The simple elegance of cotton papers have long made them the paper of choice for fine stationery and invitations. Crane & Co. has been providing the highest quality of craftsmanship to stationery since 1801.
Printing Process
Stationery can be engraved, blind-embossed, thermographed or flat-printed
Engraving
One of the oldest and most beautiful processes for reproducing images on paper, engraving involves reverse etching an image onto a copper plate.
Embossing
Embossing, or blind-embossing, is similar to engraving in that a raised image is created by pressing paper onto a copper plate. Unlike engraving, no ink is used and the raised image stands on its own on the page.
Developed in the 14th century, letterpress printing involves setting type and motifs in reverse on a letterpress plate. The plate is then inked and pressed onto the surface of a paper.
Hand Bordering
The craftsmanship of Crane 100% cotton hand bordered stationery has been honed over many generations, the secrets and techniques literally being passed down from mother to daughter and father to son.
Cotton Paper
The first true papers were made from cotton almost two thousand years ago. Because cotton fibers are strong and soft, they fully absorb and accept impressions made during the printing process.
Gilding
Gilding refers to the decorative technique of applying a thin layer of gold leaf to a surface. The Egyptians, ancient Greeks, and Romans were all big fans of gilding and with good reason.
Digital Printing
Digital printing relies on computer technology to print images direct from a computer to paper. But unlike traditional printing, digital printers spray the ink onto the paper rather than imprint it. As a result, digital images tend to have flat, one-dimensional appearance, however the rich colors provided by a high-end printing system more than make up for the difference.
Thermography
One of the most affordable types of printing, thermography involves adding a resinous powder to the printing ink. When the combination is heated and dried it creates a slightly raised effect. Sometimes referred to as "imitation engraving", thermography produces an effect similar to but not quite as elegant as engraving.
