Bienvenue Publishing Card Set Iridescence (5 pcs.)

The Small Print Collection N°9 – Iridescence showcases iridescent beetles, printed using offset lithography on heavyweight Z-offset natural paper at 400 g/m². The matt, subtly textured paper gives the metallic-iridescent beetle motifs an earthy depth that truly shines in print. Five cards in 104 × 140 mm format, conceived and designed by Bienvenue Studios in Zurich.

Features

• Z-offset natural paper, 400 g/m²: This uncoated natural paper has a slightly rough, warm tactile quality – considerably heavier than standard cards, with noticeable substance in hand. The open paper structure accepts ink cleanly without smudging, ideal for handwritten messages using fountain pens or fine-liners.
• Offset printing in Zurich: Classic multicolour offset lithography allows precise, consistent colour reproduction across the entire card – the iridescent blue, green and copper tones of the beetles appear rich, yet never garish.
• Format 104 × 140 mm: Wider than the classic A6 format, yet more manageable than A5 – fits standard C6 envelopes (114 × 162 mm) and sits comfortably in hand when writing.
• 5 cards per set: All five cards feature the same design – a complete set for collectors of the Small Print Collection.
• Beetle motif world: The subject draws on a rich symbolic history: the scarab as a symbol of rebirth in ancient Egyptian mythology, beetles as natural jewels with metallically shimmering shells – the design moves between scientific illustration and cultural-historical significance.

Use & Tips

• Handwritten greeting card: The 400 g/m² natural paper works beautifully with broad fountain pen nibs and brush markers. A medium or broad nib with water-based ink produces clean, legible lettering without show-through.
• Framing and display: The print format 104 × 140 mm fits many passepartout sizes for small picture frames – the card functions as a standalone mini-print, for instance in a gallery frame for 10 × 15 cm with a subtle border.
• Collecting concept Small Print Collection: Bienvenue Publishing numbers the series sequentially. Collecting multiple numbers from the Collection creates a cohesive, uniform ensemble – consistent size, identical paper, same printing process.
• Gift packaging: Five uniform cards can be easily bundled with simple ribbon or placed in a folding box – a thoughtfully presented gift for paper and nature lovers without fuss.

For Paper Enthusiasts

Z-offset refers to an uncoated natural paper specially optimised for sheet-fed offset printing: the surface is calendar-smoothed but remains open enough to accept printing ink evenly, whilst retaining its matt, slightly fibrous character. At 400 g/m², the paper sits in the heavyweight card range – the result is a card that feels stiff and stable, doesn't give when writing, and neither absorbs nor repels ink. For water-based fountain pen inks, we recommend a nib width of M or broader, as the subtly textured surface makes fine lines appear slightly wider than on calendered gloss paper.

Technical Specifications