used Crane paper to create beautiful table settings for Annabelle’s birthday party.

We always say that the legacy of our stationery is passed down from generation to generation, and it’s people like Annabelle and Jana who prove that idea. It’s the reason we have prided ourselves on our impeccable craftsmanship since 1801, knowing that a love for classic correspondence is alive and well.

The post A Special Request for a Special Birthday appeared first on Crane Post Script.

We are always on the hunt for the perfect birthday message, as we like to let loved ones know we’re thinking of them on their birthdays. This selection of birthday salutations have the perfect blend of character and charm for everyone on your list.

The post Happy Birthday! Love, Crane & Co appeared first on Crane Post Script.

As with any small town, there are always one or two companies that employ a lot of the community. Crane is one of those companies. Not only is it common to meet an employee working there for 30-plus years, but it is also common that he/she is a second or third generation Crane employee. And those in the community who don’t work for Crane inevitably have at least one relative who does. Simply put, there is always a Crane Connection here in North Adams.

But even though connections are common, we are still elated when we hear stories like Virginia’s.

Virginia recently came aboard in the assembly division of the factory. One day an employee learned that this new face had a Crane Connection. Virginia was 18 when she got married 55 years ago. For her mother, an avid Crane stationery user, there was no question about who would make Virginia’s invitations. Her mother also ordered personalized stationery with her new married monogram, which she still uses today. Even though the post office won’t accept the small size anymore, they still accompany birthday and Christmas presents.

Five years ago, Virginia’s children created a digital anniversary card through Crane to celebrate her 50^th wedding anniversary. The picture they used was of the couple sitting in a 1955 Mercury.

Wanting to share these Crane memories, Virginia recently brought in her wedding album, which she has kept after all these years. We took a handful of snapshots, which we’ve shared below.

The post A Crane Connection 55 Years in the Making appeared first on Crane Post Script.

“I must say, it’s truly incredible to be moved by the beauty of engraving and fine papers,” long-time client Elizabeth told Alexa of her daughter’s new stationery. “I was speechless by the elegance and finery of Allison’s Royal Elephant. Your design represents her first impression as she embarks her next stage in life as a student at the University of Alabama. I am genuinely and sincerely in awe. A million thanks!”

We’ve always said personalized stationery makes the perfect graduation gift, and this custom design certainly takes the cake. Or, in this case, the crimson.

The post Head of the Class Craftsmanship appeared first on Crane Post Script.