Subscription boxes are nothing new of course, but then again, neither is letterpress! Although the printing method was founded in the mid-fifteenth century and lifted humanity out of the dark ages, there was a time in early 21st century stationery design when letterpress was the rule, not the exception.
There was very good reason for letterpress’ renown. A talented maker used elements from imagery to paper choice to ink color, offset with technical skill and imagination, to create wondrous designs that are as joyful to run your finger over as they are to look at. As a result, I will always have a slight letterpress obsession.
One of my absolute favorite ‘pressers that I met during this time was Julie Franklin of Bumbleebee Press. I love her gentle approach that updates classic stationery design for today’s audience. Julie created my daughter’s birth announcement, and that sweet little bird and rounded corners still captures that magical moment she arrived in our lives perfectly. (V is now 14, so she exiled her birth announcement — lovingly placed in a handmade silk rosette D.L. Rhein frame — from her room; it currently resides on my office shelf.)
Now Julie has introduced a subscription service, Make It Happier, and well, I think we can all use some of that! The idea is to simplify small practices of gratitude by sending letters. These sweet mailings encourage the act of slowing down and thoughtfully reaching out to reconnect with distanced loved ones. Even though travel is back on and masks are now off, a beautifully composed missive still has the power to make someone’s day and almost feel as though you are beside them.
While the December box featured five limited edition letterpress cards, gift tags, stamps & a pen, each month is different and a surprise. The underlying concept of ‘Make It Happier’ is that all the tools to connect are right there, within reach.
“The beauty of writing letters is that the kindness is compounded,” Julie says. “You’ll benefit. And most definitely, the one who opens your letter will too.”
Here are some peeks from earlier sets!
As you can see, everything arrives carefully packed and explained! It’s a great splurge for oneself — and who wouldn’t love to see this show up as an unexpected gift on their doorstep?
Each box contains three to five mailable pieces. These may be folded notes, correspondence cards, letter sheets, postcards, or occasions cards. It’s all in different sizes and styles with beautiful paper sourced from all over the world.
Each will also contain two-three stationery extras. Think gift tags, bookmarks, enclosure cards, field notes, all designed to inspire you. Each box has a value of at least $50.
Just like it takes time for a letter to reach its destination, you are going to have to exercise some patience as these are carefully curated and released as they are created. If you want to get in on the fun, add your name here to get an invite the next time one is available!
