The ways to write a letter time capsule are endless–and much easier than you may think. 

The years go by, and the memories stack up. But remembering them can become a challenge. A picture, so simple to take nowadays, might be worth 1000 words, but does it really carry the same sentiment as when you put pen to paper? Call us biased, but we don’t think so. 

Journaling and letter-writing doesn’t need to be time-consuming. A few moments here and there are all it takes. But in just those few minutes, you construct a memory–a keepsake for yourself or someone you love when you write a letter. 

Recently, we were inspired by a woman who gifted her daughter a beautiful stack of letters for her 18th birthday. One for each year, the letters carried mementos from each year of her daughter’s life. The effect was two-fold, allowing the mother to relive her daughter’s life in the act of writing out her memories, and for her child to enjoy a personal keepsake and a lasting tribute to her life. Is there a greater act of love? In its simplicity, perhaps not. And it got us thinking… it’s so easy for us to do the same. 

Ready to get started?

It doesn’t take much to write a letter, and you almost certainly have pen and paper on hand. But if a stack of meaningful, handwritten letters are the type of gift you’re interested in giving, then it might be the perfect time to invest in some letter-writing stationery that’s ready for your most important sentiments. Here are a few to get you started. 

Red Florentine Note 

Perfectly sized for jotting down their first words or favorite catch phrase of the moment, the Red Florentine Note is simple and unadorned notes–perfect for their timeless style and versatility of messages they can hold. 

Bee Half Sheet

The bee is symbolic of community, celebration, and personal strengths. Showcase your loved ones’ here when you commemorate their special moments. These half sheets leave room for all the sentiments you care to share. What’s more, they are finished with the most beautiful envelopes that will stack up as beautifully as a beehive itself. 

Harper Note

Ready to get really personal? The Harper Note allows room for modest customization that really goes the extra mile. It sets in stone not just your memories, but your recipient’s meaning to you, too. With your choice of either a name, or something as thoughtfully simplistic as “For my beautiful daughter,” you’ll set an endearing tone with lasting power. 

The post Why Write a Letter to Your Future Self appeared first on Crane Post Script.

Valentine’s Day celebrates love in all its forms, from romantic notes to heartfelt letters between family and friends. Whether you’re exploring a new relationship or reminiscing on years of love, a few simple words can show your loved ones how much you care. Use these Valentine’s Day card ideas from Crane Stationery as inspiration to create something to be truly cherished by every recipient.

Valentine’s Cards for Your Significant Other

While crafting the perfect sentiment can feel like a lot of pressure, it’s also an opportunity to tell your partner just how much they mean to you. Every relationship is unique, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate everything that makes your significant other special.

Be Yourself

Your partner loves you for exactly who you are, so allow your Valentine’s Day card to reflect your true self. If you love to go all out, February 14th is the day to let your creativity soar. Don’t be afraid to fill up pages with everything you love about your partner. If big romantic gestures aren’t your thing, keep it soft and simple. Forget about the pressure of Valentine’s Day and speak from the heart—one or two truly meaningful sentences can say everything you need.

Say It in Writing

When it comes to our deepest sentiments, it can often be difficult to voice how we feel. A beautiful card or heartfelt letter can sincerely relay your feelings while letting you take the time to find just the right words. Share a treasured memory or a hope for the future, or let some of history’s greatest romantics do the talking with a few of our best Valentine’s Day quotes.

Have Fun

Romance doesn’t have to be all chocolates and roses. A lighthearted message or playful note is the perfect way to brighten your Valentine’s Day. Write down a few jokes you think your partner will appreciate, then stash them in places they’ll find them, like inside the book they’re reading. Sometimes the smallest things mean the most, so even a lighthearted card can share the depth and meaning of your relationship.

Not sure quite where to start? Try a few of our Valentine’s Day writing prompts to get your creativity flowing:

• Five things I love about you are…
• My favorite memory of us together is…
• The first thing that drew me to you was…
• When I am together with you, I feel…
• My perfect day with you looks like…

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Friends and Family

On this holiday so often focused on romance, finding the perfect words for family and friends can be a challenge. Whether you’re crafting a card for your parents or your childhood best friend, these relationships contain years of love and meaning that can be difficult to sum up in a few words.

Instead of thinking of these cards like Valentine’s Day notes, consider them thank-yous for a lifetime of love. While traditional thank-you notes show gratitude for a beautiful gift or service rendered, these Valentine’s notes can show your appreciation for the support, advice, and kindness we share with family and friends. Perhaps you want to thank them for the times they’ve been there for you or simply for the fact that they’ve raised you, stood by you, and loved you. No matter why you love your family and friends, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remember that love is a gift we will never take for granted.

