Belle & Union
Revives Printing Traditions With Modern Charm in 78209
Bringing Art to Life with Century-Old Technology
By Bruce X. Forey | Photography by David Teran
A local artist and entrepreneur is making waves in 2024 by using century-old technology. Belle & Union, an art-based business, specializes in bespoke stationery, greeting cards, and unique gift items. Owner Meg Sutton, with the support of her husband, Josh, creates many of the products by hand.
“Anything that has a Belle & Union logo comes from me,” Meg said. “I think of it and draw it out.”
The Magic of Vintage Printing Presses
Meg produces her signature pieces using an early 1900s printing press. Customers visiting the store often stop to watch as she operates the bulky, cast-iron machine.
“No one else has these incredible machines on-site,” Meg said. “You can stand by the window and watch while I work.”
The vintage printing press delivers the distinct, tactile quality that defines Belle & Union’s stationery and paper products.
“It creates this beautiful, deep, pillowy impression into the paper,” Meg explained. “Every single card or piece of stationery we print is done one piece, one color at a time. It’s a labor of love, but there’s nothing quite like it.”
Custom Designs for Life’s Special Moments
Belle & Union offers custom announcements and invitations for weddings, baby showers, and other special occasions. Personalized note cards featuring names or business logos are also highly sought after.
“As more people hear about what we’re doing in-house with our vintage printing press, more want to own a beautiful desk set made just for them,” Meg said.
Illustrating Iconic Texas Landmarks
Meg’s talent for illustration shines in her popular line of architectural drawings. These pieces showcase iconic San Antonio landmarks like the Alamo and The Pearl, as well as architecture from nine Texas universities. She is also developing a line of notebooks and notepads inspired by vintage office supplies.
A Platform for Local Makers and Artists
Belle & Union partners with about a dozen local small business owners to feature handcrafted items for the home, kitchen, and office.
“The community element is important to us,” Meg said. “We give local makers and artists a platform to share their craft and products with people they might not otherwise reach because they don’t have their own storefront like we do.”
A New Space and Exciting Workshops
In 2021, Belle & Union moved from the Quarry area to The Collections Shopping Center at Broadway and Sunset. The new store doubled its inventory space, and Meg fell in love with the red brick exterior and neighborhood vibe.
The larger space also supports in-store workshops offered to the community. One of the most popular workshops invites customers to operate the turn-of-the-century printing press.
“Customers learn how the machine works and print their own custom stationery,” Meg said. “Other classes include dried floral arranging, candle making, calligraphy, and journaling. We’re always introducing new workshops so people can learn new skills and meet new friends.”
Nostalgia for the Holidays
For the holiday season, Belle & Union has adopted a retro diner theme.
“You get that hint of nostalgia or yesteryear,” Meg said. “It’s fun, colorful, and joyful. People say it feels like an escape and a happy place for them.”
Building a Brand on Artistic Craftsmanship
A millennial with an old soul, Meg has built Belle & Union on a foundation of artistic craftsmanship and handmade products. By rejecting mass-produced retail trends, she has earned a loyal and growing customer base.
“Everybody wants to be known as the best gifter, especially during the holidays,” Meg said. “When people discover our shop, they find something truly special. You can’t shop online or at big retail stores and find what we offer.”
