When the Covid-19 quarantine began in late March 2020, I found myself with a lot of free press time for the first time in many years. While it was a good opportunity to slow down and take stock, I soon needed a positive outlet to channel my energies.

As a printer, communication is my field, and while I was grateful for the ability to connect with friends and family on screens in the lockdown, I thought some old-fashioned, quality communication might provide a little comfort and balance.

So I started a free postcard project and called it “Hello Friend”.

The project was simple; instead of purchasing postcards from my shop, I invited readers to submit messages and addresses of their loved ones, and I would inscribe and mail them directly. This saved postage for readers, many of whom didn’t have stamps available at home.

Letterpress messages were printed on postcards from wood type, and personalized greetings were transcribed on the backs and sent off to loved ones. I offered this as a free service, and was so touched when many readers graciously donated pages of stamps.