I adore this spot. The only thing that could make this place better would be more fabulous things for me to buy. Although I'm pretty sure my husband would disagree. The staff is so kind and helpful. I do wish they had a bathroom. But really. It's okay. Cuz my guys just went to Starbies and brought me back a drink. I also wish they had a lot for parking. I don't care... they still get five stars from me. read more

Paper Source is a good place to find nice, thick wrapping paper, stationery, cards, and all the things you need for gift giving purposes (you might even find the gift itself here). I'd been to the ones on Southport and on Wells but it was interesting to see the difference in merchandise here. It makes sense--this location seemed to have more office-type merchandise, and for a location in the Loop what better place to sell office supplies? Heck, I even had to stop myself from buying some of the cute office stuff they have here, and I only work two days per week in the office and still don't have my office space fully set up at home. If you need a last-minute card, even if it's beyond the standard congratulations or birthday, this is a great place to stop. And it's directly across the street from the Clark postal station, so may as well get it in the mail immediately before you forget! They had several board games. I'm a board gamer but usually don't play the ones that get mass market attention, and I saw some more niche ones like Steam Up which was truly surprising. I'm not sure who's coming here to buy them but I am totally in favor of stores supporting small publishers. I also saw journals, notepads, coffee cups, and so on. There's no parking here given its location in the loop. Train, bus, and/or foot will be your options. read more

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An incredibly cute store. I wanted to buy everything. Their holiday items and handmade paper selection is worth stopping by to see read more

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Paper Source is a charming spot for cards, DIY paper goods, wrappings, along with unexpected smaller, gifting items. I had not been to this location for a couple of years, as I used to volunteer at a nearby organization that has since moved. I decided to stop in the other day, as I was early for an appointment at the nearby Drybar salon. When I came in, there were only a couple of customers, so I could browse at my leisure. The women working at the counter were friendly and I felt comfortable looking around at all of the displays. I am on the lookout for a 2025 planner but was only able to have a cursory look at the selections, as I know that will require a more involved search. At the back of a store there is a sale section. Many of the items in that section were seasonal, but there were quite a few things that would have worked for stocking stuffers or as part of a white elephant gift exchange. Already I am regretting a pair of adorable turkey-printed socks reading "leg day." While I wish I had more time to shop, I left here with a smile on my face. read more

Paper Source is my favourite paper goods store & one of my top 5 all-time favourite stores in this universe. Right now many products at this location are 40-50% off, so now is the time to get your paper goods! The section in the very back is labeled "paper cuts." ...HA. I think they do gift wrapping or something :) Normally back home the paper source locations are fairly big but this one is the smallest one I've been to, but it's pretty long if that makes sense (when I was walking past the greeting cards I wasn't sure if I was crashing the employees' back room but then I saw all the planners & realized this was a continuation of the store). Very easy to miss if you don't notice the walkway. The gift wrap from here is so nice that I used to have several individual sheets on my wall in my college dorm, & then later my apartment, as if it was art. Because it is art! For $5 each, I had a huge 'poster' of the stages of the moon, & another that looked like an enlarged postage stamp of France. The greeting cards here are just darling. I usually come into Paper Source back home if I'm out shopping just to read the cards. The BEST for engagement & anniversary cards. Today I was looking for a new planner for 2024. Found a gorgeous dusty pink one but it was a) undated (why does it expect me to know what day it is) & b) only had 100 pages (I guess that's good if you don't write for the rest 265 days...). Regardless it was wonderful but I chose not to get it. Forever luv paper source. xx read more

Great place nice selection of gifts for family and friends staff is very nice too. They never go out of stock of items read more

Paper Source - The paper source near the loop - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am from out of town and needed to wrap a gift in a large box. They helped me locate everything I needed. So helpful in the store. Top notch customer service. read more

