If you’ve been in Bookshop in the last couple of years, you may have noticed that we have an amazing card section, courtesy of yours truly. You may also have wondered about the kinds of cards we carry, and what makes them so special (and, in some cases, so darn expensive). Well, I’ll tell you.
Cards, like books, speak to people. Not everyone can afford an original painting, but all of us can afford a beautiful card. In the past few years I’ve seen a huge explosion in the world of hand-made cards—letterpress (where an image is actually impressed into paper by hand), screen printing, gocco print, block printing, etc. Despite the ubiquity of email and texting, there is a hunger for something more personal, something marked, literally, by the hand of the giver, something that can be touched and held and experienced. It takes time, effort, and thought to put pen to paper, and when we receive a card from a friend or loved one we receive unique expression of their caring for us.
I am always on the lookout for cards that are worthy of these expressions; cards that aren’t made by machines in China, but that are made by small presses and individuals who are interested in creating special things. I buy from local artists and from people all over the world. I try to support green businesses that use sustainable inks and paper. Above all, I prize originality and craft—the antithesis to Hallmark. It is a great pleasure to be able to provide Santa Cruz with items they just won’t find anywhere else.
In short, cards rock. They kick butt. They’re the bee’s knees. And you need to send more of them. So next time you’re in Bookshop, take a look at what we have—touch the fancy letterpress, enjoy the goofy birthday cards, admire the work of many artists from near and far, and send one to a friend. You—and they—will be happy you did.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Maryse,
I absolutely adore your card selection and want to let you know I love the fact they are so eclectic, and that you always have just what I’m looking for. I actually commented in our Pacific Cookie Company blog just the other day that shopping in your card department is my favorite thing to do! Keep up the good work!
Sharon
What a wonderful post – I’m going to link to it from my blog.
We love doing business with Bookshop Santa Cruz and will stop in and say hello next time we are in the area.
Fiona – Cartolina Cards
What a great post! As a fellow handmade card junkie, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Hats off to you, Maryse, for your eloquence in support of the hand printed greeting card. I LOVE having my silkscreened card line included in your wonderful collection at Bookshop Santa Cruz! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Maryse for President! Who’s with me?!
It’s stores like Bookshop Santa Cruz–with that eclectic mix of handmade awesomeness–that we indie manufacturers love the most. Thanks for your support, guys.
I love your cards Joel! I’ve given them to so many people on so many different occasions. They always make me laugh. -Nici
Thank you! We love your comments and that’s the reason we make all our cards here inhouse, rather than having them done in China. And it is great to be able to say to our customers that all of our cards and prints are made using our letterpress printing presses rather than having it done as giclee prints or made in China. People deserve quality and we as makers deserv the joy and pride that come from making things well. Thank you!!! YY