Creating an exquisite, sustainable product is a priority for Hand Maiden Cards. And, as an environmentalist, Vanessa’s personal ideology is reflected in the way we operate as a business. We use papers that are at a minimum recycled and if possible are tree-free papers. Alternative bases may include cotton, silk, hemp, banana leaves, and other plant fibers.

“ It is important that my art is a reflection and extension of me. As a consumer, I try to buy locally and try to minimize consumption and waste. As a small business owner, I can contribute by making cards and invitations that clients are proud to send. It’s a feel-good situation all around. They look great, the person sending them feels as though they are contributing to a bigger cause and the person receiving them feels special.”

Genuine
Most important, Hand Maiden Cards truly are “made by hand.” Many of the specialty cards and invitations being marketed say they are hand made or have that hand made look. However, they are actually manufactured and mass-produced by machines from an original design. Not so with our Hand Maiden Cards! Vanessa [or one of her exquisitely talented sub-contractors] touches each one of the cards that leave the workshop. Except for the stock [which is purchased from a local distributor of recycled papers], each card is cut, assembled, embellished and packaged completely by hand. If you are in the Portland area, the cards are even delivered by hand!

Accommodating
The beauty of making cards and invitations on a smaller scale is flexibility. Designs are easily changed to better suit your needs. For example, if you like the design of a birthday card but are in need of thank you cards; no problem! We simply change the wording. If you like our silver and gold invitation but your wedding colors are green and white; no problem! We change the papers.

The Future
The interesting thing about the stationery industry is the huge gap in the market between hand made – cottage industry products and the mass-produced “Hallmark” varieties. So far, there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. As we evolve, Hand Maiden Cards would like to bridge the gap in the market. We invite you to collaborate with us as we continue to grow. Perhaps you are a card artist looking for a way to distribute your work? Perhaps you are a distributor looking for new inventory? Let’s talk! The future is ours to make it what we will.