Nov 3, 2009

Pumpernickel Press Announces Willow Tree Card License

Pumpernickel Press proudly announces a licensing agreement with Willow Tree® creator Susan Lordi for exclusive production of fine art, embossed greeting cards and notes. The announcement precedes the planned January 2010 introduction of the new line of unique, premium quality embossed interpretations of the beloved Willow Tree figurines as sculptured cards, “sculptures” that can be sent nationwide with a 1st class stamp.

Willow Tree® creator Susan Lordi describes her artistic motivation saying “I want to create a pure form that speaks through gesture. Willow Tree isn’t so much about the tangible piece. It represents an emotion, or it marks a memory.”

When Pumpernickel Press founder Bob Harju explored the feasibility and challenging responsibility for transferring Susan’s sculptural figurine forms through his company’s unique production methods, his initial reaction to the Willow Tree® designs was that their messages were, in essence, greeting cards – “pure form that speaks through gesture… representing an emotion, marking a memory”.

The first fruits of this exciting artistic collaboration will come to market when Pumpernickel Press launches the inaugural collection of licensed Willow Tree® Collection of greeting cards and notes in the Pumpernickel Press corporate showroom in Atlanta in January (Americas Mart Bldg.2, Room 1609), as well as at markets in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle. The Collection will include 16 individual petite notes and 12 deluxe format, generously sized cards in combination with a dedicated Willow Tree branded retail merchandising fixture.

All cards will feature Pumpernickel’s trademarked deep sculptural embossing combined with the visual essence of select Willow Tree® designs, printed in the U.S. on Forest Stewardship Council accredited, uncoated recycled paper using agri-based inks to yield rich, gallery quality, saturated color. Retail price points will start at $3.

Pumpernickel Press is the acknowledged industry leading resource for fine art embossed cards that celebrate nature from the backyard to the backcountry, while protecting the environment through sustainable production methods. The introduction of the Willow Tree® Collection will combine that expertise paired with exquisite interpretations of licensed designs by the gift industry’s undisputed leader in exploring and celebrating the interior landscapes of feelings, relationships and emotions.