Darul Haris: Hail to the Handwritten Note

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Hail to the Handwritten Note

By some standards, handwriting is already considered an “ancient” skill. Next thing we’ll know, it will be an extinct art form practiced by only a few artisans.

Well, not in my lifetime if I have anything to do with it! These days, the charm of receiving a handwritten note is manifest (any handwriting will do, but do go all out with calligraphy as we mentioned recently) and its message exponentially more resonant than with anything sent electronically. So, if you really mean Thank You or if you really want to appear sincere, write it by hand.

Besides the benefits of having your handwritten note being duly noticed, you’ll want to know, as the Wall Street Journal tells us, that it appears that the very act of hand-writing is a building block to learning: “Recent research illustrates how writing by hand engages the brain in learning”. That’s true for kids but for baby-boomers also, as handwriting is a good cognitive exercise to keep minds sharp.

And, bonus, if you write your handwritten note on carefully chosen paper, you could also be sending a little piece of art, as you can see from our picks below. Whether you chose luxury personalized stationery for the more formal correspondence or a simple note cards for the lighter communications, we recommend that you stock up on a couple boxed sets of blank note cards so that you are always ready to make that lasting impression – in writing.

Elum Stationery Box

	Retro & Personalized: Fabulous Stationery proposes over 1500 styles that can be personalized for any occasion, or for every day note-writing. Available in sets of 20 or 100 with prices starting at $35. Of course, they do occasions too.
Puro Papel Indian Spirit	Indian Spirit: I’m madly in love with this Dalmichi stationery set from Puro Papel. It can be personalized and includes 15 note cards and lined envelopes, one paperweight, all neatly tucked in a canvas bag. Elegant gift idea.
Night Owl Paper Goods Wood	Printed Wood: Here’s for the real original and creative communicator. Night Owl Paper Goods will print your logo, photo or design on their eco-friendly birch wood cards. Cool? Just a little, huh?
Fabrinery note cards	Fabric Cards: Need another texture? Try these fabric backed note cards. Each set of Fabrinery (fabric + stationery) cards comes with six imprintable note cards and matching envelopes. Simply choose your fabric and how you want to personalize the set.
9spotmonk for gents	For Men: It’s almost rare to see stationery designed just for men, especially note cards as stylish as these beautiful letterpress designs created specifically for gentlemen. Sold individually or in sets of 10. Great gift idea for the new grad! By 9SpotMonk .
SmudgeInk notes	Just the Note: there are times when an envelope is not required (quick note to a teacher or neighbor) but when a sheet of college-ruled paper is not to be considered either. A pretty pad of printed flat notes is perfect for those occasions. I like this selection by Smudge Ink at $6.00 for a 100 page pad .
hellolucky personalized	Personalized: Hello Lucky offers a great variety of note card designs that can be personalized. Besides being well designed, Hello Lucky is also very eco-sensitive: they use tree-free papers and cards are packaged in biodegradable boxes.
Seed Card Wiley Valentine	Seed Cards: These gorgeous hand-letterpressed cards are printed on 100% recycled paper that is embedded with seeds. Plant the card and see what grows: basil, thyme, parsley, dill, oregano & chive seeds. Sold individually at Wiley & Valentine .
Elum personalized stationery	Blanc sur Blanc: Sometimes, there is something to be said about the absence of color, as with this very elegant all white personalized letterpress stationery set by Elum Designs . It’s right for all occasions.
sky of blue cards stationery	Young & Monogrammed: This set of letterpress monogrammed note cards by Sky of Blue Cards is anything but stuffy. Perfect for the younger set. Get them trained early on writing their thank you cards!
Hearthfish press alphabet	Alphabetic: Though these are not your traditional Emily-Post-recommended note cards, the alphabetic designation are perfect for occasion-driven correspondence. I’d probably get the whole A to Z set and be set for a while!! Modern letterpress with soy-based inks on 100% cotton paper. By Heartfish Press .
Bellinvito letterpress	Couture Stationery: The Bell’Invito letterpress stationery is printed using presses that date back to the late 1800’s. These luxurious designs are perfect for grand statements and declarations.