Her Custom Invitations Set the Tone for Any Event
Kathleen Roth of Key Circle Press is helping to keep the art of letterpress design alive. Along the way, she’s creating custom invitations and announcements to help elevate special occasions and events. Meet our newest FACE of Birmingham!
Since 2010, Kathleen Roth has been creating custom social stationery, invitations, and announcements from her small Birmingham area studio. Her business, Key Circle Press, specializes in letterpress design, and Kathleen makes a wide range of products — from note cards, calling cards, and gift tags to wedding and party invitations and birth announcements.
Kathleen’s passion for her craft began when she received a letterpress Christmas card one year that made a lasting impression. It was perfect timing; Kathleen, who also loves to sew, was looking for a new creative outlet. Her husband bought her tabletop letterpress for her 40th birthday, and the rest is history — she started making letterpress stationery of her own, eventually purchasing a larger floor-model letterpress. Key Circle Press was born.
These days, Kathleen works with customers (especially brides-to-be) in Birmingham and across the country. We’re excited to introduce our newest FACE of Birmingham, Kathleen Roth of Key Circle Press.
Why should someone opt for cards from Key Circle Press instead of sending electronic invitations or cards?
You can set the tone, depending on what event it is, because that invitation you receive is the first impression. And I think it’s special to receive that. Someone has taken the time to address an envelope, stuff it, put a stamp on it, and mail it. That means something. People don’t do it that often, so it’s unexpected. But I will say that I do not judge anyone for sending an Evite or an electronic Christmas card. We’re all so busy!
What’s the benefit of working with Key Circle Press instead of a mass laser printer?
It’s the ability to truly customize what you want. [Key Circle Press is] just me. I’m the shipping department, the invoicing department, and the packaging department. So, it’s important for me to make sure that the person I’m working with is up to date on everything that’s happening, and I want to make sure it’s done how they want it. It means a lot to me to make sure people are pleased and know I’ve done everything I can to make the end result exactly what they want.
You can get a laser printer invitation, and that’s fine. I do not judge whatsoever. But I appreciate getting a pretty invitation. I think everybody does.
Is there a design you’ve done that was particularly memorable?
My favorite project is the one I’m currently working on. I enjoy the newness of each project because it is something different every time. Every project takes on a different personality.
What do you love about doing custom letterpress designs?
It allows me to work with lots of great people and work on events. A lot of times, it’s associated with a family event, and it’s fun to be a small part of that. This is strictly fun. I don’t even advertise.
What has been the key to Key Circle Press’s longevity? How do people find out about you?
Word of mouth. I have wonderful people I’ve worked with and have fortunately been pleased with the results and products I’ve produced. It means so much that someone would recommend me to someone else!
Why do you think it’s essential to have a creative outlet?
So often, we are in our regimented form. We’re trying to get from point A to point B, and it’s all about the day-to-day, one thing after another. Having an outlet allows you to stop and use your brain in a creative way.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I’m involved in many volunteer efforts, such as the Linly Heflin Unit. I’m the former event chair and currently serve on the advisory board for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Antiques at the Gardens. I serve on the advisory board and house corporation for Chi Omega sorority at the University of Alabama. I’m a sustainer with the Junior League of Birmingham, and I’m the former chair of the Friends of O’Neal Library. I’m also into rug hooking, I like to travel, and I enjoy seeing new places and experiencing new things. And I like my dog, Poppy! She keeps me on my toes.
My husband and I are happy to spend a weekend at home, not doing much, but we try to challenge ourselves to go out. We like to go out for dinner.
Do you have any favorite local restaurants?
We like Ocean, Bettola, and Automatic Seafood.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given or the best advice you have to offer?
Enjoy what you do; life is too short. And my husband always says nothing’s worth doing if it’s not worth doing right. He is a type A lawyer and very meticulous. I think that’s rubbed off on me! I am a very detailed person.
Name three things you can’t live without.
My daily walks, my Audible subscription, and having a creative outlet.
Thank you, Kathleen! To learn more about Key Circle Press, visit keycirclepress.com.
All photography provided.
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Meet more inspiring women from Birmingham and across the South by visiting our FACES archives.
Javacia Harris Bowser
Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she’s not writing, she’s usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.