PRESENT Magazine

A fun, free consumer magazine about gifts and gifting!

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A Layman’s Primer on Printing: Part 2

Printing, typography, and finishing-technique terminology

[Nobleworks] lines of funny greeting cards run the gamut from heartwarming to gut-busting. No matter your personality, politics or philosophy, you’ll find the perfect card on our shelves. We use a variety of printing techniques that help us create beautiful custom-printed cards affordably and quickly — we were printing Trump “bigly birthday” cards faster than Russians could hack our computers. Having a certain familiarity with commonly used terms is helpful when you need to order custom-printed materials, especially pieces as important as invitations and personalized stationery. From general terms to typography and finishing processes, here are some terms and techniques that are helpful to understand what they mean.

GENERAL TERMS

Camera-Ready: the stage at which material is ready to be photographed and made into printing plates. Copy: the text or material that you wish to print. Die: a sharp metal form or block to cut or produce an image on the paper during the finishing process. Four-Color Process: printing that produces a full range of color reproduction, especially photographs, using only four ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK). These are also known as "process colors." Make-Ready: the process of getting the press set up and ready to print a job. PMS Color: PMS stands for Pantone Matching System and refers to ... Click here to read on.

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Printing Primer: Part 1

A brief look at types of printing, their history and some key terms. In 2019, the profession of “Printer” is no longer listed as an “official job” by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Why? The Labor Department has determined that the industry has become too small for it to track as a separate category in its database. This does not mean that the job, or profession, of being a printer does not exist. It just means that on a large scale in commercial printing, jobs have shrunk as more elements of the process, once done by people, have become automated. Nevertheless, on a smaller scale there are still many professional printers. Over the past 15-20 years, thanks, in part, to the influence of Martha Stewart, there has been a rise of small, artisanal print shops, producing printed goods via “old school” printing techniques, especially letterpress. At the same time, these creative printers are breathing new life into the process by embracing digital technology to produce more contemporary-looking, yet still hand-printed, pieces. So what are these “old school” printing techniques that artisan shops are embracing? Click here to read on...

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Funny Today, Funny Tomorrow?

For decades, humorous greeting cards have made us laugh. But, what was funny in the past is often very different from what is funny now or will be in the future. It’s your birthday. You receive a birthday card, open it, read the front and smile, or maybe even chuckle a bit ... then you open it, read the message inside and laugh out loud! The humor strikes your funny bone. It’s offbeat, and maybe it’s a little risqué ... or perhaps even a lot risqué. You might be a little shocked at the audacity of it, but you really laughed! If you had received the same card 10 years ago, would you have had the same reaction? How about 10 years from now? Maybe. Maybe not. Some things that we find humorous endure over time, while some do not. Why? Times change; we change. Our culture evolves ... or devolves, perhaps. What was acceptable and humorous yesterday might not be viewed as acceptable and funny tomorrow. These days, humorous greeting cards run the gamut of humor – from silly cartoons to adult-themed jokes and imagery. But, this was not always the case. Click here to read on...

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Greeting Cards in the Digital Age

With the ease of text messages, email and other means of electronic communication at our fingertips – literally – the question arises as to whether the custom of sending a paper greeting card is past its prime. After all, social media formats such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter remind us when it is the birthday of one of our "friends," so that we can post a message on their page or send them an e-card – and we can do it on their birthday ... for free. If we send a regular paper greeting card, however, it means that we have planned in advance to purchase and mail it in a timely fashion. So, has the practice of card-sending changed in recent years? Are we sending fewer cards today than in previous decades? And, who is the card-sender?

A Brief Greeting Card History

First, let us take a look at the origins of the greeting card. Believe it or not, greeting cards, or at least an early form of them, have been around for centuries. These early greetings were mainly created by hand and hand-delivered. This was done on a limited basis by the educated, elite class. It was not until the second half of the 19th century, however, that sending a greeting card to mark a special occasion began to be more widely practiced. To read more, click here.

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Casting a Light on Print-On-Demand

Print-on-Demand – what is it; how does it differ from conventional printing; is it more eco-friendly?

