Sealed with Style

Monogrammed stationery is a nice touch but how many people can say that they have a signature seal?

For marking note cards, envelopes, books and invitations, personalized seals make original gifts for those who enjoy sending correspondence. I found an amazing seal on the russel+hazel website.

Mostly known for their paper products such as colorful, patterned binders and archival storage boxes, russel+hazel is a design company out of Minneapolis that features beautifully functional accessories for the home and office.

To create your signature seal, you select one of the four unique designs (shown, right), download the PDF, add your information and fax it back to them. Your stamp or embosser will be sent to you in 8-10 days from receipt of order.

The stamp is $46 and comes with black ink. The embosser is $66 and has two orientations to chose from - top or bottom. I can't think of a more stylish way to leave your mark....

Notable Notecards

There is a Japanese proverb that says, One written word is worth a thousand pieces of gold.

A handwritten card may seem to be an antiquated way to correspond in these digital times but, there is still something special about sending and receiving a note on beautiful paper.

Stationery conveys more than just the written message...it speaks to the spirit of the sender. I have at least 10 boxes of stationery rotating at all times to reflect my ever-changing moods.

These days I am crazy about Winged Wheel, a fine paper and custom printing company from Japan (of course!) that has been creating incredible products since 1918. My new favorite card (which accurately reflects my recent multi-tasking spirit) is embossed with a 3-dimensional impression of a deep red octopus with twisted tentacles decorated with tiny delicate white dots. The cards are printed on cotton paper, considered to be the world's highest quality, and have hand painted borders.

Other notecard designs include traditional Japanese motifs such as a ladybug, peach, swallow and butterfly. A set of 6 cream cards with matching envelopes lined in a coordinating color is $18 and available at Kate's Paperie.

Call Me

In my industry, every social occasion is an opportunity to sign new business. You have as much of a chance to make an impression on a potential client at a cocktail party as in a boardroom. As a result, "working the room" can sometimes feel like a military mission of reconnaissance. And, the intel? A stack of business cards exchanged and collected over the course of a night of networking.

But, what about those nights when you connected with someone special? Somehow, giving that cute boy your corporate card doesn't seem to convey the right message. And, do you really want to begin a flirtation on a work email? If only you had something that fit with your personal style and attitude.....

What about a calling card? (and I don't mean AT & T)

I discovered a design studio on Wall Street called Mr. Boddington's Studio that takes its inspiration from old world values. They offer custom made calling cards - those indispensible tools of etiquette that first appeared in 15th century China and later in aristocratic 17th century Europe.


Calling cards, or visiting cards, were an essential accessory to upper-middle class ladies and gentlemen back in the day. They served as announcements of VIP arrivals to prospective hosts as well as tangible evidence of social and business meetings. And, the cards spoke volumes about the person who used them. From engraved ornaments to fantastic coats of arms, calling cards left a lasting and distinct impression of one's identity.

Mr. Boddington's Studio will take a personal commission and create letterpressed or flat printed cards using Somerset or Hahnmuhle paper (pricing estimated at $200 for 400 flat or $400 for 400 letterpressed).

With such beautiful and original cards, maybe that special someone from last night will actually call (in 2-3 business days, of course).

photography below by Richard Jopson