Special Valentine’s Card Ideas for Children

Valentine’s Day holds a special magic for children, so make it a celebration and show them that they’re unique and loved. Whether you’re writing cards for the little ones in your life or helping them write their own cards for a parent or classmates, embrace your creativity and playfulness with children’s Valentine’s Day cards.

Look for notes with their favorite animals or characters, or add an artistic touch by taking a DIY approach. Don’t feel limited by mediums – explore colored pencils, crayons, markers, colored paper, and stickers to make beautiful Valentines that feel fun and exciting. Anything you create for or with your child will be something they treasure, so put aside the pressure and formality of Valentine’s Day and let your inner child be inspired.

Creative Valentine’s Day Ideas for Everyone

Love is infinite in its forms and just as infinite in its expression. A handcrafted card with crisp flowing ink and a sincere sentiment can capture a heart, but sometimes you’re looking for something a little bit different. These creative Valentine’s Day ideas are easy to adapt for anyone you love and add a unique touch to classic traditions.

Lists of Love

Sometimes you love someone so much that it simply won’t fit on one sheet of paper. Instead of (or in addition to) a beautiful card, create a few thoughtful lists of all the reasons why you love someone. Wonderful qualities, helpful habits, a collection of treasured memories—whatever you cherish in your relationship, lists can be a bright reminder of why you’re perfect together.

Surprise Notes

Add an unexpected touch to your Valentine’s Day celebrations by creating a collection of small notes with one or two lines each. Mix in romantic quotes, lighthearted jokes, and personal sentiments, then hide notes around the house or arrange for them to be sent to your special someone. Tuck a sweet sentence into your significant other’s briefcase, or have a thoughtful card delivered to their place of work. Put a Valentine’s Day note into your child’s lunchbox to surprise them at school, then place one on their pillow for a little love at the end of a long day.

Letters Looking to the Future

Our most heartfelt thoughts span the years, sharing how our relationships grow and develop with those we love most. This Valentine’s Day, turn an eye to the future by creating something unique for you and your loved ones. Write a letter to someone you love, to be opened on Valentine’s Day of next year. Record your thoughts and hopes, or simply share everything you love about the present moment. For your most personal thoughts, you can even write a time capsule letter intended just for you. When you open it a year from now, you will have a unique snapshot of your thoughts and feelings exactly as they were on the most romantic day of the year.

Whether your sentiments are deeply romantic or comedic and lighthearted, Valentine’s Day cards offer the perfect opportunity to say exactly how you feel. Show them you care with handcrafted stationery, then fill the blank pages with words from the heart to create cards that are treasured forever.

The post Valentine’s Day Card Messages for Everyone appeared first on Crane Post Script.

While your presence may be all they’ve ever wanted, bringing along a host or hostess gift is always appreciated and house stationery might just be your new go-to.

House stationery can be found in lake, mountain, or beach homes and it may be used by any resident of the house or by any guest during their stay. It’s typically personalized with the name or address of the house, but can also be designed to fit the mood of the location or the personalities of its residents. If you’re short on time a set of boxed cards featuring a graphic of a sun, palm tree, or dragonfly are all nice ways to convey the feeling of a warm weather retreat.

They can use these cards to send along a quick hello to their summertime neighbors or, after pressing the reset button with your weekend away, you can use them to post a note of gratitude to your friends for hosting you. If luck would have it, they’ll invite you back next weekend.

The post Summer Gift Idea: House Stationery appeared first on Crane Post Script.

Peonies

Gift To: A newly engaged couple

Common peony meanings include romance, prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, riches, honor, and compassion—but peonies can also mean bashfulness. Show your newly engaged friends that good things are on the horizon with a bouquet of peonies.

Shop The Embossed Peony Note

Hydrangeas

Gift To: A friend you’re grateful for

The hydrangea has a wide range of meanings, from heartfelt emotion to gratitude to boastfulness. Each meaning stems from different cultural beliefs and stories. Did someone recently look after your pets on a moment’s notice or help you move into your new apartment? Show them your gratitude with a bunch of hydrangeas.

Shop Engraved Blue Hydrangea Note

Orchids

Gift To: A host at a housewarming party

During the Victorian age, orchids were only found in the tropics and were extremely rare. Therefore, Victorians would collect exotic orchids as a sign of luxury, strength, and refined taste. When given as a gift, the more rare the orchid, the deeper your love was for the receiver. In China, orchids are regarded as emblems of integrity, elegance, and friendship. Help set the tone in a new space with a single potted orchid.