Before the advent of digital technology, all printing – whether for books, newspapers, magazines or even greeting cards and invitations – was done by conventional printing methods, of which there are three main types: offset, gravure, and letterpress. The most commonly used method is offset printing.

Unless it was for something special, such as wedding invitations, or a large quantity of the printed matter was needed, the average person would not even think of having something printed. It was a costly proposition.  

Enter digital printing technology some 20 or so years ago. This changed the landscape – and cost – of shorter-run printed materials to be “printed on demand” or “printed to order.” This process made it more affordable and easier for individuals to print smaller quantities of everything from books, greeting cards and invitations to stickers, calendars and even coffee mugs, only when ordered or in the small amount needed, at a more cost-effective price.

Offset vs. Digital Printing

To understand digital print-on-demand, you first need to know what digital printing is versus traditional offset printing, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.  To read more, click here

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Understanding Paper and Paper Recycling

In this era of digital communication, we have not become the “paperless” society that was predicted. Paper is still very much a part of our daily lives. Think about it ... a greeting card that wishes you a happy birthday or some other sentiment is printed on paper. Magazines, newspapers, books – they are all printed on paper. Food products, toys and other hard goods come in cardboard packaging. Your online shopping orders are delivered in corrugated boxes or padded paper envelopes. They are all made from paper.

What happens to all that paper once we are done with it? At one time, we just threw it away with the garbage and it went to the dump. No longer. Much of our waste paper now is recycled.  

Recycling, especially the recycling of paper, is not a new concept. However, it was the establishment of Earth Day in the 1960s that gave the concept impetus; and the recycling of certain materials – paper, glass and metal – became a popular trend to protect our natural resources and to keep reusable materials out of the waste stream.

Today, recycling is more than just a trend; it is a necessity. With more open spaces being developed and landfill areas closing, the need for reducing dumped waste materials has grown. Many of us now diligently save our paper, plastics and metals to be taken to recycling centers to be made into new materials. And that is a good thing, right? Yes and no. Recycling has its good points and its not-so-good points. Let’s take paper as an example. To read more, click here

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Where Will You Shop for Toys and Gifts?

With Toys ‘R’ Us having gone out of business, where are you going to shop for toys this holiday season? Sure, you can go online; Amazon will have all the hot toys. But shopping for toys is more than just getting the latest hot toy; it’s about getting the toy that is right for the child and gives them the best play experience. The latest issue of PRESENT Magazine offers some pointers about choosing toys for children of different ages. Beyond that, why not pay a visit to your local gift-and-toy store? These shops have knowledgeable sales associates who can help you choose an appropriate toy with good play value, or guide you to a non-toy gift that will bring them just as much joy.

 Neighborhood Toy Store Day is coming on November 10. It’s a great way to begin your holiday shopping and have fun at the same time. Click here to find a toy store near you.  And you won’t have to contend with the crowds and frenzy that accompany Black Friday shopping.

 Speaking of Black Friday, don’t forget But speaking of Black Friday, don’t forget that Saturday, November 24, is Small Business Saturday, November 24. Beyond the local toy store, your local gift shops, such as those who distribute PRESENT, also provide a wonderful selection of gifts and toys for everyone on your holiday shopping list. You’ll also find some of those extra essentials for entertaining and decorating that we need at holiday time.

 There is nothing to compare to shopping in a toy-and-gift store in person. It brings out the kid in us and probably brings back many memories of favorite toys, playtimes, and holidays. So, wouldn’t you rather go to a store, especially a toy and gift store, to shop? You may even find something for yourself. After all, toys are not just for kids. We never outgrow our need and desire to play. That is why games such as Monopoly have had such staying power.#

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How Is It Made? SPI Home shares a look at the process that goes into creating its sculptural decor pieces.

SPI is a team of talented 2-D artists, sculptors, and craftsmen, inspired by the natural beauty and dedicated to expressing it in extraordinary sculptures.

Each SPI original begins life as 2-D concept art designed talented artists in Northern California. Our Then, master sculptors breathe life into the artwork by hand-sculpting that vision in modeling clay.

Each part is cast in our own foundry using either the lost wax or sand casting method, and then carefully assembled and finished by hand.

