Paper
Letterpress note cards are printed by pressing type or a printing form into thick paper, leaving a visible and tactile impression. These small sets are made in Brussels by Le Typographe.
At a glance
Maker: Le Typographe
Place: Brussels, Belgium
Printing: Letterpress on Heidelberg presses
Card: 300gsm FSC-certified European paper
Size: 6.4 × 9.3 cm
Set: Five blank cards and five envelopes
What makes a letterpress card different?
Letterpress is a relief printing process. Ink is transferred as the printing surface is pressed into the paper, so the result can be felt as well as seen. On a small note card, that shallow impression gives simple typography and colour more presence without needing extra decoration.
The process rewards good paper, controlled pressure and clean spacing. It is especially suited to brief handwritten messages because the printed surface does not compete with the words added later.
Who makes these note cards?
The sets are made by Le Typographe, a letterpress atelier in Brussels. The studio has printed on Heidelberg presses since 2007. The cards are made in Belgium rather than designed there and printed anonymously elsewhere.
How large are the mini note cards?
Each card measures 6.4 × 9.3 cm, with a 7 × 10 cm envelope. This is smaller than a standard A6 greeting card, leaving room for a few deliberate lines rather than a long letter.
They work well for thank-you notes, flowers, parcels, place settings or a handwritten message tucked beside an object. The small format also makes them useful to keep in a desk drawer for moments when an ordinary scrap of paper feels careless.
What paper and envelopes are used?
The cards are printed on 300gsm FSC-certified European paper. The envelopes use 100gsm canvas paper and have a gummed flap, with a honeycomb pattern printed inside.
The Pale Purple Mini Letterpress Note Cards pair lavender cards with cordyline envelopes. The Copper Mini Letterpress Note Cards combine barley cards and copper envelopes. The Peach Mini Letterpress Note Cards use peach with burgundy, while the Gold Mini Letterpress Note Cards keep the cards white and place the colour on the envelope.
Are letterpress note cards only for gifts?
No. Their most useful role is everyday correspondence: thanking someone for dinner, sending a short note after a visit, adding a line to returned books, or leaving a message on a desk. They can accompany a gift, but they do not depend on an occasion.
For a full-size birthday message, the Yellow Letterpress Birthday Card is folded A6, printed on the same substantial 300gsm paper and paired with a cornflower blue envelope.
How should letterpress stationery be stored?
Keep the cards flat and dry, away from damp and strong sunlight. Handle the envelopes with clean, dry hands so the coloured surface and printed honeycomb interior remain clear.