Classy Correspondence
September 14, 2007
==by Samantha Moland==
You can tell a fair amount about a person from his or her handwriting. You can tell even more about that same person from his or her stationery. The classic act—or rather art—of letter writing has declined considerably since its glory days of quill and ink. Few and far between are the delightful notes of correspondence signed, sealed, and delivered to your rusting mailbox. Yet, when they do arrive, one can’t help but feel flattered by the gesture. Take a break from the Facebook messaging, tiresome e-mail, or yet another uneventful AIM conversation and rediscover the paper trail marked with fine stationery, handcrafted cards, and unique invitations. With the number of specialized stationery stores in Cambridge and Boston, it would be silly not to indulge your friends and family. Better yet, the opportunity to make a lasting impression and truly personalize your epistle is easier than licking a stamp.
Look no further than Papyrus (18 JFK Street in Cambridge Square) for the perfect birthday or gracious thank you card. Appropriately named after the earliest form of paper crafted from the papyrus plant, Papyrus offers a modern selection of cards, stationery, invitations, and gifts, all of which can be customized. The breadth of the store’s selection will make you wonder why you bought that lame Hallmark card for your mom last Mother’s Day. It may have been the thought that counted, but the clichéd quote probably ended up robbing you of your intention. Seven Papyrus store locations are dotted throughout Boston and Cambridge, with over 150 locations nationwide, even in Hong Kong. Who knew?
Speaking about international destinations, what about those friends of yours who decided to skip town and are currently studying abroad? While you may want to omit your grumbles about the cold and the latest ex-boyfriend/-girlfriend drama, you can opt to send your own personalized letterpress stationery to your oh-so-chic amie who happens to be in Paris or Prague this semester. And where better to pick up such fashionable wares than at Paper Source (1810 Massachusetts Avenue), which has locations in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Wellesley? Upon entering the store you are quickly immersed in sheer beauty and design possibilities. Who knew paper could be so entertaining? The staff is extremely helpful and offers top-notch customer service to get your creativity going. The downside to the beautiful labyrinth of patterns, textures, and color is the price, but consider the presentation and your friend’s joyful expression upon receiving a dose of your elegant and eloquent prose.
No surprise that Julie Andrews included “brown paper packages tied up with string” as one of her favorite things. Care packages and gift boxes are an absolute delight to send and receive, and become even more splendid when adorned with satin ribbon and decorative wrapping paper. Bob Slate Stationer (1975 Massachusetts Avenue) can help out with that, and all three stores can be found within the city bounds of Cambridge. Additionally, Bob Slate sells an array of art and office supplies that you won’t find at Staples. A filofax with paisley décor, check. Polk-a-dot planners, absolutely. And if you happen to be in the market for a fountain pen, then Bob Slate is the place to go.
Turn your nostalgia for the good old days of thoughtful, personalized print into reality. Just a quick browse at any of the aforementioned stationery stores will likely leave you inspired to write, create, and think outside of Outlook Express or Gmail. Please Mister Postman, look and see if there’s a letter in your bag for me, because who knows what surprises and stories await behind the crisp fold of the next envelope to arrive!