Spark Letterpress began in Minneapolis 10 years ago, but owner Valerie Carlson moved out of state to grow the business with the help of friends and family. Spark is now carried by more than 125 retailers nationwide, but Carlson was ready to be back in the city. Spark has returned to Minnesota, with a pretty new showroom and print shop in Northeast Minneapolis.
“It’s great being able to meet with people in person again, and it’s so fun to see their reaction when they pick up their stationery,” says Carlson. Her unique designs focus on customized details and specialized finishes like laser-cutting, super-thick papers, colored edges, crystal embellishments and, of course, letterpress.
“We get lots of couples who want something truly custom,” says Carlson “and we specialize in the unusual. Everyone wants their wedding to be unique and details are a way to express that.”
One of Carlson’s favorite designs has a “top secret” theme, with a file folder that calls up a government dossier with pages held in place with brass brads, and spy-inspired copy so guests feel they’re in for an event like none other. “We have a lot of fun interacting with people and seeing their personalities and reactions,” says Carlson. “It’s inspiring.”