A new collection by the renowned Italian paper mill Fedrigoni are now available in the U.S. Each brings something unique to our collection of 3,000 papers. These papers are all available on Letterpresspaper.com or contact us for larger inquiries. Check it out:
Sirio Ultra Black
The most unique, intense shade of “Black” satin-smooth text and cover paper Legion Paper’s ever seen. It’s also unique in that it’s available in six weights, from a 78 lb. Text up to a 250 lb. Cover. A great choice for packaging applications, it takes embossing & debossing, is suitable for offset printing, letterpress printing and serigraphy.
Pergamenata
Created to simulate aged natural parchment, this paper is semi-translucent, with the crisp snap, mottled look and hard feel you would expect from an actual sheet of parchment. Available in several weights and colors, including some with a metallic surface.
Sirio Pearl
We hand selected seven colors from this pearlescent range to complement our existing palette of metallic papers, adding to the broadest range of metallic colors available in the U.S. market.
This holiday season, we had the pleasure in working with designer Jennet Liaw and printer Mama's Sauce to create our holiday card. We were determined to send a card that wasn't immediately tossed!
What was the directive from Legion and how did you translate that to your design?
[Jennet Liaw, designer] The brief was very open-ended, which made it great fun for me to design completely from the direction of spotlighting the paper itself, and to play with printing technique choices - this is something clients are often stingy on. With great suggestions from Nick and Hogan, I knew I wanted to apply a foil, as well as make a die cut, so I kept the stroke weight simple and illustrative to balance out those techniques into the clean aesthetic that I personally like.. made extra special for the holidays with sparkle and shine.
Did you revolve your design around the paper or the other way around? If so, how did the paper inspire the design? /The base paper is Sirio Ultrablack – by all accounts the blackest paper we’ve ever seen – how did that affect the design?
[JL] It seemed counterintuitive at first to use the blackest black to create a card for the holidays, a time usually associated with festive reds and greens, or warmth and earthiness. But it was an opportunity to create a high contrast effect, perfect to show off just how incredibly black Legion's paper was, and how beautifully bright the white/foil that Mama's printing would create. I enjoyed that the final product was a gently alternative take on the holidays - crisp like the wintry air and festive in a clean way.
What print methods did you use and what worked well with the paper? Were there any particular challenges?
[Hogan Birney, printer] We ended up choosing Hot Foil Stamping for the entire piece as it is the best way to letterpress light colors on dark papers. The metallic foils work great as they cover very nicely and provide that shine that foil stamping is known for. A shine that works really well with the holiday theme and we knew would tie in with the Mirri Sparkle Paper. White foil is a bit tricky on dark papers and larger coverage areas, but since this piece was run 1 at a time, we had some flexibility and were able to get the white foil looking great.
We know you were a little hesitant in using the Mirri Sparkle. Having worked with it – what are your feelings now, both in terms of design and in terms of working with it in production? Would you use it/recommend it again?
[JL] It's an incredible paper. I had shoved the folder of samples in my suitcase to review while traveling, and when I casually drew out the Sparkle at the airport, it turned literally heads. After working with it, I know that a dominant paper like that can't be a second thought or late decision - it's definitely the star. I'm a believer in going full force, all the way, with any design decision - if sparkle is the goal, Mirri Sparkle is an awesome choice.
What finishing did you use and what worked well with the paper?
[HB] The cards were trimmed using a custom cutting die, created to mimic the shape of a snow globe. The card size and design direction that Jennet took allowed us to use the exterior portions for a border that would incorporate punch-out directions and a stand for creating a sort of 3 dimensional snow globe. The Sirio Black mounted to the Mirri Sparkle die cut extremely well due to its dense nature and slightly coated surface on the sparkle side. Being that it was a thicker paper, the die cut created a nice bevel on the face side of the card.
Designing for a paper company – where the goal is to highlight the paper as well as the company – does that change your process at all?
[JL] Definitely - there's a place in everyone's heart for NYC, where Legion is based, so a subtle snow globe format was the perfect setting. Having that in mind also offered an opportunity for me to play with the forms of the iconic skyline - As I looked through images of the NY skyline over the water, I was inspired to put a twist on it by reflecting the buildings as scrolls of Legion paper - the star of the whole project. Also, if you look closely, the background pattern of the card has Legion's logo woven into each corner (one of which punches out to become the "foot" of the standing globe)
Anything else you think is important to include that the design community might want to know?
[HB] I think that it is important to note what can really be done with a simple piece. This is only a 2/0 (2 color on one side only print) that has a very dynamic and interesting look. By using different paper colors mounted together and making great use of the space from a design standpoint, it opens up room for the materials and process to really shine. Its very easy to get caught up in trying to get 4 colors on one side and 2 on the other that are printed, but by keeping things simple, not only does it help with production consistency with processes like ours, but it also helps with your production costs without sacrificing a unique look.
We would like to commemorate the National Stationery Show celebrating 70 years by inviting all exhibitors to be part of the 2016 project- 1970s Baseball Trading Cards! Teaming up with Sarah Schwartz from The Paper Chronicles and Stationery Trends, and NSS, we are very excited to announce this new project for exhibitors at the show.
Here’s the scoop: NSS is celebrating 70 years in 2016, and to celebrate it, Legion is taking on a trading card pack, each celebrating a specific exhibitor, to be a part of our Class of ’70. Exhibitors will give them out at their booths, while we will be giving out a special container to hold it all together. Far out!
The concept take a design cue from trading and baseball cards from the ’70s. To see some inspiration, check out this fun Pinterest board — but honestly, we are hoping each vendor uses the concept to express themselves however they see fit.
Choose from over 3,000 papers from dozens of mills and brands using any printing method (letterpress, engraving, foil, digital). Why not go crazy and try something new to experiment with? Need help deciding? We are here to help!
Apply here by January 31st. Remember, you have to be a confirmed exhibitor. All submissions will be reviewed by Sarah Schwartz, NSS's own Patti Stracher, Legion Paper, Jill DiNicolantonio from Parse and Parcel, and of course Legion.
This is a great opportunity to get your name (and brilliance) in front of attendees. Prior to the show, and each of the vendors featured will be highlighted in Sarah Schwartz's Stationery trends presentation, slated for 9 am on May 15.
Just a few of our favorites at Art on Paper in Miami on our papers. With so many amazing pieces to choose from, look out for more favorites to come! New Figures, 2015 was created by Richard Prince using multiple color silkscreen with collage on Coventry Rag and Lanaquarelle 48x35 inches. The incredible artwork was shown at Art on Paper in Miami by Two Palms.
Pergamenata. Sirio Pearl. Sirio Ultra Black
Sirio Ultra Black
Pergamenata