Shop Engraved Violet Orchid Note

Zinnias

Gift To: Anyone just because

The zinnia flower has several meanings including thoughts of friends, endurance, daily remembrance, goodness, and lasting affection. The Victorian meaning of zinnias is thoughts of an absent friend, of the heart, lasting affection, and daily remembrance. Pick some zinnias up at the market on your way home and surprise someone in your life.

Shop Blush Zinnia Embossed Note

Sunflowers

Gift To: A loyal friend on their birthday

Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity. Leave the friendship bracelets at home and upgrade your gifting game with a beautiful vase of bright sunflowers.

Shop Letterpress Sunflower Note

Plum Blossoms

Gift To: Someone going through a tough transition

The plum blossom is one of the most beloved flowers in China and has been depicted in Chinese art and poetry for centuries. Therefore, the plum blossom came to symbolize perseverance and hope, as well as beauty, purity, and the transitoriness of life. Change can be difficult. Help ease those feelings of discomfort with a bouquet of plum blossoms and a helping hand.

Shop Letterpress Plum Blossom Note

Daisies

Gift To: A new parent as congratulations

Daisies symbolize innocence and purity. In Norse mythology, the daisy is the sacred flower of Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. As such the daisy came to symbolize childbirth, parenthood, and new beginnings. Congratulate the new parents in your life with some sweet daisies—and maybe an offer to babysit one night.

Shop Saffron Daisy Embossed Note

The post Behind The Bloom appeared first on Crane Post Script.

Steel Magnolias

While this atypical romance story connects a group of Louisiana women it all starts with a wedding straight out of our 80s dreams. Shelby sets the tone with her color palette of “blush and bashful.” And don’t be mistaken, one shade of pink is “much deeper than the other.“

Pairs With: Blush Zinnia Embossed Note

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Shouldn’t every meal end in a musical number? Though it takes on a casual vibe in the film we know Kimmy’s father would’ve welcomed a more formal rehearsal dinner invitation honoring his daughter and soon to be son-in-law. Just say a little prayer that everyone RSVPs on time.

Pairs With: Formal Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Nothing says romance quite like gifting a delicate love fern or crafting a photoshopped portrait of your future children. We think Andie could’ve taken it one step further by creating personalized Mr. and Mrs. stationery for their correspondence as a couple.

Pairs With: Hand Engraved Pearl White Card

You’ve Got Mail

New York City acts as the backdrop for many romantic comedies and You’ve Got Mail might be one of our favorites that plays up this city as a third character. Kathleen Kelly’s quirky anecdote about a butterfly in the subway that “got on at 42nd and off at 59th” reminds us that these little moments of joy are everywhere. So take some time to stop and smell the roses—or as Kathleen would suggest the daisies because they truly are the friendliest flower.

Pairs With: Engraved Butterfly Note

Pairs With: Vera Wang Saffron Daisy Note

Two Weeks Notice

No two envelopes are alike. This is proven by Lucy’s iconic taste test of the famously not-so-tasty adhesives. We can’t promise our envelopes taste any better (we recommend using a slightly damp sponge instead), but they’ll surely make a great first impression.

Pairs With: Thermograph Printed Fluorescent White Kent Envelopes

Father of the Bride

What started as a humble hometown wedding ballooned into a larger production than Annie or her father, George, were ever prepared for. Our suggestion for her invitation suite would’ve been something simple and elegant with understated details. We think Franck would approve.

Pairs With: Hand Engraved Ecru Wedding Invitation with Beaded Frame

The post Paper Pairings: Rom-Com Edition appeared first on Crane Post Script.

Summer is here and while the beach is great, losing touch with your friends is not. With these notes and cards, keeping up with those you care about is easier than ever. Whether it’s a thank you note, an invitation or you just want to say “hi,” this is the perfect way to stay close to those who are far away. This year’s summer stationery includes distinctive and elegant styles that capture the feeling of summer fun. View the gallery to get a peek at some of the designs, and head to our website for an even wider selection!

The post Summer Stationery Perfect for any Occasion appeared first on Crane Post Script.

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“Add your monogram or name in a style that really chimes with your personality to make your folded notes truly special.”

“Couple’s stationery makes a delightful gift for newlyweds or as an anniversary present for a longstanding pair.”

“Never use the back of half sheets or monarch sheets. If you run out of space, use a second blank sheet.”

Paper and Printing

Once you’ve pinned down the types of stationery you need, it’s time to get into the fine-tuning.

Your choice of paper and printing method can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of your correspondence. What’s more, it doesn’t need to be a technical nightmare to consider – just take a look at our handy connoisseur’s guide below.

Wood or Cotton?

