Since I can remember I have been a fan of a good greeting card. My mom always had a stash that was quite extensive so there was always a greeting card around when we needed one. I remember fondly pulling out that drawer and looking for the perfect card for any occasion. It's no wonder really that my first job ever was at a Hallmark store. I was 15 and I made $3.35 an hour. I was also held up at gunpoint about two months into working there. It didn't scare me away and I still think very fondly on that time I spent slinging cards!
When I envisioned Pink Moon Goods in my mind the one thing I was certain of was that I wanted to have the best greeting card collection. I knew of some brands that I wanted to include for sure, such as Little Truths Studio. Others came organically as I kept my eyes out for the best options to add to the growing collection.
One brand that has become a shop favorite is Heartell Press, a women-owned and operated small business based in Indiana. Their story started when printmaker and illustrator Rachel Kroh was inspired to hand-carve woodblocks and print them to make cards after she had trouble finding the kind of warm, sincere designs she wanted to send to her mom who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Since then they have grown to a team of five and today are grateful to have the privilege of sending their handmade cards and gifts to card writers (and card keepers), cooks (and eaters), readers and gardeners and care givers like you all over North America and Europe.
They believe that the root of joy is found in our relationships. They believe that growth is non-linear, that beauty is healing, and that stillness and silence are worth seeking out. They believe everyday creativity can be a vehicle for generating positive change in the world. They believe in embracing the adventure, and savoring every moment.
Recently they have released a couple of series of cards that have really spoken to me. One series is called Reimagining Grief, a collaborative letterpress collection by artist Rachel Kroh and grief guide and author Lisa Keefauver, MSW (Grief is a Sneaky Bitch). Born from their shared experiences of loss, the collection offers honest, compassionate ways to support the grieving people in your life. Each design was created together, blending visual tenderness with words that help grievers feel seen and supported.
Another recent series honors those we call activists who are out there in the world working hard to make life better for everyone. These are the people that we all likely know that work tirelessly to fight against systems of oppression and want nothing more than to see all of us thrive in the world. This series of cards carries messages of gratitude and reminders that we all deserve to rest regardless of how much energy we spend resisting.
This is one of my favorites from the series. Heartell Press describes the card like this:
This riso-printed card unfolds like a quilt of intentions. Small scenes pieced side by side, each one a quiet act of care. Hands reach, build, write, play. A sewing machine hums. A keyboard waits. The message emerges gently across the surface: I want to live in the world you’re making. Great for makers, creators, teachers, all those who inspire us to create a more beautiful world.
One thing that always strikes me about the cards from Heartell Press is how they capture intimate moments with both the words and the imagery. It's almost like each card is made just for me. Like they knew what I needed to share with a friend. Or they got into my mind and created a card that expresses how I feel about someone or a moment in time.
I have shared before how seriously we take our commitment to providing you with the perfect vessel for a loved one. Whether it's for a birthday, a message of gratitude, or the celebration of a life transition we understand that you want the perfect way to convey your message. With Heartell Press on our team we are certain you will always find the the card that speaks to you.
Please note: some images in blog are provided by Heartell Press.