In 2006, Western Union sent its last telegram. A 150-year-old method for sending congratulations, announcements or greetings; it was the IM precursor in fast communication with the benefit of a hard-copy record for future generations to appreciate. Wishing you had known to use it before it was gone? Looking to add a touch of old-world style to your special occasion? Just want a fun, unique look for your correspondence? These letterpress telegram blanks are the answer. Handset with lead type from the early 20th century, my cards are printed on Crane’s Lettra “Pearl White” paper, using a foot-powered 1889 press. Each card measures 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches and comes with a matching envelope, in a set of 10. $16.00 per set.

Recently, I have been looking at getting some business cards printed and was intrigued by letterpress options.  While searching for low-cost letterpress printers, I came across the Lucky Duck Press on Etsy.com – who does business cards – and these cool note cards.  Don’t they look perfect for little random notes or for any number of other uses?

While many of the Christmas treats in England are very similar to those available in the USA, mince pies are very British.  Additionally, they are one of the few holiday foods that I know we will miss after we have settled back in America.  So, today, when I opened the BBC homepage, I was excited to see this homemade mincemeat recipe by Delia Smith and her family recipe for mince pies.  Now, when next year rolls around, we can make our own mince pies … instead of relying on Marks & Spencer to supply them!

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I based my recipe on this English Trifle Recipe but, as is normal, I changed it … added some vanilla to the Custard and added Rum Cream to the whipped cream.  This was the second time that I have made custard … the first time was for ice cream and so I did not eat it directly … but it turned out very good this time.  So, if you are looking for a simple custard recipe, this one will serve you well. Read more »

Balvenie PortWood Woodcut

The Balvenie‘s labels have gotten some attention over at TheDieline.com because of their focus on traditional skills and printing techniques.  I have to say that Balvenie is one of my favorite whiskies (one of my all time favs was the Balvenie 10, which is now discontinued) and I think that they are one of the better packaged ones on the market!  They look like real whisky … nothing gimmicky about its packaging.

The labels were designed by Here Design, who have also done some other cool work for Balvenie – they have designed a whole range for them, including business cards – and for Hendrick’s Gin.  Check out the Balvenie Ambassador’s Case and the Hendrick’s Cucumber Crates (sorry, but cannot put a direct link to them because of the Flash design of their website).

For more images of the printing process, check out the post over at TheDieLines.com … there are some pretty cool images in the set.

• 75 ml Booker’s Bourbon
• 25 ml Sweet Vermouth
• 25 ml Dry Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 or 3 black cherries (marinated in maraschino liqueur for at least 2 days)

Fill a mixing glass 2/3rds full of ice and add the bourbon, vermouths, and bitters. Stir for 30 seconds, strain into chilled cocktail glass, and add the garnish.

(Based on a recipe published in Theme Oct 2008)