Bordering The Buzz at the Stationery Show

For more than 20 years, I have considered myself one lucky guy to have watched the steady hands, calm demeanor, attention to detail and complete dedication to quality that Crane's artisans bring to every piece of stationery they touch. I've seen craftsmanship honed over generations, many times handed down from father to son and from mother to daughter.

But it's an experience you can only get in Dalton. Until the National Stationery Show earlier this week. Crane brought two hand-borderers to the city to demonstrate their unique brand of traditional New England craftsmanship at the Jacob Javits Center.

It was jaw-dropping. Hundreds of visitors to the Crane booth every day stood transfixed as Sally Rice and Deb Larkin plied their craft. Their normally quiet and highly focused art was suddenly the talk of the town. They expertly bordered more than 5,000 cards and notes while being peppered with questions, flashes popping and  gasps of incredulity flying around the booth.

"I had no idea."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Unbelievable"

"I can't believe what I'm seeing."

If you haven't seen a video of hand-bordering at Crane, you can now and you can believe what you see. I think you'll understand why I'm still completely dazzled after 22 years. I recommend switching to full-screen mode.

Hand Bordering Demo at National Stationery Show

There are some things I encounter in my job that I never get tired of: rotary boilers, paper machines, sheeters, bales of cotton and flax. But then there are the artisans - borderers, gilders, engravers - with skills honed from one generation to the next, from father to son and from mother to daughter. The personal pride,  attention to detail, and respect for traditional New England craftsmanship are the signatures placed upon every piece of stationery they touch.

Those of you attending the National Stationery Show in New York City in May will have the opportunity to see Crane craftsmanship first-hand.

Two Crane borderers - Deb Larkin and Sally Rice - will make a rare public appearance to demonstrate their craft in the Crane booth. Stop by Sunday and Monday, May 16 and 17, from 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., and on Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m.

I wish I could sell tickets. I'd be able to retire.......

Hand-bordering Fine Stationery at Crane

I was giving a tour to a new employee earlier today, and we had a blast gabbing with all the wonderful craftspeople who apply those elegant borders on Crane's fine paper. I've been sitting on this video for a while and decided it was time to share it with you. It features Deborah Larkin, who mastered her craft at Crane 20 years ago.

Insider Note: More than 15 years ago, some folks wondered if they could figure out how a machine could print borders of the same quality. They gave it their best shot. Not a chance.

Enjoy!