Notes from the Studio

June 01, 2026

What Rachel is Loving Lately

Here in Rachel Recommends, you’ll find everything from books and music to favorite household finds and simple things that have made life a little more helpful, beautiful, or enjoyable.

Explore her recommendations below, beginning with the most recent.

March 23, 2026

How to Host a Card Writing Party

Hosting a card writing party doesn’t have to be complicated. From setting the scene to sending them off, here are 7 tips to help you bring people together to write and connect.

August 16, 2023

9 Life Lessons from 9 Years of Heartell Press

The working title of this post was “Nine tips from nine years in business,” but what I want to offer you today isn’t business advice. Today, I want to share with you what working with you, the Heartell community, has taught me—lessons that extend beyond the realm of business. These insights have shaped me as a spouse, parent, friend, sibling and daughter, just as much as they have influenced me as an artist, business owner, and employer.

July 12, 2023

Behind the Scenes: Drawing Inspiration from Botanic Gardens for our New Collection of Letterpress Greeting Cards

Last week we released our brand new collection of letterpress greeting cards, and today we are going behind the scenes and sharing the first installment in a series all about the inspiration behind the new designs.

Botanic gardens are some of my favorite places to be and a visit to a new one (or an old favorite!) never fails to inspire new designs.

July 03, 2023

New Designs are Here!

I am thrilled to announce that our 25 new letterpress greeting card designs are available today! Each of these cards is printed using one or more hand-carved woodblocks using antique letterpress equipment in our studio in Fort Wayne. We had so much fun making these and we hope they will brighten your days and help you connect with the people you care about. :)

June 03, 2023

What to Write in a Father’s Day Card: 5 Parenting Rules I Learned From My Dad

Not sure what to write in your Father's Day card this year? One trick I love to use when deciding what to write in a Father’s Day card is to be specific. I’m sure it feels good to be told you’re the BEST EVER, but sharing stories or details about how someone has shaped or helped you can be an even better gift to receive than a brand-new tie. My hope is that reading this will help inspire you to put into words some of the particular ways your own father figures have made life easier or more enjoyable for you.

7 Mantras That Guide My Days as a Working Mom

March 08, 2023