Correspondence Cards

[Judybug]

First, let me be sure I'm using the term "correspondence cards" correctly. They are always just flat cards - not fold-over cards - right?

 

Do they have any particular purpose?

 

Are they acceptable for any personal communication that's short enough to fit on them?

 

Do you write on one side only? Is it bad form to write on both sides?

 

Are the envelopes that come with correspondence cards always fully lined [front & back of envelope] so that your writing doesn't show through? [Happily, the G. Lalo cards that I ordered recently DO have fully lined envelopes.]

 

When you start writing on a correspondence card, do you find that you have more to say that you thought you did which ultimately means that the card goes in the trash and you end up re-writing on stationery? [This happens to me too often.]

 

In spite of all these questions and quandaries, I am attracted to correspondence cards. Why? I don't know.

 

Judybug

[lefty928]

Last spring, I came across this Web page describing the proper "stationery wardrobe" and was enchanted with the idea of correspondence cards (I was buying lots of boxes of thank you cards at the time): gailrhea/Pens/paperink.

 

Gail Rhea says it's fine to write on the back, but these sites disagree: paperaffair and Crane.

 

While I loved the idea of dashing off a short thank you or "how ya doin'?" note, turned out that yes, I always have more to say than I thought I did. My ramblings never fit on just one side, or even two. :roflmho:

[jbb]

I don't know anything about correspondence card protocol but I bought a lovely box of embossed cards last year. They are fountain pen friendly too! I don't have too many occasions to use them since when I write I go on for a few pages but I had to have them. These are the ones I got. They were a good price for personalized cards -- in my opinion.

http://www.alwaysstationery.com/section1Li...Item=fm20-ak40b

[BillTheEditor]

If it's a note I can write in two minutes or less (including the envelope), it goes on a correspondence card. Usually these are "it was nice to see you again" or "saw the article in the paper on your promotion -- congratulations!" type notes. I only use one side of the card because that's what I learned in the Navy eons ago when officers were still expected to have and use calling cards, and when commanding officers (their wives, to tell the truth) used correspondence cards for invitations. I'm too old/lazy to change.

 

I've seen some correspondence cards that do not have lined envelopes, but the envelopes are very heavy paper, and you can't see through it. My current cards are G. Lalo, like yours.

 

If I've clipped an article from the paper or a magazine that I think someone would like to see, I might write a note on a good quality index card, put the card and the clipping in a small "security" envelope (pattern printed on the inside of the envelope), and mail it. I don't have a problem with writing on both sides of an index card.

 

If I'm not writing a two-minute note, I reach for the memo or letter pad.

[tfwall]

  BillTheEditor said:

I only use one side of the card because that's what I learned in the Navy eons ago when officers were still expected to have and use calling cards, and when commanding officers (their wives, to tell the truth) used correspondence cards for invitations. I'm too old/lazy to change.

 

You'll be happy to know that Service Etiquette still covers the procurement and use of calling cards, though I've only seen one (from some lieutenant no less). I've never received a correspondence card as an invite, mostly the wives just send e-vites these days for hail and farewells and such.

 

[BillTheEditor]

  Chemyst said:

  BillTheEditor said:

I only use one side of the card because that's what I learned in the Navy eons ago when officers were still expected to have and use calling cards, and when commanding officers (their wives, to tell the truth) used correspondence cards for invitations. I'm too old/lazy to change.

 

You'll be happy to know that Service Etiquette still covers the procurement and use of calling cards, though I've only seen one (from some lieutenant no less). I've never received a correspondence card as an invite, mostly the wives just send e-vites these days for hail and farewells and such.

Thanks for the update -- I had to smile when I read it. Some things never change!

 

[Titivillus]

  Judybug said:

First, let me be sure I'm using the term "correspondence cards" correctly. They are always just flat cards - not fold-over cards - right?

 

Do they have any particular purpose?

 

Are they acceptable for any personal communication that's short enough to fit on them?

 

Do you write on one side only? Is it bad form to write on both sides?

 

Are the envelopes that come with correspondence cards always fully lined [front & back of envelope] so that your writing doesn't show through? [Happily, the G. Lalo cards that I ordered recently DO have fully lined envelopes.]

