How My Vintage Typewriter Makes The Most Thoughtful Personalised, Handmade Stationery
In a world that’s always buzzing with digital noise, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of something more tangible -
The tactile nature of a lovely new notebook with a soft textured cotton paper cover. A gorgeous delivery of new personalised, handmade stationery. A crips pile of new notecards waiting to be sent to friends.
My vintage typewriter, Dorothy, and I are on a mission to bring this warmth and personality straight to your desk.
Meet Dorothy Typewriter - Let me introduce you to the most important team member at Blue Stiggy
Dorothy is my 1970's Baby Hermes portable typewriter. She was given to me by a friend who is a forensic scientist, specialising in document fraud.
There isn't much fraud around now that was committed on a typewriter, but back in the day, she used to have to 'read' boxes of typewriter ribbons, to see what they had been used to type........I mean, that is tedious!!
Dorothy now happily lives with me and works every day typing up your wonderful words on to my handmade personalised stationery.
She comes to markets with me. Children stop and stare and say… ‘what’s that mummy?’ and I’ll often put some paper in so that they can have a little go. Dorothy absolutely loves it when people ooh and aah over her, reminiscing about typewriters that they knew and loved.
Does anyone else even use a typewriter on the daily? Let me know in the comments if you know of any other hardworking typewriters. I’d love to hear all about it.
This digital Portrait of Dorothy was made by artists Brian Mahoney of the typin’ pint
Take Time for Analogue in a World Obsessed With Digital
Remember the last time you received a handwritten note? Felt different, right? That's because it's rare and special in our email-filled lives.
It’s time to bring back that personal touch that makes each message unforgettable. And that feeling of opening up a brand spanking new notebook.
Do you love starting a new one or fear writing even a word in case you spoil it’s loveliness? Taking a few moments in the week to write down your thoughts or do a little sketch makes a quiet oasis amid the noise of life.
Why Personalisation Makes a Truly Personal and Thoughtful Gift for Yourself or Others
Personalising your stationery means you’re creating something that’s uniquely yours or uniquely theirs. Whether it’s a name, a special date, or an inside joke, it adds that extra layer of thoughtfulness that says, I care about you
Crafting Memories: Personal Stories Behind the Typewriter Keys
“But What Should I write?
Got stuck on what to add for that personal touch? No worries! I’ve got plenty of ideas
waiting for you right here.
From initials to meaningful quotes, the sky’s the limit.
My absolute favourite personalisations to type, are the ones that make
no sense at all to me. Because that means that the words on the cover
are truly special and personal to the person who will be using it.
I don’t need to know what it means. The point is that YOU know what it means,
and the person using the book knows. What better way to show you really
know and care about a person.”
Sustainability Meets Style:
How Taking Care of Our Planet Is at the Core of What I Do
It's not just about looking good; it's about doing good too. Each piece is made with the planet in mind - I use eco-friendly materials without compromising on style.
Who said you can’t have the best of both worlds? All of the pages in my notebooks are made from recycled post consumer waste. ( you know all that stuff you put in your recycling bin? - yeah that)
Covers are made of cotton from textile industry waste, or recycled coffee cups, for example - you can find more info about the materials I use here:
From My Hands to Yours: How Your Handmade Stationery Is Made
Each handmade notebook is painted by hand, Dorothy gets to work typing you precious words and then I hand stitch it together using traditional linen thread in a colour that matches the design.
I totally a love taking a shot of a stack of spines where you can see all those beautiful colours. It’s the little details that make things really special right?
Looking Ahead: The Future of Handmade and Personalised Stationery
The love for something as timeless as handwritten notes isn't going anywhere. We're here to keep this art alive, one personalised piece at a time.
The future looks bright (and beautifully written). How swanky would you feel having cards to send to friends with your very own special brand of humour or voice typed on the card?
Personalised notecards are a sure fire way to make sure that they know this card is from YOU!
