CARE GUIDE FOR CARDS & GIFT TAGS
There are endless ways to express one’s emotions. A handwritten note, whether combined with a gift or on its own, is a tangible representation of something abstract – a feeling, a thought, an idea.
Selecting the right card and gift tag is part of the message itself. From the paper quality to the patterns and motifs on the cover, every detail matters.
It can be challenging to find the right card option for a last-minute invitation or a spontaneous occasion. That is why many customers of Manuela Menzi Studio purchase a collection of greeting cards and gift tags in advance. Moreover, our card selection can be stored as a keepsake or a collectable; it can be framed and displayed as wall art. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to properly handle and preserve each individual piece.
We have compiled a detailed care guide for handling, storing, and protecting your cards – from the time you receive them to the moment you write a heartfelt message on their blank surface.
Check your order
As soon as your card parcel from Manuela Menzi Studio arrives, it is important to inspect it for signs of damage and to confirm that its contents match your order. In the rare event that the wrong items have been delivered, please check our return policy and reach out to us as soon as possible.
Handle with Care
Take a moment to appreciate each unique motif of the collage design. Our greeting cards and gift tags are printed in full colour on premium paper. To avoid smudges and fingerprints, handle the paper with clean, dry hands.
Use Acid-Free Envelopes and Albums
Beautiful cards are not always destined to be gifted immediately. It is important to learn how to properly store them from the time they are acquired to the moment they are handed over to the recipient. The same applies when receiving a card from a loved one; cards are keepsakes, meant to be held as remnants of a very special occasion.
To protect your greeting cards and gift tags, store them in an acid-free envelope – it prevents yellowing and vibrancy loss, as acidity corrodes the cellulose fibres within the paper. Selecting an acid-free envelope is also recommended when mailing the cards to the recipient.
To preserve each piece for a longer time, the cards can be stored in an album with protective sleeves. The waterproof sleeves not only protect the cards from humidity and moisture, but they allow you to easily flip through the album’s pages to admire the unique cover designs.
As an extra layer of protection, you can store the albums and envelopes in a sealed box. It is the best way to protect any paper-based collectables from water leaks and insects.
Avoid Ink Smears & Nib Creeps
Once it is time to use the card’s blank surface to write a personal message, make sure to place the card on a clean, dry surface.
To eliminate any risk of ink smears and smudging, avoid touching the card or storing it in a folder before the ink has completely dried. This can take a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the humidity level and ink type. Please keep in mind that pigment inks take much longer to dry compared to dye-based ones.
If you intend on using a fountain pen, gently tap or thump the pen before uncapping and clean up any dried ink buildup. Fountain pens often accumulate ink around the nib and can cause smears as soon as they touch the paper. To further avoid this scenario, you can first test for nib creeps on a disposable paper.
Select Museum Glass Framing
Many customers use our greeting cards as wall art. To avoid tears and folds, it is important to frame them instead of sticking them directly on the wall. A well-chosen frame not only complements the artwork but also enhances its longevity.
We recommend opting for a frame with museum glass, as it minimizes flares and reflections while blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Protect from sunlight
UV rays can cause prints to fade, discolour, and become brittle over time. Keep the cards from Manuela Menzi Studio in a cool, shaded place to preserve the vividity of their original colours and their overall sturdiness.
By following our detailed care guide, your greeting cards and gift tags will preserve their vibrancy and firmness till the moment they carry your handwritten notes to a very special person.
All designs are printed with care and meant to be cherished. Consider repurposing them as bookmarks, decorative accents, or scrapbook additions.