I joined the rewards program because I knew that I would be buying wedding invites and all that that involves. After purchasing greater than $400 worth of invites, response cards, envelopes, envelope liners, return address printing I was told that my purchase would not count towards the reward program. I'm furious. I could have ordered all of the wedding paper goods from Mint cheaper. I was loyal to paper source because of the rewards program. When I questioned paper source about the points, I was told that points are only awarded with in store purchases. Their website does NOT state that. Imagine my infuriation when I found out my purchase would not be rewarded. I will NOT purchase from the paper source again. There are a lot of other sources to purchase paper products. read more

There's something about a small retail shop on a vintage building that calls me name. It feels warm and inviting and seems to always offer personalized service. That is exactly what I received. Immediately upon walking in, you are met with retail overload. There are little things, gift items, office supplies, baby items, home decor, gift cards and the best wrapping paper in town! If that's not enough, they offer customized invitations and thank you cards as well. The ladies that work there are always super friendly and extremely helpful. They make suggestions and even offer gift wrapping services. Sometimes I'm not even sure what I'm looking for and they come through, offering the best suggestions. This is the perfect place for holiday, birthday or seasonal gifts for someone else or yourself. read more

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Lots of fun stuff! Lots of neat, interesting little gifts for friends w a sense of humor. Not the same boring stuff!

Eek. Love the Paper Source normally but during my whole time in the store, one of the employees was on the phone with who I assume was her boss at the store. She was talking SOOOOO loudly and moving around the store. Complaining about a customer at that. Other employees were great- but that one chick could use some training in customer service and mindfulness. read more

Paper Source - Easter display - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This coming Sunday, I've made the decision to pay a visit to a friend of mine whom I haven't seen in a very long time. After high school, we didn't get an opportunity to meet each other anymore. This shop is close to my brother's house, so I thought it would be best to visit here and look for a modest present. It was my first time visiting here, and it was a pleasant surprise; I had no idea there was a place like this in this neighborhood. In honor of my friend's newfound passion for journaling, I discovered this store, which has a variety of journaling supplies, including anything from attractive stickers and accessories to cute pens and pencils. They also have journals in a variety of sizes, and they also have gorgeous sets of gift wrappers, which are available for purchase separately. And, before I forget, the outside design of this establishment is just stunning. I'll surely come back here to pick up some more goodies for myself. read more

Was there to just get some colorful envelopes for my fashion event, but by the time I got out from the store, I got more art and craft stuff than i was planning to. All the associates was super helpful-especially Amy, she gave me a lot of good recommendations of what I need. And the price point was affordable. Got 10 envelopes for $3.50. A stamp for around $5, a blow heater for $23(Love this tool, watch the demo and you will know why). I would go back in anytime. read more

Paper Source - DIY Envelopes for my fashion event invitation.Purchased 10 envelopes, a stamps, a heating blower and some special glitters of course. - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very cute Paper Source location in Chicago. I usually shop at the Oak Park location which is perhaps a bit larger but this one is also very well-stocked, organized, tidy, and has friendly staff. I'm both highly allergic and highly afraid of dogs, so I left shortly after a lady with a very big dog (did not appear to be a service animal) came in. I realize that it is legally tricky for a shop to question a customer about their animal, so I just left quickly, rather than say anything about the dog. read more

I stop in yesterday I when and bought some candy They have cute stuff Don't forget mothers day I be back for more read more

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As a DIY paper crafter, I have to say that the selections at Paper Source are inspirational, trendy and fun. I have enjoyed everything here, from washi tape, to original gifts that made friends smile. Staff is continually helpful, and the store design is functional, stylish and customer-friendly. read more

Every weekend that I've parked near Paper Source and had to walk by to get back to my car after work, I've walked away with a little something. Just can't help stopping in! It's so cute. Some of the stuff here are just adorable and I just can't help but make the small impulse purchase - but imagine how that adds up every week! Since then I'd tried to avoid it. Some of the other things - useless but fun novelty gifts like R2D2 timers etc - are maybe half the price on Amazon, so be smart and look stuff up. They have like custom stationary type services in the back, and everyone seems really friendly. I have never needed anything like that in my life, so I guess it's something to keep in the back packet if I never need to suggest something like it. My favorite thing though is their giant wall of cards for every occasion. They are expensive for a piece of card stock folded in half, but they are really cute. I've gone to the shitty card places and flipped through a ton of crappy cards that are ugly and say stupid things, but here it's the opposite. Really adorable and funny in every style and messages and blanks that fit many specific occasions/situations. A great place to keep in mind to look for a cute card that's not generic hallmark/american greetings. read more

