Our Letterpress Business Cards

There’s a certain joy in doing things the slow way, the thoughtful way. In a world that often rushes, taking the time to make something properly feels refreshing, a gentle act of respect for craft and for the story behind the object.

So when it came time to create our letterpress business cards, we knew we didn’t just want something to hand out. We wanted something that felt personal, weighty, and made with intention. Not merely functional, but beautiful, a little keepsake that speaks to our values, our love of tradition, and our belief that the art of making still matters.

We collaborated with the Columbus Printed Arts Center and Wild Arugula Press — not only to bring our vision to life, but to immerse ourselves in the making, experiencing each step of the process up close and personal.

The process by which the paper is run through the letterpress, embossing the plate into each card and applying the ink.

Inspired by the Old Ways

The idea was simple: to create a card that didn’t just convey information, but captured something of us, something timeless and honoring of our heritage. We were drawn, quite naturally, to the enduring charm of letterpress. It’s an old technique, steeped in history and craft, with a character you simply can’t replicate with modern methods. The soft, debossed impression, the gentle texture of the paper, it all tells a story before a single word is read.

There’s a kind of restraint in old letterpress work: a simplicity that lets the materials and technique do the talking. That’s what we wanted, not flashy, but honest. A card that felt considered.

Materials That Matter

Choosing the paper felt as important as choosing the typeface. We spent time touching, bending, comparing. We wanted something with substance, not just to the eye, but to the hand. In the end, it had to be cotton. There’s something about its weight and texture, soft yet structured, like an heirloom textile or a favorite old book.

The Press Itself

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a letterpress machine, the soft thud, the rhythmic pull. It’s a slower, more involved process, and all the better for it. We watched as each card was pressed by hand, one sheet at a time, the design etched into the paper with gentle precision. Every impression, every line, a little celebration of imperfection and individuality.

There’s a richness that comes from this kind of making. The impressions have depth, both physically and emotionally. It reminds you that someone made this, carefully, lovingly.

The front of each business card on the letterpress machine.

A Reflection on Craft

Creating these cards wasn’t about trend or marketing. It was about story and substance, about honoring our heritage, celebrating craftsmanship, and making something with care. Holding the final cards, you couldn’t help but smile. They reminded us of the beauty of making, looked beautiful on a desk, and most importantly, felt like us.

Much like our kitchens, these little cards represent something bigger: a belief that making things slowly and intentionally is always worthwhile. That beauty lies in the details, and that when we surround ourselves with meaningful things, life just feels a little bit better.

So if you're ever thinking about your own printed item, consider the process. Choose it with care. Make it feel personal. Remember that even the smallest things can tell a story, if you let them. And be sure to reach out to Allison at Wild Arugula Press she's incredible to work with and would love to help you experience the beauty of letterpress.