At Darling + Pearl, we take pride in our unique approach and artistic vision to create heirloom wedding stationery that leaves a lasting impression. Our passion for the printing process is ever-growing (as is our collection of antique machinery.) There is something wildly special about hand feeding cotton paper through a century-old cast iron printing press to bring a 21st century design concept to life. We love the challenge of creating wedding, and life event stationery + details that resonate with the special people in your life. The entire process concept-to-delivery still leaves us in awe, every step of the way- even 10(+) years later. Throughout the site, we taken a lot of time and care to outline our process and other important details- should you find you're still left with questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
xo.
Vintage Postage, Printed Calligraphy
Venue Sketch, Handmade Paper, Wax Seals, White Ink Printing, Coasters, Vellum Insert
18x24 Acrylic Signage
"Blind" Letterpress, Vintage Postage, Hand Calligraphy
The Custom process
client questionnaire:
The first step in our ordering process is the completion of our client questionnaire. this questionnaire provides color, design + inspiration ideas, as well as important contact items. it also provides the necessary information to setup the proposal and service agreement. always more than happy to schedule a time to talk- either over the phone, or in person should you be local to the central NJ//bucks county area.
Save the Dates through Event Items
Menus + Programs
Save the Dates with Printed Photo Insert
why letterpress?
Letterpress printing is a centuries old printing method in which ink and metal type (now-a-days photo-polymer plates) meet the printing surface with literally a ton of pressure. The result is a beautiful impression or "deboss" that can be seen and felt. In the past the printer's aim was to "kiss" the paper leaving no detectable trace of the actual printing method. Now a deep impression is the only way to know that it was produced in such a
laborious manner. Most of our printing presses reign from the late 1800's and early 1900's. (Apx.3 TONS of antique cast iron currently calls D+P Studio home!) Each sheet of paper is hand fed through the press one at a time and each color is hand mixed and requires its own attention, setup, and run.
Letterpress Printing is ideal for dark printing on light stock (or on occasion metallic silver on dark stock) and clean layouts with minimal solid areas. These are by no means set laws, but just one particular equation that makes this printing method excel in our eyes. Letterpress is a beautiful mix of art and science- and that's what we love about it. The craftsmanship can be perfected, however It also means there may be slight variations in color, ink coverage and impression between individual pieces, but everything that leaves our studio is just as beautiful as the last. Our antique printing presses will create beautiful character filled stationery that you can treasure for ages.