Choose a handwritten recipe, letter, note, card, or signature that holds special meaning. It might be a favorite family recipe passed down through generations, a few thoughtful words from a greeting card, a letter written for a special occasion, or a loved one’s familiar sign-off. Even a short phrase such as “Love, Mom,” “Always with you,” or a simple signature can become a deeply personal keepsake.

If you are not sure where to begin, look through family recipe boxes, cookbooks, yearbooks, birthday and holiday cards, old letters, journals, photo albums, guest books, address books, and notes tucked inside drawers or keepsake boxes. Handwritten messages can also be found on the backs of photographs, inside book covers, along the margins of recipes, or on gift tags saved from meaningful occasions. Consider asking parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives if they have a special piece of handwriting stored away. They may have preserved something you have never seen before.

Once you have selected the handwriting, take a clear photograph or scan of the entire original document to send to us. Be sure that all words, signatures, and other details you would like included are visible and not cut off. There is no need to mail the original—your treasured paper can remain safely at home with you.

Faded ink, stains, creases, torn edges, and signs of age are welcome. These details are often part of what makes the original so meaningful. Our design team carefully isolates and restores the handwriting while preserving the personal characteristics that make it recognizable as theirs. If the writing you would like to use appears across several cards, letters, or documents, you may send multiple images, and we can help select and arrange the most meaningful words for your design.