From Flea Market Finds to Best-Selling Stationery
At PrintingCenterUSA, we love seeing creative entrepreneurs transform their passions into print that connects, inspires, and sells. Christine from Carmen & Ginger Vintage Goods in Warren, Rhode Island, did just that with her beautiful line of custom vintage-inspired note cards. Each design tells a story from a blend of antique photographs and timeless typography to personal artistry that captures the nostalgic spirit of her boutique and the community it serves.
About Carmen & Ginger Vintage Goods
Founded in the heart of Rhode Island, Carmen & Ginger Vintage Goods is a carefully curated shop filled with unique, whimsical finds. Christine, the shop’s owner, has a deep love for history, storytelling, and the art of collecting. Her note cards are an extension of that passion and small pieces of visual history brought back to life through print.
“Most are antique photos from my personal collection across a variety of themes, always with a focus on vintage images of cats and dogs because I specialize in that in my shop,” Christine shared.
“I also use photos from a collection of African American families from the 1950s to create variety and representation. They’re much harder to find than others, so I love being able to share them.”
Each note card design embodies her eye for nostalgia and her dedication to preserving the past while making it feel fresh and personal.
The Challenge
Christine’s goal was to produce high-quality, small-batch note cards that she could sell in her store, maintaining the authentic vintage feel of her designs while ensuring the prints looked professional and consistent across all 34 versions.
From century-old photographs to reproductions of 1920s letterpress designs, the variety of artwork made color accuracy and detail especially important.
“A few cards are unique to Rhode Island; a vintage souvenir glass, a 1940 football program, and a coffee syrup bottle (it’s a RI thing 🤷🏻♀️). And since I’m also an amateur wildlife photographer, I included some of my own bird photos, too!”
Christine needed a printing partner who could handle multiple designs with care, attention to texture, and the quality that would make each card ready for retail display.
The Printing Solution
Christine chose PrintingCenterUSA’s custom note card printing to bring her creative collection to life. Printed on 12 pt. matte cardstock, the cards have a soft, professional feel that complements the vintage artwork while offering the durability needed for resale.
Note Card Specs:
- Size: 4.25 x 5.5″ (8.5 x 5.5″ flat)
- Quantity: 1,190 (34 versions, 35 of each)
- Paper Stock: 12 pt. Cardstock Matte
- Ink: Full Color Front (4/0)
- Folding: Scored and Shipped Flat
- Envelopes: 70# Plain (Unprinted)
- Proof: Electronic PDF
- Shrink Wrap: Convenient Bundles
Looking to create your own custom cards? PrintingCenterUSA makes it easy to design, print, and bundle personalized note cards that bring your art or brand to life! Start your project today at PrintingCenterUSA.com!
Each print captured the warmth, grain, and character of her source materials. Whether antique photographs, retro illustrations, or modern wildlife photography her art will be the perfect gift.
The Impact
The finished cards have become a customer favorite at Carmen & Ginger, offering shoppers a touch of vintage charm and authenticity that perfectly reflects the shop’s aesthetic.
“I made the cards for resale at the shop, and it’s been wonderful to see people connect with the images whether it’s a love for old family photos, local Rhode Island nostalgia, or just a fondness for cats and dogs,” Christine said.
By pairing her unique artistic vision with professional print quality, Christine turned her personal collection into a profitable, beautifully branded product line that customers love.
How to Start Your Own Stationery Business
Inspired by Christine’s story? Turning your creativity into a stationery business is easier than you might think. Whether your passion is photography, illustration, vintage design, or witty sayings, you can create a line of cards that reflects your unique style and connects with customers.
Here’s how to get started:
- Find Your Niche: Choose a theme or aesthetic that sets you apart, such as nature, nostalgia, pets, or local pride.
- Create or Curate Your Artwork: Use your own photography or art, or collect vintage imagery and design around it, just like Christine did.
- Design Your Cards: Use our free online design tool or our free templates to create your designs.
- Print Professionally: High-quality cardstock and vibrant color make all the difference. Choose from matte or gloss finishes to match your style.
- Package and Sell: Start small. Sell online through Etsy or your own website, at local markets, or in boutique shops that share your vibe.
- Build a Brand: Use consistent colors, fonts, and messaging so your cards tell a cohesive story that feels authentically you.
With a little creativity and the right print partner, you can turn your ideas into a tangible product that customers love to buy and share.
👉 Start your stationery business today at PrintingCenterUSA.com
Looking Ahead
Carmen & Ginger continues to grow its creative offerings, from antique-inspired gifts to custom-printed stationery that celebrates art, memory, and local history.
You can explore more of Christine’s work and vintage treasures here:
🌐 www.carmenandginger.com
📸 Instagram: @carmenandginger
💛 Facebook: Carmen & Ginger Vintage Goods
At PrintingCenterUSA, we’re proud to help artists, makers, and small businesses like Carmen & Ginger turn their creativity into print products that tell a story, connect with customers, and build brands that last.
👉 Start your custom note card project today at PrintingCenterUSA.com
