Valentine’s Day, the day of love letters, is the perfect chance to send out a bunch of cards, so I’ve been scoping out the selection in an attempt to satisfy my lust for letterpress. Some are classic, some are funny, some are flirtatious, but they’re all about love. Whether that’s love for your sweetheart, your mom, your current crush, or your boss is up to you!
I have long been a fan of the wonderful, whimsical work of Egg Press up in Oregon, and their valentines hit the sweet spot between charm and romance. Something about those clams just gets me, and I adore the valentine-into-sculpture element of the loving trees. (They have a huge selection of valentines, from modernist to cute-as-a-button; these two just happened to catch my eye.)
Stacy Pancake of Pancake and Franks does wonderful things right here in San Francisco. Her crisp, modern designs take a glancing look at the traditional valentine, paying homage to both the Queen of Hearts and some besotted lovebugs!
This curlicued heart-a-thon from Sycamore Street Press reminds me of one of my favorite books when I was a kid, The Good Master, by Kate Seredy. It had wonderful illustrations inspired by Hungarian folk art, but I doubt you need to have childhood associations to appreciate this valentine…
Wanting something super simple? Satsuma Press always has something understated and elegant to fit the bill. I love that this doesn’t overwhelm–it’s the perfect valentine for someone who already knows you love them but deserves a reminder.
Sick of pink?? Pearl Marmalade has just the valentine for you and your briny sweetheart. Wrap yourself in love’s tentacles!
Don’t have a valentine, but hoping to find one? Throw a party and charm everyone with these exuberant coasters from Green Chair Press. What drink wouldn’t look great sitting on top of one of these? (Although I’d be tempted to try making the rose-bedecked Mata Hari.)
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