Ready to Make the Perfect Personalised Notebook? Check out my eco-conscious range of personalised stationery.
Find that perfect gift for yourself or someone special and let’s make the world a little more personal, together. Take a look now – your next favourite piece is waiting to get from my desk to yours!
Click here to shop for shiny new eco conscious notebooks, personalised on my vintage typewriter Dorothy. ;)
Michaela
- x -
A personalised hand bound journal made from handmade paper with beautiful deckled edges and and recycled silk sari ribbon - - Curl up with a candle and your favourite pen to journal, sketch or write.
Have the perfect words typed on the cover by my vintage typewriter Dorothy for a truly personal and thoughtful gift.
Read More…
Each cover is typed on my vintage typewriter, Dorothy, onto handmade cotton rag paper that has been made from recycled t-shirt industry waste. The soft, natural off-white paper has a beautifully textured feel - you can see the imprint of the woollen blankets that the sheets are pressed between. A beautiful deckled edge to the covers gives each notebook a touch of timeless imperfection.
Hand-stitched with strong linen thread and tied with a length of recycled silk sari ribbon, Inside, you’ll find thick recycled cartridge paper — perfect for writing, sketching, or playful creative exploration.
Details
Size: approx A5 with 60 pages
Materials: handmade cotton rag paper cover, recycled cartridge paper pages, linen thread binding, silk sari ribbon tie
Price: £20
How many words can I have?
The style of these books is better suited to one or two words. So that your text fits nicely above the ribbon - I also space the letters out more than Dorothy’s usual style which takes a little more room but I think it looks great.
Can I use a fountain pen or watercolours in it?
Absolutely - l use fountain paper on this paper every day. it doesn’t feather or bleed. you can use a wide range of artist media too, including marker and brush pens, charcoal, pencil and even a light wash of watercolour ( I wouldn’t soak it)
Size?
Available in 2 sizes, A5 and A6 with 60 pages of 140gsm recycled cartridge paper hand stitched inside a typed cover of handmade cotton paper that has been made from textile industry waste.
Sustainability
Materials
The cover of your personalised notebook will be individually typed on beautifully textured handmade cotton paper that has been made from textile industry waste - it has a lovely deckled edge - this beautiful feathery edge forms where the paper pulp seeps under the ‘deckle’ [the frame used in paper making
The pages inside are made of 140gsm (that’s lovely and thick) recycled cartridge paper that has been made from 100% UK Post consumer waste ( You know, the stuff you chuck in your paper recycling bin)
Energy
The power to type your notebook comes only from my nimble fingers. They are fuelled by tea and biscuits and the rest of my studio is powered by the sun
Everything I do at Blue Stiggy HQ is put through the lens of trying to do my best to minimise my impact on the planet. You can find more detailed information about the materials and processes I use and how I try to minimise my impact on the planet here
Packaging
All of my products are beautifully wrapped in eco conscious materials such as recycled tissue paper and sent in cardboard boxes. I love to and write a little note to each of my customers on recycled paper and I mostly use Royal Mail who will deliver your order on foot :)
Delivery + Returns
Standard UK delivery is First Class Royal Mail and typically takes 1-2 days to arrive after I dispatch your order.
Express Shipping UK is Royal Mail Special Delivery Next Day Guaranteed - Please use this postage upgrade if you are in a hurry. although I may still need 3-5 days to make and press your order I will dispatch it to you as quickly as I can.
Standard Overseas Delivery - Royal Mail International Tracked (transit time depends on the destination country)
Express Overseas Delivery - I will use a courier to send your order to you for speed. transit time depends on the destination country.
Delivery times are estimates but please do message me if you any questions about delivery - michaelabere@bluestiggy.co.uk
Returns -Please contact me within 14 days of delivery to arrange a return - my full Delivery + Returns policy can be found here
due to the nature of personalised items, i cannot accept returns or cancellations on personalised items.