We had a lovely interview with Clare Gray Designs about our Wedding Stationery and what exactly is our Hot Foil printing.
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Dynamic Featured in Bride Magazine
We were very happy to be featured in Bride Magazine showcasing our Wedding Stationery ideas. From our seeded paper to hot foiled invitations – Dynamic Certificates Online offer such a vast array of options to create the most perfect wedding.
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The Benefits of Putting Pen to Paper
Writing a Letter
Giving the new times we live in, sending a letter or a chosen card is a genuine way of giving sincere thought to our communications and a personal touch, especially when so many of us can not meet in person. Whilst technology affords us a good number of ways to stay in instant contact, there is still something special about taking the time to hand write your message. It is also heart warming to receive this style of correspondence, as a contrast to the constant flow of digital information that can seem overwhelming at times.
Recent research from the Royal Mail has found a significant increase in letter writing since the beginning of the pandemic and found that 74% of people experienced a positive effect on their mental health from the experience. The benefits are shared by the recipient, there is a sense of excitement and gratitude that someone has taken the time and trouble to sit down and write to them, instead of firing off a quick message on their mobile.
As we evolve further into our automated futures there is still place for hand written thoughts and feelings to sit alongside our other modern forms of communication.
The next time you have a message to send to a close friend or family member consider doing it with a letter or card and discover the positive outcomes it brings.
Calligraphy
For those wanting to take the written word to a new level, the visual art of Calligraphy is a great way to enjoy not just the words but the materials we use to create the letters. From the types of pens, inks, papers and cards there is an infinite number of combinations to explore. You can use an established font or dream up your own unique style.
Whilst the roots of Calligraphy are ancient they sit nicely alongside modern technology. The internet provides us all with access to a plentiful source of learning and demonstrations from people all over the world, who love to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm for the art form.
Colouring in
Whether you are 4 or 44 or 84 colouring in can be relaxing, the type and intricacy of the patterns we colour may change over time but the joy can be constant. It is a personal and relaxing way to switch off and focus on the task in hand. It can boost your mood and when you are done it provides a satisfying and physical reminder of what you have taken your time doing.
Writing a Diary or Journal
How about writing down your thoughts or feelings? Either of these written forms of recording our lives can bring great comfort when dealing with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Downloading your thoughts on paper can help you gain perspective and control, enabling you to focus on what really matters both in your past, present and future. Taking the few minutes each day to do this can bring real benefits for many people.
Origami
The ancient art of paper folding can be difficult to master but extremely rewarding. Although as children many of us made paper aeroplanes to launch from the back of the classroom or paper boats to float in the bath!
Beyond these designs there is an infinite number of folds and designs to master and even the associated art of Kirigami, which also incorporates cuts in the paper.
These are again ancient arts that with the help of modern technology are more in reach of everyone than ever before. Dive down the rabbit hole on youtube and you will be making more than just paper rabbits very quickly!!
Papier-mache
This is another technique that many of us left behind in our early years. However it is surprising how much fun it can be and the level of finished effect that can be achieved when returning to it as an adult. Alternatively it is a great way to spend time with the young ones in your family, after all what child will not enjoy making a mess with paste and then decorating it once dried!
All you need is torn up paper and a paste mix and of course and an area to work. Along with some paints to complete your masterpiece.
You could try blowing up a balloon and covering in layers, then decorate with a face once dried. Or, for a more complex project, you could create bowls, animals, castles, cars… the possibilities are endless and a google search of paper-mache images will give you all the inspiration you could need!
Why we think choosing the right envelope is sometimes more important than what is actually in it.
Envelopes as far as we are concerned are one of the most important part of your print project, Why? Because it is generally the first thing your customer will see when it arrives on their doorstep.
Extensive research over the years has shown that using a coloured or textured envelope, personalised, hot foiled or debossed envelope will get you and your company noticed,.
The research has shown that the end user will engage with the product inside the envelope much longer than if it had arrived in a standard white or brown envelope. Think about how you feel when you have had a hand written letter arrive or a bright coloured envelope sat on your mat waiting to greet you. We cannot wait to open it to see whats inside. Lets face it, better than finding a bill or hospital letter ????
Envelopes can come in so many different shapes, sizes & finishes that it can be rather confusing, to know which envelope is best suited to your project, for instance, if your brochure weighs over 200gsms we may want to consider a hard backed envelope ..
Some of the terminology is confusing for instance do you know the difference between a gusset or a banker? A peel & seal or a self seal?
Click here to read our Glossary of Envelope Terms
Final points to think about, by choosing the right envelope you will always make a good first impression and lets face it first impressions count more nowadays than ever.
Make the envelope look too important to just throw away and disgard
By choosing the right envelope it can say an awful lot about your company it can demonstrate your concerns for the environment to using coloured envelopes to play on human curiosity.
It is proven a distinctive envelope can increase your mailing success by up to 40%.
Statistics show that a stylish coloured envelope is 9 times more likely to be opened than a bland white or manilla one
70% of mail is generally opened up over the bin – make sure your leaflet is not one that is thrown before even opened.
Norwich based specialist printer Dynamic Certificates Online is rightly acclaimed for the high quality printed material that it supplies, incorporating highly decorative effects, such as hot foiling, blind foil embossing, blind embossing and die cutting. The company has recently installed a Konica Minolta Accurio press C3070, following growing demands from its customers.
Dynamic Certificates Online’s managing director, Sarah Smith, commented: ‘As Dynamic Certificates Online continues to grow, our customers increasingly approach us with requests which require versatile and flexible solutions. We knew that the Konica Minolta Accurio Press C3070 would give us more opportunities to meet these demands. We took time to evaluate the market and the presses on offer before we decided to purchase the Accurio Press. To assess our options, we needed to work with a machinery supplier who we could trust. We wanted to work with a company that had the knowledge and expertise to help us source and develop the right choice. Fortunately, we have had a long and successful working relationship with the BBT Group’s Norwich office, and they didn’t let us down! We required a press supplier who was willing to cooperate with us to produce high quality work, using high quality innovative substrates. It has provided outstanding aftercare throughout.’
The BBT Group has offices in Coventry, Norwich and Manchester. Nick Saville, BBT Ltd account manager in Norwich, said: ‘It was a great experience, working with Dynamic Certificates Online on this project. It is not just a commercial printer. It produces exceptional and innovative work – consistently and on time. We started the project by studying the options available and the applications required. We examined the existing cost structure and decided that we could offer savings, whilst increasing productivity and service. We ran a comprehensive programme of product testing and machinery demonstrations in our showroom. These joint efforts resulted in Dynamic Certificates Online getting the right machinery to continue to provide high levels of service and quality to its customers.’
Dynamic Certificates Online’s production director, Mark Critten, added: ‘The new press gives us the ability to print up to 700 x 330 mm on substrates up to 350 g/m2 duplex. Our customers are very pleased to have these increased options. In addition, registration, both front and back, is spot on across the sheet. As an added bonus, colour and consistency across the sheet is much improved. We are very pleased with the flexibility that the new press gives us.’