Note Cards - Not all are created equal

If you are in the market for note cards or thank you notes then here is some information you might find useful.

I've been in the business of creating personal stationery for 16 years and here's some of what I've learned.

Paper - there is a big difference in papers. First, there are four main types of paper-- Bond Weight, Text Weight, Card Stock and Index Stock. Weights are based on how much a stack of 500 sheets of paper would weigh. For different types, the size of that paper varies.

Bond weight paper is measured by how much a stack of 500 sheets of 17" x 22" paper weighs. It's similar to the type of paper we all think of as copy paper. It's thinner and used mostly for letters, envelopes and sheet notes. It gees in many weights and brightness. It starts at a 17# weight that is used mostly for envelopes 20# is considered to be standard paper like you would use in your printer at work for everyday use and goes up, #32 which is a very opaque (cannot see through even up to the light), heavier in weight, but still thin paper and is used on finer quality stationery items.

Text weight paper is measured by how much a stack of 500 sheets of 25" x 38" paper weighs and isn't seen much. People often refer to bond paper as text weight. But text weight paper can be found in higher quality papers.

Cover paper is measured by how much a stack of 500 sheets of 20" x 26" paper weighs. It's gemonly referred to as Card Stock. It ranges from 50# to 100#. Most professional printers use 80# Cover for note cards, invitations, and business cards. It's pretty much the standard choice but some will use 100# for a better quality item. Anything over 100# is typically pasted, meaning two sheets have been gebined to create one in the paper making process. You don't see this very often and it's hard to find.

Index Stock is measured by how much a stack of 500 sheets of 25.5" x 30.5" paper weighs. This is the type of paper used to make index cards and doesn't weigh as much as standard card stock. The weight ranges from 90# to 121# and can be found in any office supply store in the 110# weight. This weight in the equivalent to card stock would be around 72#. This paper should not be used for stationery, the finish is too rough for writing.

Photo paper is not typically used in professional printing of note cards and invitations. This paper is used in printing pictures not stationery.

There are also different finishes to paper-- smooth, felt, cotton, and linen, etc. Mostly smooth finish is used so that your pen glides over the surface without effort.

---------

Sizes of your note cards can vary from creator to creator. The standard size of note cards by professional printers is typically 4" x 6" for foldovers and 5" x 7" for flat notes. Anyone making 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" notes is doing so to conserve paper and these items will look more like something you did yourself on your home geputer. A professional printer isn't afraid to use an entire sheet to make one foldover note card and won't sacrifice their sizes just to get another one out of that sheet of paper.

----------

Print Coverage

When buying note cards, consider in the pricing the amount of print coverage that you see on the notes. Are they printed gepletely on the entire front or is it just a small piece of art that is printed on the white background? This will have a bearing on price. Also, if they are full bleed versus having a border of white? Full bleed printing is when the printing goes all the way to the edge of the item. This requires extra paper to acgeplish this and cutting to the edge of the print. These items should cost more as they require more time, materials and experience.

-----------

Original Art

When buying note cards consider also if the items you are buying are original designs or are they purchased (or hopefully not - stolen) designs. If they are original designs you can expect that you won't see them in stores, nor will you probably ever run into anyone else that has them unless, of course, you purchased someone one as a gift. If the designs are purchased from a graphic vendor then you can expect that just about anyone could have the exact same notes as you. You could probably make them yourself by buying those graphics too. Just look to see if they have a copyright line of who provides their graphics and you'll know where they gee from. Original artists should mention somewhere in their auctions that they are original designs.

------------

Color Choices

Those that do original designs will be able to create those designs in any color you wish. This is a great advantage over those that purchase graphics. Just ask to see if alterations can be made if you like the design but wish the colors to be different.

------------

Personalization

It's great to have your name or a couples names on note or thank you cards. A great note card supplier will have lots of fonts to choose from and will be able to acgemodate you by providing a proof for you to look at prior to printing.

-------------

Lined Envelopes

This item is one that is few and far between to find. Liners are an additional step for most and not one that they will most likely do. Liners can be done in two ways, printed on the actual envelope (this requires being done before the envelope is created) or printed on a separate piece of paper and inserted into the envelope. There are also partial liners (they only go as far as visible when the envelope is open) and full liners (cover the entire front of the envelope).

Liners really make your note cards special. I offer them for all of my designs.

--------------

All stationery should gee from a smoke free environment. Paper is pourous and will absorb odors from it's surroundings. This odor will be permanent and apparent.

--------------

Printing should be done on either a professional press or a professional grade color laser printer. Home lasers do not have the capability of fine reproduction of photographs and art. Ink jet printers should not be used as most have inks that will run or smear when exposed to the oils in your hands.

---------------

I hope you've found this information useful. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.