We’ve been working with Coreil and Charlie on wedding stationery for many months. They first came to Lunalux last November to talk about their save-the-dates. Since then we’ve also printed their wedding invitations, which are dramatically different from the colorful announcements with which they started (and which we wrote about in March). While their save-the-dates reflected the colorful atmosphere of New Orleans, where their nuptials will take place, the invitations are the most traditional we’ve ever done. The classic text was set in elegant script, and letterpress-printed in black ink on the front panel of a folded sheet of thick 100% cotton text-weight paper. Double envelopes, a simple reply card, and a white tissue insert completed this formal set.

Since the invitations have been mailed out, we’ve continued to work on other wedding-related paper goods for the couple, including this invitation to a morning-after-the -wedding breakfast. The color scheme recalls what we used on the save-the-dates. This time, we printed in kelly green ink on yellow and white duplex cover – the double-thick sheet makes for a very substantial postcard, and gives plenty of room for a nice impression without any show-through.

Along with the breakfast invitations, we also printed very simple social stationery for the couple to use as thankyou notes after the wedding. With just their names letterpress-printed on a flat 130# bright white card, the notes are versatile enough to be used for many occasions after all the toasters and china place setting have been dutifully acknowledged. And the project doesn’t end here. As their wedding date approaches, we’re putting the final touches on programs for the ceremony (traditional black-and-white) and tags to be tied to wedding favors (bright and colorful).

Our neighbor Nick and Eddie will be hosting a block party this weekend behind Lunalux. A stage in the alley will feature Jackie Factory from NYC, plus local acts such as Cirque Rouge and All The Pretty Horses. I’m most excited about the Summit beer truck that will be parked in front of our store.

The block party coincides with this weekend’s Pride festivities, including the all-day festival Saturday and Sunday in Loring Park. Depending on how busy we are in the Lunalux store, and how tempting the weather looks, we may lock our doors early and head outside for some summer fun.

James came into Lunalux as he was preparing to leave a full-time job to launch his own public relations firm. He needed business cards to help establish his new brand. We bounced around a few logo ideas, settling on a superball. Toothy 100% cotton Lettra paper would be the base, with all information set in simple Times New Roman. After considerable debate over color trends, we chose a vibrant orange for the logo. And we were off to the presses.

We finished the Engine Innovations project just in time for James’ first official event. When he picked up his cards (raves all around, natch), he paid his bill and gave me a crsip $1 bill. Just days into his new venture, he’d received his first check, and was giving 20 one-dollar bits of it to people who helped him with the launch. As tips go, this is the smallest I’ve ever received, but also the most prized. I’m saving this as a reminder that we do good work, and poeple appreciate it. On my worst days, I might feel like a glorified desktop publisher; but on my best days I am really more of a paper therapist.

Many of our clients are navigating serious transitions, such as preparing for their first baby, facing a milestone birthday or diving into a new career. Whether we’re working together on formal invitations, or simple calling cards, or a show-stopping business stationery suite, the process of deciding what goes on the paper makes people think very carefully, and in a new way, about their crossroads and how to articulate it. The subtle implications of color schemes, paper textures and punctuation elicit unexpected visceral responses. The weight of the world suddenly hangs on a hyphen – or is that an en-dash?

It’s not always that heavy, of course. Sometimes people come in, they order something pretty, we make it, they pay for it, and everyone’s happy. Ultimately that last part – everyone’s happy – is what we care about the most. But when we have the opportunity to help someone clarify their vision and move forward with confidence, there’s extra gratification in that.

You’re invited to participate in an exciting new event at Lunalux this weekend: Stationery Saturdays. This Saturday, June 7, we’re offering customized stationery printed while you wait! For this inaugural event, we’re printing 4×9 buckslip notecards with up to three characters, and a decorative stripe of your choice. While we print your cards on our Vandercook proof press, you get a one-on-one demonstration of letterpress printing. Personalized stationery is a fun treat for yourself, but also makes a great gift – consider a set for the dad in your life (Father’s Day is June 15) or someone who’s graduating from high school or college this spring.

Stationery Saturday runs this Saturday during regular store hours, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cards will be printed in black ink on natural white card stock, and paired with your choice of matching or contrasting envelopes (click on the image above for a larger view of this week’s design). The price: just $29.00 for a set of 10, and additional cards can be printed for $2.00 each. Prices don’t include sales tax.

We’ve done a couple of test runs with friends and family, and received great feedback from all who participated. It’s a lot of fun, and a great deal to boot! If all goes well, we will host Stationery Saturdays at least once a month, each time with a new design. Watch our blog or updates!