Keeping In Touch On Many Occasions, The Best Way To Communicate Is With A Handwritten Note

Letter writing is a tradition in my family. I inherited my fondness for writing letters from my mother, who still communicates with many of her friends and relatives this way. My young nieces and nephews are also avid letter writers.

I save all the letters I receive, and I’ve even kept copies of many that I’ve sent. They form a journal of sorts. When I read them, I relive memories that would otherwise be lost.

Today, many of the letters I write are sent by fax or e-mail, but there are many occasions when a handwritten note is the best way to communicate. That’s why it’s still important to have a supply of personal stationery on hand.

Years ago there were strict rules of etiquette concerning stationery. Many households had a stationery “wardrobe,” which consisted of papers, cards and envelopes for every occasion. The rules have gradually changed, and today your choice of stationery reflects your personality, not your social status.

For everyday correspondence, a supply of letter paper and note cards (single stiff cards or a folded version) with appropriate envelopes are sufficient. Calling cards are rarely used for their original purpose but make perfect gift enclosures.

For special occasions, you may want to print invitations, menus and place cards.

Here are some things to consider when choosing stationery:

Designing stationery

Traditionally, a name and address or a monogram are printed in black ink at the top of a page of letter paper. This is still a fine choice but far from the only one. You can print this information at the bottom of the page, incorporate a symbol or emblem, and use any color you like.

Do a little research to find the look you want. I searched for years before discovering a double cornucopia in an antique book that I knew was just right for my stationery.

Bookstores and libraries carry books of clip art (copyright-free illustrations). Look through them for an emblem that suits your style. Also look at books of typography; each typeface has its own personality. Of course, your local printing shop will also offer a selection of typefaces.

If you have a home computer, experiment on it. Then, when you go to the printing shop, you may be able to supply its staff with finished artwork. Or you can discuss your ideas with the professionals there and let them advise you.

Printing stationery

Metal engraving is a true art form. With this method, words and images are hand-engraved onto a copper or steel die. When stamped onto paper, the letters are raised on the front and there’s a slight indentation on the back - the mark of true engraving. Engraved stationery is an indulgence, but for formal correspondence or special occasions, such as wedding invitations, it may be worth the cost.

Thermography is a printing technique that approximates the effect of raised, engraved printing, but the results are not as fine and there are no telltale indentations. It’s a more affordable choice.

Several other printing methods are available. Offset lithography gives a crisp, flat image. Polymer printing is an updated variation of the traditional letterpress (which is also still available, though rare). Prices vary; discuss the different options with your printer.

Selecting paper

Look for good-quality paper. Rag paper, made from unlaundered, undyed cotton rags, is the classic choice. Recycled paper is another attractive option.

Years ago we were limited in terms of color. White, gray and cream paper still make beautiful stationery, but so do pale blue, sage green, rose and lemon yellow. Just make sure that anything printed or written on the paper will be easy to read.

Handmade stationery

Stationery doesn’t have to be printed. You can personalize paper yourself using a rubber stamp or an embosser, which creates a lovely raised effect. The results may not be as formal, but handmade stationery will suit most occasions perfectly.

Set the look of your stationery by choosing typefaces and symbols that express your personality. Look through books - or draw a logo or monogram by hand. Illustrations with strong, clear lines reproduce best.

Good stationery stores, rubber-stamp companies and some printing shops will reproduce your design on a rubber stamp or embosser. There are size and shape restrictions for embossers, but rubber stamps can be made in any size.

(A stationery kit, including paper, envelopes and an embosser, is available from Martha By Mail for $75 plus shipping and handling. Call (800) 950-7130 for more information.)

Art stores and stationery stores sell good-quality paper in a vast array of weights, textures, colors and sizes. With a couple of stamps and ink pads or embossers, it’s easy to create an extensive modern stationery “wardrobe.”

Once you have a supply of stationery, don’t forget to use it. Next time you pick up the phone or turn on your computer to send e-mail, sit down and write a letter instead.

MEMO: Questions should be addressed to Martha Stewart, care of The New York Times Syndication Sales Corp., 122 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10168. Questions may also be sent to Stewart by electronic mail. Her address is: mstewart@marthastewart.com.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Martha Stewart New York Times Syndicate