What is the difference between engraving, thermography, letterpress and offset printing?

Engraving: The most classic and formal method of printing using an etched steel die to create the engraved text. Letters will appear slightly raised on the page, and an indentation typically forms on the back of the paper from the pressure of the engraving plate.

Thermography: A very popular “alternative” to engraving that is significantly less expensive. The lettering is raised to mimic the feel of engraving, but it is done though a heating process that fuses ink with resinous powder. On thermographed invitations, the back of the invitation feels smooth, with no indentation from engraving plates.

Letterpress: A beautiful printing method dating back to the fifteenth century, but very popular today, where the images and typeface are actually pressed into the paper with an antique machine, leaving an impression that you can see and feel. Letterpress works especially well if you are using unusual paper, motifs, typeface, or colorful pigments.

Offset Printing: This "flat" printing method is commonly used on fliers, informal stationery, stickers, and more. It’s less expensive than thermography, and the look can still be fabulous, especially if used on highly textured paper, or if multiple colors of ink are used on the same card (with engraving and embossing, you're usually limited to just one color per card).

How do I designate whether I want to use upper or lower case or a combination of the two?

Your copy will be printed exactly as you type it. For example, if you type all in lowercase, it will be printed that way. If you capitalize a word in the middle of the copy, it will be printed that way.

It is always recommended that you order a proof to ensure you are happy with the final product, as we accept returns only if a product was printed incorrectly (i.e., it deviated from your order submission or from the approved proof).

Does Notes by Nanette have a retail store that I can go to? Do you have more designs than what are shown online?

Yes. We are an appointment-only studio. We have many more designs in our studio than appear on our website, as some of our manufacturers/designers do not allow us to exhibit their products online. If you wish to meet with us and see our entire collection, we will be happy to set up an appointment Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST. Please call 212.517.8783 or contact us online.

How long will my order take?

Turnaround times vary for each manufacturer. However, generally speaking, most orders will be received within 2-3 weeks from approval of the proof or placement of the order, if no proof is requested. (See below for proof turnaround time).

It is important to respond quickly with any changes or approvals of the proof. Overnight and second day air shipping are offered in which shipping time will decrease, but production time will remain the same.

“Rush” orders are available with most manufacturers, so please inquire. Orders from more than one manufacturer will be shipped separately and arrive in separate packages.

Can I “rush” my order?

Please be sure to distinguish between rushing an order, and rushing shipment on an order. Rush shipment is always available and will save you the delivery time, but will not speed up the actual production of the order. “Rush service” is where the actual production time is rushed.

Costs for rush service vary by manufacturer, and also depends on the time of the year. For example, many companies do not allow “rush service” during the holiday season, although they will always be open to overnight delivery.

Accordingly, if you are interested in rushing an order, please inquire with us, and we will be happy to let you know at that time the most up to date information regarding turnaround time, and rush service availability and fees.

The charts below outline specific information regarding proofs, production time, shipping time and rush service:

General estimates of shipping times for ground shipping within the USA:

Overnight and second day air shipping are also available.

Can I pre-order envelopes for my birth announcement?

Yes, this service is available (please inquire about pricing) and is an excellent way to get a head start on addressing the announcements before the baby is born and is one less thing to think about when baby arrives.

I need assistance with selecting my invitation. Can I call for assistance?

Yes. We are happy to accept telephone orders and answer any questions by phone. Please feel free to call us at 212.517.8783 between the hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST. Additionally, you can contact us anytime using our online contact form and we will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.

I have selected a card that includes printing of my photo. How do I submit it to you?

Photo requirements vary by manufacturer (detailed below). Please be sure to distinguish between manufacturers such as Jane Boatman Geller and Checkerboard that customize the greeting for you, but do not actually print your photo on the card, and manufacturers like Baby Idesign, where the photo is actually printed onto the card.

If submitting a digital file, please email it according to the specifications below. Remember that the quality of the finished product will greatly depend on the quality of your photograph. If necessary, your photo will be cropped for best appearance.

Stacy Claire Boyd
“Imagitations” offer a way to directly incorporate your own personal photos or images onto a printed piece. Acceptable digital formats are JPEG and TIF with a minimum resolution of 150 dpi. Photos taken with a digital camera, when set on the highest quality setting, will usually suffice. Upon request, photos can be converted to black and white or to sepia tone at no additional charge. You may also submit an original photograph (as long as it is not Inkjet and please do not cut the photo down to size). A $12 fax proof is required on all Imagitation orders.

Baby Idesign
You may send an original photograph via mail or a digital file via email. If you choose to send an original, scanning and basic retouching will be done at no additional charge. If needed, extensive retouching would increase the price and turnaround. If you choose to send a digital file, it must be at least 300 dpi and the photo size should be larger than the final printed size. A complimentary proof will be sent, however, additional proofs are $15, if needed.

Permission Statement: Regardless of manufacturer, by submitting your photo, you are representing that you either own the image or that you have permission from the copyright holder or owner to reproduce the image, and that reproduction will not violate the rights of any other person. Notes by Nanette nor its manufacturers will be held legally liable for photo-related issues and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any all actions, damages, losses, expenses, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of or relating to the photo submitted and reproduction of the image therein.

How are errors handled? What is your return policy?

Please notify us by fax at 212.517.9225 or e-mail of any errors within 5 days of receipt of your order. Errors made by the manufacturer will be reprinted at no charge and shipped as soon as possible (e.g., manufacturer prints in an ink color or font that is not requested by you, or that deviates the approved proof).

Errors made by you, the customer, will be reprinted and processed as quickly as possible, at the customer’s expense. A reduced rate may apply depending on the manufacturer’s policy. Shipping charges will apply.

Please inform us in writing (e-mail or fax) of the details of your particular situation. An error made by the customer includes the following situations: (i) text originally submitted with an error; (ii) an option incorrectly chosen on the online order form; (iii) an error overlooked on a proof (regardless of submitted text).

Please note that as all orders are custom, we do not accept returns if you "change your mind".

Is there an ordering deadline for holiday cards?

Yes, but these deadlines vary with each manufacturer. We will post the deadlines on our site as they are provided to us by each manufacturer. In general, the earlier you can order your holiday cards, the better!

What is your privacy policy?

Notes by Nanette stores your information securely and will not share it with third parties, other than those absolutely necessary to complete and deliver your order.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

Is my credit card secure on your website?

Yes. Notes by Nanette uses Authorize.Net, the industry's leading Internet Protocol (IP) payment gateway. Authorize.Net uses the latest 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology for the most secure Internet transactions.