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Stationery Glossary

Announcement card
A personalized note card for social or business notification.
Booklet envelope
An envelope that features a square-shaped flap, giving the flap more space for the return address.
Calling card
A small unfolded card displaying simple information such as name and address, or name and telephone number. Smaller calling cards have envelopes, while larger calling cards usually do not have envelopes.
Coin envelope
A small envelope, approximately 2-inch x 3-inch, with a side-flap opening.
Corner cut
A short remark at the bottom left or bottom right corner of an invitation or announcement. For example: R.S.V.P., or another example: Formal attire.
Crow's foot
A wrinkle that occurs near a corner of the paper, or near an embossed letter if pressure is applied unevenly to the paper during the manufacturing process.
Duogram
A monogram derived from first-name and last-name initials.
Edge border
A colored highlight added only to the edge of a flat card. An edge border often is done in metallic gold or metallic silver.
Embossed stationery
Personalized stationery that has been customized by impressing a person's name into a piece of paper through high pressure. Because no ink is used, embossed stationery is the most positive printing process for the environment. And due to its pure, sculptural appearance, embossed stationery is continually regarded as refined and dignified.
Engraved invitation
An invitation that has been printed by applying pressure to ink (Also see Engraved stationery).
Engraved stationery
Stationery that has been printed by applying pressure to the inked portion of the engraving die. The phrase "engraved stationery" is a misnomer because the die is engraved–not the stationery. Engraved stationery has declined in popularity over the years due to higher prices and the excessive waste generated by the die and ink system.
Ensemble
An offering of two or more styles of stationery in one package, similar to a wardrobe.
Envelope
A flat paper container–usually paper–that contains a letter, invitation or note.
Envelope, Double-lined
A feature of the Embossed Graphics Gifts in Paper line of products, this special design features a colored lining and a trimmed-back flap that exposes the lining and gives the appearance of two linings
Envelope lining
A specially cut piece of paper that is affixed inside an envelope to provide an extra layer of protection and decoration for fine stationery or invitations.
Envelopes ahead
A slang phrase that describes envelopes for an announcement or invitation that must be produced and shipped prior to the rest of the order to enable the customer to begin addressing the envelopes.
Fold-over
A piece of paper that has been scored so that it can easily fold over. Also called a note, or an informal note.
Gift enclosure
A petite fold-over note, usually 2-inch x 3.5-inch, that is paired with a matching envelope. Another popular size is the 3-inch x 3-inch gift enclosure.
Gum
An adhesive substance–either vegetable derived or synthetic–used for the seal of envelopes. Also known as mucilage; sometimes incorrectly called glue.
Informal note
A fold-over note, usually of smaller size, for writing short messages such as thank-you notes. Informal notes usually are sized 4-inch x 5-inch when folded.
Inner envelope
A smaller, protective envelope that fits inside the outer envelope that carries an invitation or announcement.
Invitation
A request, often formal, to attend or participate in an event.
Layer
A larger piece of paper used as the background for a mounted announcement or invitation.
Layered invitation
An invitation comprised of two or more layers of paper.
Monogram
A sign of identity usually formed with the combined initials of a name.
Mucilage
An aqueous solution used as an adhesive, especially for sealing the flap on an envelope.
Note
A small piece of paper, usually folded, which is used for written messages.
Outer envelope
The larger envelope of a two-envelope invitation.
Panel
A raised flat surface, usually rectangular, which surrounds a lower flat area that serves as the printing or embossing surface for the printed text area of the announcement, invitation, or response card.
Response card
A smaller card in the invitation set that allows the recipient to indicate if he or she plans to attend the event.
Response envelope
The smaller envelope in an invitation set that is pre-addressed and allows the recipient to send the completed response card back to the sender.
R.S.V.P
An abbreviation from the French language–"Répondez s'il vous plaît," translated in English, meaning "Please reply." It appears on an invitation to request a response to it. Sometimes shown as: R.s.v.p.
Script monogram
A group of letters–usually two or three–that represents a person's name. Most script monograms are comprised of three letters. The best-quality monograms feature interlocked letters.
Wardrobe
A group of two or three different stationery items offered together as a special value.