I feel nothing short of honored to share this incredible, historical story and these beautiful products with you today.
Ancesserie, curators of fine letterpress goods, is a true labor of love.
Founder Lydia Derrick Wherry's family owns the oldest newspaper in South Carolina, The Edgefield Advertiser, and it was in the ancient library of letterpress plates that most of these were unearthed by Lydia.
You can see ACTUAL photos of these findings on their website. Just incredible!
And, it is clear that she has only just begun to unearth many of the treasures that exist.
A veritable pot of gold.
From their website:
“Ancesserie” is Old French for ancestry. As a child growing up in Edgefield, SC, my mother would bring freshly-inked calling cards as her gift to a friend’s birthday party. Fresh off her father's printing press atThe Edgefield Advertiser, these cards were a unique gift and also an expression of one family’s role as journalists, documenting and celebrating life in their community. Calling cards are a long-held tradition dating back to the Victorian Era when visitors left a card to indicate they had “called” or stopped by. Today, including personalized cards with your gifts is as much about creativity as formality - especially for birthday, wedding, shower and graduation gifts.
Letterpress is the earliest form of printing. Ancesserie’s line of stationery is all handcrafted using late 19th and early 20th century letterpress type and engravings belonging to the longest running newspaper in South Carolina, one that has been in my family for four generations! These images tell a story of when time stood still. Each card is thoughtfully designed using the finest selection of papers available that are both eco-friendly and ideal for letterpress. Ancesserie also creates custom notes, calling cards and coasters to order using your own imagination and custom plates. As is the nature of letterpress, each impression will have its own unique variation of ink coverage and depth of impression, creating a rich, exquisite note equally wonderful to the touch.
I received a set of the the delicate "calling cards" above and think they would make a lovely gift for the new mom.
The design idea was inspired by the actual layette gown Lydia's own mother brought her home from the hospital in.
The tiny vintage mother of pearl button that adorns each card is just the same.
I can't stop admiring mine and if I'm being honest, I am not sure I will be able to give any away!
I envy such a rich history.
And I applaud Lydia for continuing this incredible tradition.
Oh! And for providing us with an equally incredible and generous giveaway.
Enter below for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Ancesserie.
Open to U.S. residents only.
Best of luck!
Disclosure: I received product from the organization at no charge for the purpose of this review and post. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