Take here to view a short video, showing the process from start to finish.

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A Milestone of Blessings

As the saying goes, “All is takes is one good idea…” and this idea was a simple one: a small quarter-sized hand-cast pewter token with an inspirational sentiment.  Thus, the Blessing Ring was born, and the beginning of Whitney Howard Designs, owned by Howard and Whitney Schwartz.

Now, 15 years and three million Blessing Rings later, what started with six small charms has burgeoned into a boutique company creating not only some 70 different Blessing Rings, but also handcrafted jewelry and accessories out of recycled, repurposed and organic materials. Whitney is the designer and Howard handles most of the business side.

When asked to what he attributes the appeal of the Blessing Rings, Howard Schwartz replied, “They’re non-gender specific, and regardless of age, gender or social status, every person has milestones as well as ups and downs. We all need blessings.

“If I give you a Blessing Ring,” he continues, “it’s a tangible reminder that you and I are connected to each other through that blessing. It’s a reminder for you to be in that healing place. And it’s something that stays with you forever.”

What inspired this simple gift? The idea was inspired by wealthy customers from Whitney’s previous jewelry business in the luxury community of Calabasas, California. “With all their diamonds,” notes Whitney Schwartz, “I learned that my customers were craving something spiritual that they could have with them day after day. So, I created Blessing Rings and made the design versatile.”

For the couple, whose company tagline is “accessorizing life’s journey,” life has been a journey filled with three million blessings and many more to come.

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Cocktails, Anyone?

What’s the next big thing in cocktails and the enjoyment of spirits? If the recent introductions from Waterford Crystal are any indication, it may be Gin. Waterford’s new “Gin Journeys” is a collection of glassware in two new shapes – balloon glasses with a short stem for high ABV (alcohol by volume) gins and a slim hi-ball for cocktails and lower alcohol gins. These shapes are designed specifically to enhance the flavor and aroma of the spirit – a similar approach to that of Riedel Crystal, who developed different glass shapes to enhance the appreciation of different fine wine varietals.

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Check out this video on the making of the #Lovepop Cherry Blossom Card ... it’s truly an amazing process!

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The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

The New Year’s Eve Ball drop has become a New York City tradition, helping to count down and welcome in each New Year. It is cheered on by thousands of revelers in the streets below in New York’s Times Square, fondly regarded as the “Crossroads of the World.”

Beginning the annual tradition, the first New Year’s Eve Ball was lowered from One Times Square in 1907, a tradition that has continued – with the exception of two years during World War II. Made of iron and wood and weighting 700 pounds, it was covered with 100 light bulbs. Over the years, there have been several newer designs and upgrades of the famous ball: in 1920, a 400-pound iron and wood Ball; in 1950, a 150-pound aluminum Ball with 180 light bulbs; in 1995, an upgrade with rhinestones and computer controls.

In 1999, Waterford created the first crystal ball, in partnership with Philips Lighting, for the celebration welcoming in the new Millennium. This is the Ball that graces the celebrations today. This modern New Year’s Eve Ball is a geodesic sphere, measuring 12 feet in diameter and weighing some 11, 875 pounds. The sphere is covered in 2,688 crystal triangles bolted to an aluminum frame.

In 2007, for the Centennial of the Ball drop, light bulbs were replaced with modern LED technology, adding a spectacular and colorful new element to the revered Ball. It is now capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns atop One Times Square.

The crystal panels installed on the Ball feature unique cut designs. In 2014, Waterford began a special series designs beginning with one entitled the Gift of Imagination. In 2015, the Gift of Fortitude was installed on 288 panels of the panels; this was added to by Gift of Wonder in 2016; Gift of Kindness in 2017; and Gift of Serenity in 2018.

This big Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is now a year-round attraction sparkling above Times Square in full public view January through December.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkeXYH_qByg)

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Black Friday’s A-Coming! But Why Wait?

 Black Friday is only four weeks away! Are you ready for it? Although it is just Halloween time, you probably have already begun compiling your holiday gift shopping list and are getting primed to hit the stores and grab some bargains as soon as they open their doors.

