It would be wonderful if Zazzle could offer Deckled Edge Paper for Invitations etc.

[Cat]

One of my customers just sent me an image of some wedding stationery that she printed out on deckled (torn edge) paper. She purchased an instant download and had it printed elsewhere because she wanted the deckled edge. It looked SOOO good and it made me wish that we could offer that.

I don't know what sort of technical issues there are with printing on that sort of paper, but it would be wonderful for invitations, programs, menus, and all sorts of wedding stationery.

[Mariholly]

@Cat , that would simply be wonderful! I think there are so many possibilities with stationery to be original and creative, but we just got the arched edge style, now! And only for two products.... well it seems like we are always one step behind.

[DIYPB]

While beautiful and unique, deckled paper presents significant challenges when used with regular printing machines. Here are some of the main issues:

• Uneven Edges: The characteristic deckle edges can cause feeding issues in automated printers, which are designed for uniform sheets.
• Thickness Variations: Handmade or mold-made papers often have slight inconsistencies in thickness, leading to uneven ink application or even paper jams.
• Porous Surface: Deckled paper tends to absorb more ink than standard paper, which can result in smudges or blurry prints.
• Fragility: Handmade deckled paper can be delicate, making it prone to tearing during high-speed printing processes.

The best printing method for deckled paper is Letterpress Printing, as it works well with thicker, uneven surfaces and creates a tactile, embossed effect. However, this method is costly and requires manual oversight, making it less practical for large-scale production.

Unlike "torn paper" designs, true deckled paper is crafted from paper pulp using a deckle (a wooden frame). The deckle's imperfect seal against the screen allows pulp to seep under, creating the unique, feathered edges we associate with this type of paper.

Zazzle could consider offering mass-produced papers with simulated deckle edges. Using techniques like laser-cutting or die-cutting on modern machine-made paper could mimic the traditional look while being easier to print on and more cost-effective.

Open Question

Would such an option meet customer expectations and justify the effort for Zazzle? Personally, I feel that deckled paper is inherently a handcrafted product, and its charm lies in the artisanal process behind it. Introducing a mass-produced version may appeal to some customers but might dilute its unique appeal.

[Pádraig]

Hi @Cat,

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I'm not sure how possible it is for Zazzle to produce edges like this but I will share it with the team here for a closer review.

Pádraig