Definitions

Blind Embossing:
Blind embossing is the process of raising letters or images in paper through the use of an embossing die without adding ink – giving the piece dimension without color.

Calligraphy:
Calligraphy is the precise and practiced art of penmanship utilized for all aspects of stationery preparation – from envelopes to inner pieces.

Cast Coated:
Also known as gloss coat, cast-coated is a paper finish with a very shiny or glossy surface.

Cotton Fiber:
Paper made from 100% pure cotton fiber pulp, also known as cotton rag.

Debossing:
Debossing is a printing technique where a die is used to create an indented design.

Deckle Edge:
A deckled edge is the feathered or rough edge associated with handmade paper.

Die:
Usually an etched brass, copper or magnesium plate used to create engraved, embossed, or foil-stamped images and type.

Die Cut:
Die cutting is the process of cutting paper shapes using a steel-rule die, works like a cookie cutter to produce a unique shape or size.

Embossing:
Embossing is a printing technique where a die is used to create a design with a clean, multi-layered effect to add dimension and a textural quality.

Ensemble:
An invitation “ensemble” consists of several stationery elements in addition to the primary invitation. They are smaller in size then the finished invitation and include pieces like the response card, a reception card, directional card, etc.

Envelope Liner:
An envelope liner is a decorative paper or fabric that lines the inside of an envelope.

Flourishes:
These are the decorative calligraphic or flowery embellishments often appearing on invitations, menus, or the like.

Foil Stamping:
Foil stamping is a printing process where pigmented, metallic, or holographic foils are imprinted on paper through the use of special printing foils and a stamping die.

Format:
Stationery may be designed in many different formats including single panel, top fold, side fold, triple panel, self sealing, etc.

Gatefold:
A folded card opening from the middle rather than one side or the other.

Honorific:
Refers to a person’s title, including Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr. as well as military personnel and elected officials for correspondence purposed.

Initial Cap:
An initial cap is an oversized and overly decorative first letter of a word – also known as a drop cap.

Ink Color:
Ink colors have the power to set the mood and tone of any stationery component. The Lilywillow Color Library includes 60 ink colors for use on any of our wedding, baby, or stationery products.  For custom design projects, any color imaginable may be included in the design.

Kraft Paper:
An industrial or a recycled paper that resembles the color and texture of a brown grocery bag.

Linen:
A paper finish that looks and feels like linen fabric.

Matte:
A paper finish with a non-reflective surface or finish.

Pantone Matching System:
The Pantone Matching System is used for specifying and insuring color consistency for thousands of ink colors and shades by specific number known as a PMS number.

Point Size:
The point size relevant to a specific typeface specifies the size of an individual letter or character in the typeface style.  The larger the point size, the larger the letter.

Postage:
Stationery and invitation packages may require extra postage to insure delivery because of unusual finish sizes, shapes, paper weights, etc.  The most accurate way to estimate the cost of your postage is to take a complete piece to the post office and have them provide you with the final postage cost per piece.

Stock:
Stock or paper stock is a term referring to the paper element of a stationery project.

Typeface:
Typeface or font is the term referring to the style of a letter or numeral.  The Lilywillow Typeface Library includes scripts, sans serif, serif, and decorative typefaces.

Vellum:
Vellum paper appears frosted or translucent – you will be able to see certain elements or colors of the piece behind a vellum overlay.