 Why not get a head start of things at your local independent shops? Many shops will be having open houses and other special events in the coming weeks to jump-start the holiday shopping season. This is the time, too, when the selection is best and not picked over.

 For toys, you may want to start with Neighborhood Toy Store Day on November 12. Local independent toy stores will be stocked with a great selection of the “best toys on the market.” It is also a great way to support your local economy. To find a local independent toy store near you, visit https://www.astratoy.org/shop-local/store-finder/

 Small Store Saturday follows Black Friday and encourages shoppers to patronize their local independent shops, which are also primed for the holidays with great selections for your gifting needs. These stores will also be open on Black Friday and may offer their own Black Friday specials, as well as a quieter respite from the chaos of the big box and department stores – and maybe even something to eat and drink! Their knowledgeable sales associates can also offer gift suggestions and other information about the store’s merchandise to help you find the perfect present for the hardest-to-gift person on you list. They may even wrap it for you, making one less task for you to do!

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The Conscious Consumer

In recent years, more people – especially the Millennials – have begun spending their money in a different way. And no, I don’t mean Bitcoin or debit card, rather than cash. They are making purchasing decisions on more than just the item alone – whether it is a gift, food, fashion item, or something else. This is known at “conscious purchasing,” and this can be loosely divided into two categories: environmentally conscious purchasing and socially conscious purchasing.

What does this all mean?

First and foremost, it means that the shopper wants the purchase to have more meaning and impact than be just the item itself.  

In socially conscious purchasing, the buyer seeks out items that “give back” in some way. They look for products that the manufacturer and/or retailer don’t just make a profit from by selling the goods; they use some or all of the profits to benefit others through charitable donations and philanthropic support of social programs.

In environmentally conscious purchasing, the shopper seeks more environmentally responsible products, seeking out more organic, local, fair trade, nontoxic, energy efficient, hybrid and sweat-free products. These are purchases that will help preserve the earth and our environment for future generations.

A Nielsen global survey done in 2015 found that Millennials (3 out of 4) are most willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings, However, Gen Z (ages 15-20) is not far behind with nearly 72% surveyed also willing to pay more for products and services that come from companies who are committed to positive social and environmental impact. After all, these are the generations who have the greatest stake in the future at this time. But Baby Boomers are not left out of the picture with a little more than half of those surveyed willing to pay more.

What do these purchasers look for?

According to the Nielsen global survey among the top purchaser-driving attributes are:

·      company being environmentally friendly

·      company being known for its commitment to social value

·      product being made from fresh, natural and/or organic ingredients

“Brands that establish a reputation for environmental stewardship among today’s youngest consumers have an opportunity to not only grow market share but build loyalty among the power-spending Millennials of tomorrow, too,” says Grace Farraj, SVP, Public Development & Sustainability, Nielsen.

Being a conscious consumer – or maybe that should really be conscientious consumer – is a winning way all the way around; it’s good for the future, the environment, and the welfare of others. And that a good way to do business – whether you are the buyer or the seller.

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Why Shop in a Physical Store?

Here’s a VERY good reason: "According to the Reverse Logistics Association, the e-commerce returns rate is between 18 and 25 percent, roughly three times that of brick-and-mortar stores," writes Mark Solomon in a #DCVelocity article about Amazon’s new return policy.

When you shop in a brick-and-mortar-store, you know what you are getting. You’ve touched it. You’ve seen the quality. If it is apparel or shoes, you’ve tried it on for fit, style and look. You may have help or advice from a knowledgeable sales associate. And... you’ve walked out of the store with your purchase -- no waiting several days for it to be delivered sigh unseen -- except for an online picture.

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Add Color to Your Life

Are you looking to refine, redesign or reinvent yourself, or perhaps simply do more of what you love? In her book, A Colorful Way of Living, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, the cofounder of Vera Bradley, offers a lot of motivational advice drawn from her own personal experience. Additionally, she shares some of the values that have shaped her life and helped her succeed in every aspect of it -- both personally and professionally. This is not just a dry, “I’ll tell you what you must do to succeed” business book, but highly readable, very entertaining and full of great information that you can digest and apply to any aspect of your life -- whether in business, relationships or something else. All royalties earned from the sale of this book are being donated to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.