HOME · NEWSLETTER · BONUS ARTICLES · PERSONALIZED STATIONERY

The type of paper and envelope you use for any communication is a reflection of yourself and the message you are sending. While it may be obvious that a thank you note for a job interview should be written on impressive quality paper, there are actually quite a few more details than paper quality to consider when navigating your way through creating personalized stationery.

This guide helps demystify and define the many standard types of personalized stationery so you can start thinking about what’s right for you. Your name, initial or monogram should be printed on the stationery, and your return address should be printed on the envelope. You can be creative with paper colors and textures, choice of fonts and ink colors, and placement of your name, initial or monogram on the stationery.

Regardless of size or shape, it’s best to handwrite the note, even if your penmanship looks more like chicken scratch than letterpress. Just write as neatly as possible and avoid cross-outs by planning what you are going to say before your pen hits the paper. Business correspondence can be typed, though notes of gratitude and quick thoughts give a nice, personal touch when handwritten.

Keep in mind, most of the sizes below are approximate. When creating stationery, start with the envelope sizes first; you can always trim paper to fit. The placement and inclusion of names and addresses on the different types of stationery varies from source to source, so use the descriptions below just as a suggestion for design. Let your own needs, style and taste dictate your personalized stationery. After all, it should be personal.

Section I: Common Cards

Correspondence cards with coordinating envelopes
Correspondence cards are generally a nice quality cardstock about 4 x 6. When personalized, a full name or monogram will appear in the top left or center of the card. Often there is a border around the card in the same color ink as the name. These cards can be used to show gratitude for a dinner party or gift. It’s also used for general social correspondence. The coordinating envelope should have the address on the back flap.

Half-sheets
A half sheet is also quality stationery that’s approximately 7x10, though some women use a smaller version half-sheet of 5x7. A monogram or name, or name and address are printed at the top, and the handwritten note begins under the name. If the paper is of a nice thick weight, you can write on the back of the page. If more pages or needed, the writing continues on a blank version of the stationery for page 2. The paper is folded in half with the printed name on the outside, and the fold inserted in the envelope first, so the corners of the page are on top.

Fold-over notes
Some consider this card the most formal type of social stationery. Unfolded, the card is usually about 5x7. The fold is most often at the top, with a name or monogram centered on the front. Writing begins on the inside and continued on the inside front. Messages should not be continued on the back. Small versions of these cards are called Informals

Section II: Business Paper

Business Letterhead
Business letterhead is always on 8 ½ x 11 sheets of paper and should include all available contact information such as address, phone number, fax number, email and website. It can also include the name and title of the person using the stationery. The stationery is folded into thirds and fit into an envelope. Most often, the return address on the envelope is on the front.

Monarch
Using a piece of 7 ¼ x 10 ½ paper, Monarch notes include one’s name and title at the top, is folded into thirds and fits in a coordinating envelope with the return address on the back. Monarch notes are more informal than letterhead. Monarch notes without any business names or titles are often used for social correspondence as well.

Section III: Everything else

Letter sheets
The proliferation of e-mail has lessened the demand for everyday stationery such as letter sheets. Typically, letter sheets have a printed name, address and phone number on the top, and plenty of space for a longer note. Letter sheets are often used less for pure social reasons and more for personal business inquiries.

Calling Cards
Much like a Business Card, a social calling card is a 3 x 2 heavy card that provides all the necessary contact information for getting in touch with its holder. They can also be used as a reminder or a gift enclosure.

House Stationery
Probably from the era of estates and plantations, house stationery is now mostly used for anyone who may own more than one home. The name and/or address of the home is printed at the top or on the front of the stationery.

© Copyright 2001- 2006 Mountaincow LLC. All rights reserved.