Monogrammed Stationary - GPL Community Read

In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change by Ben Austen.

For the 2nd activity, participants will create Monogrammed Stationary!

Pieces made in this session can be used during the Library's Letter-Writing Event on Tuesday, April 29th.

The practice of displaying a monogram – an initial or combination of initials – on written correspondence is a historic tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. Lettering can be formal or casual, with the intention of quickly identifying the sender and also representing a component of their personality.

In this session, we will be creating monograms on stationery, cards, and envelopes using classic techniques that can be done by hand, using stencils and art supplies. Paper embossing creates raised lettering to make your initials really stand out. We will also learn to apply (faux) gold leaf, in the same manner as illuminated manuscript writers during the Renaissance!

As we create our own stationery, we can consider the content of the letter that might be created on it and who the recipient might be.