Generally, we associate paper with trees and their wood, but the finest paper is actually made from cotton – Crane’s specialty.

The main difference is perhaps found in how cotton paper feels to the touch. Run your fingers over a cotton wedding invitation, and you’ll be instantly struck by the soft, luxurious and rich texture – truly a special detail that will strike anyone with an eye for detail.

When it comes to green credentials, cotton also wins the day. All Crane’s papers are made from 100% recovered cotton fibers, made using fewer chemicals and producing less waste. Choosing cotton-based paper also supports the pushback against deforestation.

Finally, unlike papers made from wood pulp, cotton papers don’t decompose. That means your personal correspondence will last a lifetime – only fitting for the connections that truly matter.

For a distinctive, sustainable paper choice that will make your letters unforgettable, cotton is hard to beat.

The post Your Personal Stationery Collection appeared first on Crane Post Script.

Describe your work and its connection with the post.
I began writing and leaving “love letters” all across New York City about a year and a half ago. Gradually, I began receiving letter requests from people all over the world. As I wrote more and more letters to complete strangers, I realized that the world could really benefit from an organization that kept this irreplaceable handwritten practice alive. We take letter requests, mail handwritten notes and bundle together handwritten love letters for people in need, all while leaving love letters across the world for others to find and delight in.

When did your interest in the epistolary world begin?
I think the interest has always been there. I am very much a fan of social media, though; all the things that some people are quick to say “ruin” the fates of snail-mailing. I don’t handwrite letters and drop them into the mailbox because it is more efficient. People still engage in letter writing because it is an art form more than anything. It is now turned into a hobby that we must choose to keep alive. I have an interest in keeping that passion for letter writing aflame, not because it means stationery or stamps stick around longer, but because it means we are still spending time on one another in a world where we move from thing to thing so quickly.

Why do you enjoy writing about letters?
I enjoy writing letters because you know it will never be meaningless correspondence. People always delight in letters. People are always taken aback by letters. I don’t pack a letter with the same things I would deliver in a text message. Letters, to me, are the sacred space for all the things that lay unsolved on our hearts and all the things we wish we could figure out or fix with the stroke our pens.

What is your favorite step in the process of written correspondence?
Honestly, the waiting. That sounds crazy. But, once upon a time, I had a professor who told us how she and her husband fell in love with one another through writing love letters. She said that she fell in love during the gap times… during the waiting. It’s something that my generation will never have, especially when we keep grabbing at more instantaneous things.

If you could be pen pals with anyone in history, to whom would you write and what would you say?
I’d take Toni Morrison up as a pen pal any day. Ever since I started reading her, I’ve found solace in her words. They are the kinds of words you want to turn into teepees and huts and make shelter out of them. I would love, more than anything, to get those kinds of words in an envelope one day. I’d wait by the mailbox for those words, undoubtedly.

To whom do you most often write?
My best friend. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and we are just learning how fast all of life is. There is rarely that time to sit down and talk about every little thing and she isn’t the kind I want to leave hanging in a text. So we write to one another. We have been for years. I think it makes our friendship stronger, too.

Can you describe the most memorable letter or postcard you have ever received?
It is sad to say it, but the letter I remember the most was from my mother. I was in college at the time, a freshman. Her mother (my grandmother) had just passed away and she was having a hard time with all of it. I remember opening this letter up in the middle of my campus Post Office and thinking I had met my mother for the first time in that letter. It was so raw. So real and so unabashed with all it said. I think it was all the things she couldn’t say in person, but it was so heartbreakingly beautiful. It would have never had the same effect on me if it were an email. I don’t think she would have ever confessed all of her sadness in anything but letter form. I still have that letter and keep it close.

What makes your correspondence distinct?
I like to handcraft the stationery a lot of the time. I always say that it is nice to dress the letter up as if it were going on a first date. Appearance is key. I don’t write letters if I am in a hurry, the penmanship will be cruddy and the whole thing will be a waste.

What do you see in the future of handwritten correspondence?
I think soon down the line that handwritten correspondence will be an art rather than a necessity, it already almost is. It will be something delicate that we do to really show someone how we care. Even now, with running this love letter organization, we see tons of people coming to us having not written a letter in years. They get nostalgic over it. I think letter writing is slipping from our fingers, but those who love it, those who adore it, will keep doing it. And it will be beautiful, as beautiful as when it first began. And no matter how much technology we have at our fingertips, I don’t think anything can ever surpass that in beauty, the chance to sit down and write to someone else in this world and use a pen to let them see pieces of your soul.

The post Hannah Brencher, The World Needs More Love Letters appeared first on Crane Post Script.