The Art of the Handwritten Note

A handwritten note is much more than a piece of paper. Penned with a sense of permanence, it is perhaps one of the most beautiful, tangible, and raw manifestations of human connection.

“There is nothing that matches the excitement of opening a piece of hand-inscribed stationery,” Design Director Muriel DeLaPaz says. “It can be treasured, saved, read, re-read, and passed down generations.”

Arzberger takes a thoughtful approach to the creative process that is tailored to the needs, desires, and aesthetic of each unique client. Instead of operating as a mass-printer, the stationer regards each step as a delicate art form that is designed to be appreciated.

“We do this by offering a vast toolbox of papers, inks, and designs—some cutting-edge and others dating back to the early 1900s,” DeLaPaz says. “We work with several calligraphers to create hand-lettered notes, and partner with artists to create custom monograms and one-of-a-kind pieces.”

Paper, DeLaPaz explains, is a category of the design process that has greatly expanded over the decades. In addition to featuring paper and envelope liners from around the world, the stationer also mills Arzberger-watermarked, FSC-certified paper in white and ecru with an unmatched quality of thickness.

“The paper choice, which was previously only offered in white or ecru, is very impactful and is now flooded with beautiful colored paper options,” DeLaPaz says. “We see marvelous blues and greens running through the presses daily.”

The stationer’s attention to detail extends as far as the style of available liners offered to clients.

“Often, it is the first thing a recipient notices, especially if a bold pattern or unique is selected,” DeLaPaz says. “It can truly help set the tone of a note. Having multiple liners within a stationery set allows the message of each note to be appropriately matched.”

One might utilize a soft tissue liner for a bereavement note, or a vibrant design to accompany celebratory stationery. Liners are adhered by hand and inspected by Arzberger’s skilled team before each send-out.

As for the company’s true bread and butter? The answer lies in the origins of its more than 100-year-old heritage.

“Engraving is our original print method and has a treasured spot in our business, " DeLaPaz says. “We believe that fine stationery is meant to be engraved. As a result of its depth, richness and raised texture, engraving produces the clearest, most beautiful graphic reproduction.”

In an engraving process, a piece of paper is hand-fed into an Arzberger press and stamped by a copper or steel metal plate that is etched with text or artwork. For more timeless motifs such as a family crest, DeLaPaz says the team will use a steel die for a deeper etched look.

No matter the project, whether a wedding invitation, birth announcement, or stationery for a new business, Arzberger is intentional about connection—finding fulfillment in the legacy of craftsmanship and maintaining decades-long relationships with clients throughout the many stages of life.

“It’s the thing that brings us the most joy,” DeLaPaz says. “Knowing we are a small part of making someone’s day, the joining of families, and the celebration of a new life or a life well-lived. It is a true honor.”