XP: Thermography/ raised printing on invites

JCM10

I'm DIYing my own pocketfold invites but really would like raised text on them...I just like how it looks a lot more. Where is there to have this done? I don't know of any 'local' stationary shops around here...is there a way online, or a chain store that does it?

NOLAbridealmost

If you don't mind spending a LOT of time, you could emboss them yourself.  You'd have to get a rubber stamp made with the stuff that you want raised and buy a clear "ink" stamp pad.  You stamp the paper with the clear ink. Then you dust embossing powder over the paper and it sticks in the places that you've stamped.  Then you use an embossing gun (which is basically a high-heat, low-wind blow dryer) and in just a few seconds the powder hardens and there you go.  You can get all the supplies for probably around 30 dollars (not including the custom stamp). 

It takes time but can look gorgeous. 

erome84

I met with an invitation shop in my town yesterday and from what I understand most invitation shops only do "flat printing". Thermography wasn't that expensive (depending on your guest number), especially not for the elegance that it provides. Good Luck! 

 Here are a few websites she gave me: 

http://www.williamarthur.com/

http://www.envelopments.com/

JCM10

My pocketfolds aren't going to look real informal at all. We're still doing the traditional invite panel in the middle, with white paper and black text. That part could stand alone as an invitation...it's just being mounted on the pocketfold because I *hate* having piles of inserts to sift through, we I want the pocket. I think it's a good way to 'dress up' the pocketfold...the alternative is printing flat, which I think looks cheap. 

JanoBean75

William Arthur has thermographied pockets in Weddings I and Weddings II.

Carlson Craft Pockets has some thermographied pockets in their Pockets album, but mostly flat.

Try a full print shop (google it for your area).

JCM10

I just emailed to printers in the area. They don't say they do thermography on their site...but asking anyway. All I need is a 4 x 6 panel with black text. 

JanoBean75

Can you visit a stationery shop (Hallmark, Papyrus, whatever's in your area) and inquire about having JUST the 4x6 panel printed through one of their vendors? I know this is possible. You may have to search through a lot of books, or pay extra to have a larger card cut to size (4x6 isn't exactly a regular size, believe it or not). It would be a custom job, and I'd suggest ordering a proof. But I know it's possible so it may be worth checking it out.

What about your inserts? Thermography or flat for them?

babolinger

Hey,
I don't typically post on here but I was gathering some info and saw your post. I'm doing basically the same thing. I ordered my pocket folds and found a local printer to supply the invite/insert paper, print thermography, and cut for me. I also had a difficult time finding one. I googled my city and printers. I don't think they listed thermography on their site, but all responded saying they could do it. I think most printers that print business cards should be able to do it. The most difficult thing for me was getting the invitation design in Adobe PDF. (I only know how to use Word programs) One printer had a designer if I needed the help but I ended up asking a friend. I haven't received them yet, but I'm excited to put them together! Have fun!

aimers1525

@JCM--I think I did what you would like to do.  I ordered my pocketfolds and paper for inserts from cardsandpockets.com. I found a commercial graphic designer who printed (engraved which is a raised print, but they use plates to print which is different from thermography) and cut my inserts. I assembled and stuffed the pockets and added ribbon, monogram square, etc.

My invites have text only, so I used Word to create the files and chose my own fonts, etc. The graphic designer did all the sizing, and we used the directions on C&P to figure out what size each of the inserts needed to be for the pocketfold.

I don't have pictures right now, but if you want to see them, PM me your email.  HTH!