FREE U.S. SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $65!

Blog posts & pages

View all results (0)

About Us

Smudge Ink is a small team of illustrators, printers, and creatives brought together by our devotion to snail mail, letterpress printing, and playful design.

We create charming, magic-filled paper goods for every day. From the initial sketch to the final print run, we prioritize quality and thoughtfulness in both design and production.

At Smudge Ink, we believe that art and happiness go hand-in-hand and we pride ourselves on our lovable designs.

Each card is meticulously letterpressed with love becoming a physical representation of authenticity, belonging, and style that sparks emotion. We are honored that our small business helps others share comfort, happiness, and joy!

illustration

The Magic of Letterpress

We use our trusty Heidelberg Windmills from the 1950s to create beautiful letterpressed greeting cards. We carefully set up the press for each design, running the paper through one piece at a time. Most of our cards are just two colors; we create the illusion of a more colorful piece by printing one color on top of another or using tiny dots rather than a solid block of color to create lighter shades. It's a meticulous process, but the stunning results speak for themselves. We take pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each and every card we produce.

Learn about Letterpress

illustration

letterpress lovers

We celebrate the art of letterpress by being dedicated to 2-color design, which elevates our products by putting in the effort up front to make the best impression possible.

Eco-Conscious

It’s important to us that our products are American-made and eco-conscious. Our greeting cards and gift wrap are printed on post-consumer recycled paper.

Locally Made

All of our letterpress products are printed in our Acton, Massachusetts studio. Our full-color products are printed locally in Woburn, MA. All of our packaging and shipping is done in-house with care.

Thank you for shopping small and shopping Smudge!

Our Commitments

environmental consciousness

We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and take pride in making a conscious effort to recycle and reuse almost everything in our working studio. We source post-consumer recycled paper and envelopes for all products. We also partner with companies who actively engage in and encourage environmentally responsible practices. 

Giving Back

We make charitable contributions to causes we are passionate about. Below are some of the organizations we have supported:

Everytown//United State of Women//Planned Parenthood//Acton-Boxborough United Way //For Like Minds// Refugee Assistance Alliance// Puerto Rico & Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund // Hurricane Irma Relief Fund // Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund // WE CAN // Circle of Women // Rosie’s Place // BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) // The One Fund // Greater Boston Food Bank // Breakthrough Cambridge // Courageous Sailing // Community Cooks

In addition, we donate overstock, damaged products, excess paper and envelopes, and gently used office supplies to local schools and kid-focused organizations. Help us help others.

Meet April

illustration

our owner April has always loved cards. As a kid she made cards for her family for every birthday and holiday.

April started her journey with Smudge Ink, which was founded in 2002, in 2010 as the Office Manager. She applied for the job to learn about the greeting card industry and wholesale in particular. April managed the studio, got orders out the door, and adored being surrounded by paper goods all day, every day.

illustration
illustration

In 2016, April had the opportunity to take over the business.

Ever since, she and her partner, Eric, have been immersing themselves in paper & printing. April didn’t know she would end up in the stationery industry, but she’s so happy to be here and see the joy on people’s faces when they interact with Smudge Ink.

illustration

The Smudge Team

April May

owner

  • happily rearranges furniture
  • audiobook enthusiast
  • always ready for lunch

Eric Schwarz

press operator & finances

  • soccer fan
  • whiskey drinker
  • HBS alum

Alanah Nelson

press operator

  • lemon square critic
  • collects niche hand tools
  • loves an ugly dog

Amy Patch

fulfillment manager

  • creator of Willis & Bell
  • former handbell player
  • collector of vintage buttons

Emily Moran

fulfillment assistant & sales

  • proud day-maker
  • has perfect pitch
  • Vermont native

Max May

press assistant

  • brother of April
  • third child
  • certified drone pilot

Michele Abroff

fulfillment assistant

  • thrifter extraordinaire
  • cake baker & decorator
  • former architect

Sara Micciche

illustrator

  • aspiring cheese monger
  • impressed by shiny things
  • amateur plant mom

Ally Stack

custom projects

  • sandwich aficionado
  • former trumpet player
  • always notices dogs

Emily Goodale

guest illustrator e.b. goodale

  • sriracha peddler
  • cat rescuer & illustrator
  • tiny things collector

Clancy

employee of the month, always

  • long boy, short legs
  • loves belly rubs
  • cutest smile

Bogie

rookie

  • chihuahua & dachshund
  • nervous nelly
  • best side-eye

Retailers

Smudge Ink products can be found in over 900 retailers around the country and worldwide. Our retailers range from small boutiques and independent bookstores to florists, art supply stores, and more.

Are you a buyer interested in ordering our products for your store? Visit our wholesale page for more information.

Curious if there’s a retailer near you? Contact us and we can send you a list of stores in your area where you might find our products. Or, head to our online store and shop away!

Contact Us