Nothing Says "I Love You, Mom" Like Handcrafted Cards From Portland Letterpress Studios

Not long ago I was sitting with a group of my friends at dinner, and somewhere between the breadsticks and the wine we began comparing “momma-slips”—those times when moms try to sound hip, but instead slip-up just enough to distort the message.

It started innocently enough; I opened with my favorite mom-story: Shortly after starting my first “real” job, my mom stopped in to say hi after spending her morning shopping for bargains. When one of my co-workers asked her how her morning was, she proudly replied, “Great! I made out with a bandit!” I tried to shield her from the laughter, but it was too late; she will forever be remembered as the Masked Smoocher.

Things quickly escalated as another girl told us of her mom’s unfortunate slip-up. While out celebrating her mom’s birthday at a classy downtown restaurant, the family presented her with an enormous chocolate cake. Being such a generous woman, and a Father of the Bride fanatic, she announced to the restaurant in her best Franck accent, “Wud anyboody like-a-sum kok?”

Oh sweet-sweet moms. They are so well-intentioned.

This year, send the right message to your mom by giving her a locally-crafted Mother’s Day card. These mom-inspired designs are a small but thoughtful way to say ‘I love you’ without getting the message crossed.

Studio Olivine

“My mother is equal parts kindness, wisdom and humor. If I come across even half as lovely as her, I have accomplished a lot.” –Julie Dutton

Accustomed to making cards everyday during childhood, Julie Dutton now creates botanically inspired organic cards on her 108-year-old letterpress at Studio Olivine. Her Mother’s Day cards are printed on recycled paper using soy based inks.

Studio Olivine Retailers

Ecru Modern Stationer in the Pearl District, Tilde in Sellwood-Moreland, Ink & Peat in Boise, Noun in Sunnyside and New Seasons Market (Concordia and Hosford-Abernethy).

Lark Press

“My mom is the hardest working woman I know. In her own way, she has taught me to never give up.” –Jean Sammis

A graphic designer by trade, Jean Sammis bought her first letterpress seven years ago and has since taught herself everything about card making. She opened Lark Press soon after and now designs whimsical cards like her bird-covered Mother’s Day card.

Lark Press Retailers

Visit the Lark Press Studio in Boise.

Lettuce Press

“My mom is a little like Wonder Woman. As I have grown up she has really become my friend.” –Allison Baer

It’s the love of the intricate process that led Lettuce Press founder Allison Baer to begin making cards on her 1500 lb. cast-iron letterpress out of her living room. Her simple, sweet and fresh approach gives her Mother’s Day cards a homegrown feel.

Lettuce Press Retailers

Only available on the Lettuce Press web site. Order quickly!

Egg Press

“My mom is a beautiful example of quiet strength, perseverance and loving stoicism. I absolutely love watching her be a grandmother to my two sons.” –Tess Darrow

Egg Press owner Tess Darrow’s designs developed from her days spent studying textile design and creating books in college into a simple, unassuming and thoughtful letterpress style. Her Mother’s Day cards explore humor and design aesthetics in a refreshing way.