 

When you start writing on a correspondence card, do you find that you have more to say that you thought you did which ultimately means that the card goes in the trash and you end up re-writing on stationery? [This happens to me too often.]

 

In spite of all these questions and quandaries, I am attracted to correspondence cards. Why? I don't know.

 

Judybug

 

I think that there is some supposed purpose to a correspondence card but I use them as postcards after runningthem through a printer and they do fine. As well when I dash off a quick note I will use one and often will include one in a package that I am mailing.

 

The correspondence cards that I have used have been Crane's and the envelope is thick enough not to need lining but I have seen some with a matching lining as well.

 

When I pick up a card I know that it's going to be a short note ( 2-3 lines) so I ususally don't need more paper.

 

I really do likethe thickness of the cards but when the pack that I have is gone I'm not going to buy replacements as I have far too much bigger paper that I need to use up!

 

K

 

[kazoolaw]

Hi Judybug,

Somewhere in my meandering reading was an article that said the fold-overs were feminine and flat cards were masculine. I'm guessing that the author hadn't seen the flat cards with engraved high heels on them.

 

The common use of flat cards is for shorter communications, although I recently received a card written front and back with flamboyant multi-colored ink penmanship, and it seemed entirely appropriate.

 

Someone mentioned using cards for brief congratulations. They work for thank you notes and I've used them for condolences as well. They come in a multitude of sizes, colors, weights and designs. Correspondence cards can convey casual or formal communication, depending on whether the card is engraved or bordered, white, cream or colored.

 

One of the things I really like about them is their weight. I could never do an entire letter in heavy paper, but the cards work out well. Envelopes range from no lining to half lined to full lining. I have this fatal attraction to them as well. Sometimes it's to compensate for not buying a fountain pen, like many of my ink purchases. So I have an entire range of cards, probably more than I'll ever use.

 

 

[Momomar]

The name seems fairly obvious but I suppose they have to be called something to differentiate them from, say, informals, the card that folds. In any case, I love them and use them often if I know my note will be brief.

 

They are almost always made of really nice paper and many have lined envelopes, features that lend significance to the note even if the written message is brief.

[helian]

Hi Judybug! Emily Post's section on letter-writing in the old postwar etiquette books (if you are lucky enough to find one) is a worthwhile read--helpful and witty too. I've used cards for notes to friends (write on both sides) and thank-yous to interviewers (write on one side and start all over in case of any penmanship error, however slight). Black-edged ones I've reserved for condolences, but they'd be ok for a business-related note. Maybe not for felicitations upon an acquaintance's wedding... it might seem to hint at pessimism....

An easy drafting method if you care how the card looks is to mark the corners of the card on your drafting sheet, and confine the draft to the area within the four dots. It seems that the hubris of not drafting first always brings down the nemesis of a flubbed and wasted card upon me. : (

I would not worry, in general, because these days few people are sensitive to such things. One sees oblivious blunders in the elegant world of business such as lawyers referring to -themselves- as "Esq." in the signature line, all the time. If you know how to compose the card, you're ahead of the pack, let alone writing it!

[kiavonne]

Great.

 

With all the stationery I've been obsessed with and tried over the years since I was a kid, how come I never knew about correspondence cards? Now I must add something else to the piles of papers, pads and various cards stashed in all the nooks and crannies of my overflowing home.

[CraigR]

I have started using quality 3X5 cards, such as those from Levinger, as correspondence cards. They seem to work as well and they have envelopes suitable for them as well. I am also interested in the proper use of correspondence cards, although I am not sure very many people now days would know if I made an oops in their use.

[pmsalty]

Judybug,

I use a note card for a quick thank you note and remembering events (i.e. birthdays) for both my clients and employees. I''s send one to you so you can see the modern use of one!

PMS

[watermangirl]

Having emigrated to the UK some years back, I have been absolutely charmed by the use of correspondence cards. I work at a charity and get them in the post often with a small donation attached or just to say that someone who has followed our work for years was happy to see some new announcement. Of course I also get about 200+ emails a day - many along the same lines - but since you never hold them in your hand and you never see the shake of a pen or the choice of an ink color that is amusing or unexpected, they never seem to leave any impression at all.

