It is difficult to escape the stressors of the modern day, with our cell phones always at hand, awaiting our touch. At a moment’s notice, they can reach out to anyone, wherever they may be. Some might say that such conveniences have influenced the decline of handwritten communication. However, until recently, there was a steady rise in the availability of artfully created custom stationery.
Nancy Sharon Collins has forged a path as a stationer. She has been a proponent of proper letterhead since the early 1970s, when she purchased a large quantity of onionskin on a whim. Today, she sells this same collection in her online store, along with artisanal notepads and bespoke stationery. “I didn’t know that the simple purchase I made then would create such a wonderful business opportunity for me,” Nancy says.
Onionskin, being lighter than most paper, was once widely used for its portability. However, because it is not compatible with printers, it fell out of fashion. Its recent resurgence could be attributed to the fact that it takes ink wonderfully, encouraging the writing of beautiful longhand. The experience of writing on it might be called ethereal.
As someone who LOVES to write handwritten letters on custom stationary, this is a real delight to read about onionskin paper! I have only ever used this type of paper for overseas airmail letters from many years ago when the lighter the weight of the letter/envelope- the cheaper the cost of postage.
Today the postage issues are very different but the old-world charm of writing letters could use a real resurgence in our society !
Receiving an email or text these days does not really inspire closeness or intimacy, but the sight of a handwritten envelope awaiting us in the mailbox brings about a feeling of joy and sweet anticipation!
Brandon Hartford
Te Deum Cottage
When I was a young girl my older sister was in college and she would home bring to me the most delicate pastel stationary with tiny roses and it was lightly scented.I was a very romantic child and I truly cherished that stationary.It came in pale pink ,sometimes pastel yellow.I have searched for that stationary but I suppose it is no longer available.I am sure it was onion paper,so lovely,made by Eaton.
Oops,I meant to say “bring home to me”