 

Over the last three years I have lost my father and given birth to two children, I have a box full of lovely cards I received during those hard and good times, with flowers or just like that. I keep them all and will reread them one day to remind myself how widely- and well-loved my father was or to my children to let them know how many people greeted their arrival.

 

Along with getting a new pen this year and restarting a journal, one of my pledges is to find some lovely cards.

 

currently craving these:

 

http://paperplain.net/index.php?cPath=1&am...eec6c7d52e26d9d

 

I don't know what the proper uses are but I vow that rather than jealously guard my cards for the perfect use, I will use them often - too often - liberally. And I hope that those who get them keep them in boxes and read them again many years from now and remember that I thought of them.

 

WG

[Blade Runner]

According to Crane's blue book, CCs are indeed used for thank you, informal invitations and other brief notes. It states that they are are heavy cards, 4.25 x 6.5 inch with matching envelopes. I don't see why you couldn't use other sizes as well. I have the Cambridge blue and ecru with triple hairline border CCs from Crane's and find them useful.

[kiavonne]

I went googling and found a site called Classic Communication. They've been running a special through February to have free return addresses added to envelopes with their stationery (which usually costs around $25 minimum at any site). Their prices are fairly reasonable. I got a set of correspondence cards in the Colonial style, and they are really nice. They could go either way for formal or informal, for a quick note or a nice thank you. This style was very reasonably priced as well. The envelopes aren't lined, but the stock is thick enough that writing didn't show through. Very FP friendly stock. Some inks might feather if the nib is wide enough, but I didn't have any problems and I used a Taccia wide nib with Noodler's Walnut for my first try. I was impressed enough that I went back and ordered some folding notes for myself and an embossed set for my Dad's new wife - as an acceptance to the family.

 

Only one week left in February and the free return address special, so thought I'd toss it out there to anyone interested.

[misterh]

  watermangirl said:

Along with getting a new pen this year and restarting a journal, one of my pledges is to find some lovely cards.

 

currently craving these:

 

http://paperplain.net/index.php?cPath=1&am...eec6c7d52e26d9d

 

I don't know what the proper uses are but I vow that rather than jealously guard my cards for the perfect use, I will use them often - too often - liberally. And I hope that those who get them keep them in boxes and read them again many years from now and remember that I thought of them.

 

WG

 

I have been wanting to get some correspondence cards for a little while, but haven't been able to find any that I really liked. Those look great, thanks for the link.

 

Adrian

 

[rwboyer]

I use my correspondence cards more than any other type of stationery. Great for just about any occasion as long as your words are brief or you have very small handwriting. My personal favorite cards/envelopes are Crane cotton ecru with matching unlined envelopes (engraved no thermography please). The expense is almost reasonable as long as you don't change address frequently (as I have), new plates are not cheap and being stuck with excess envelopes with the wrong return address really stinks.

 

RB

 

Ps. I don't write on the back. If I have that much to say a letter is probably more appropriate.

Edited February 23, 2008 by rwboyer

[NeoLuddite]

I am rather intrigued by what I am hearing, about the use of correspondence cards. I, personally, have never come across these, the nearest, I think, that I have come to them are those 'With compliments' slips that businesses generally provide.

 

How many UK-based members use correspondence cards?

Are they just an alternative to 'Thank You' cards, and the rest of the Hallmark equivalents?

[rwboyer]

  NeoLuddite said:

I am rather intrigued by what I am hearing, about the use of correspondence cards. I, personally, have never come across these, the nearest, I think, that I have come to them are those 'With compliments' slips that businesses generally provide.

 

How many UK-based members use correspondence cards?

Are they just an alternative to 'Thank You' cards, and the rest of the Hallmark equivalents?

 

I am not from the UK but receive a few from various natives while living in London years ago.

 

No they are not at all like thank you cards or other Hallmark products. Traditionally they are plain white or ecru very thick paper stock (usually cotton) with a smooth finish and a name engraved at the top. They are not folded or meant to be.

 

They can be used for just about anything or any occasion.

 

RB