I'm not really a crafty type of gal...scrapbooking is so not my thing. But every so often bridesmaid duty calls and I find myself putting together a scrapbook. A few weeks ago I drove to Windy City Scrapbooking ready to get my crafting on and discovered it was closed. Gasp! And in it's place was Kookaburra Play Cafe, where my 9 month old has been a frequent visitor. I had trouble finding a scrapbook store that had all the fun paper, stickers and other materials to make a scrapbook complete. The best I could find was this Paper Source, which I've passed a million times and never noticed. They didn't have a huge selection of scrapbooking materials, but did have some pretty sparkly paper. They also sell some great photo albums, wedding invitations/stationary and fun gifts in this large 2 story store (including adorable backpacks that I may need to purchase when my baby is old enough to carry one). The staff wasn't particularly helpful, but they did point me in the direction of the sparkly scrapbook paper. Almost all of my friends are now married so I don't see too many more scrapbooks in my future, but may visit this Paper Source again for gifts and other paper needs. read more

Walking into Paper Source is like coming home to a blissful and creative place. I'm a creative spirt and often design and make custom wedding stationary and invitations so I'm often in here buying some of Paper Source's beautiful envelopes. Their paper products are amazing and high quality and reasonably priced. Their gift selection is fun and unique, I could stay in this store all day, or better yet live in it, lol. Every time I have been in here everyone has been very helpful when I need it and I always get a hello when I walk through the door. The location i located right near the CTA brown and red line so it's easy to get too. The only thing I wish is that they make custom color envelopes, or custom designed envelopes and have a store out in the south suburbs. read more

When I want to do a promo piece for myself, this is my go-to place for inspiration - and has been for years. Cool envelopes made out of maps, glittery paper, other interesting stuff. I'm not much for rubber stamps, but if you are, this is your place. read more

Do something creative everyday. Or so they say. I've been going out of my way to shop at this place for quite some time. Since I have first discovered this little gem on Franklin & Chicago there have been other Paper Sources popping up- don't be deterred to a more convenient locale- this one is the best! A quaint three story conversion with it's nooks and crannies full of goods to make any creative person tingle with joy. Gifts, cards, paper (from handmade Japanese to standard stock), letter pressing, bookbinding, stamps, ribbons, custom invites- they do it for you or you do it yourself. If you don't know how, many reasonable classes are offered at every location. This place can get a bit expensive, but it's all great quality, so it's not unreasonable. Their regular stock, which comes in about 40 great colors is a really good middle grade paper. I have always used this paper stock for resumes and invites. They offer bulk prices, just ask! And if you need to fill in the rest of your artistic needs, Pearl is right across the street. Just be careful, you'll have too much to carry home before you know it! read more

Paper Source - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

4.5 Since moving to Chicago my wife and I have trusted Maggie, Lauren and the rest of the incredible team at Paper Source Chicago Avenue for every single one of our invitation, stationery and card giving needs. I kid you not. We have this running joke with some of the staff there that I am the store's No. 1 straight male customer considering how often I'm getting something gift wrapped for my mother/sister/friend/wedding/groomsmen/etc/you get it. Our wedding invitations, my wife's personal thank you notes, every card we've ever bought, all of those ridiculous novelty gifts, you name it, we get it there. Not to mention that their stock of cards blows everything at Papyrus and all the other competition out of the water. There's this one wedding card with a bride and groom on a dual-person bike in particular. She's in boots with a bottle of champagne and he's peddling with a cigar in mouth... Just see the picture I posted... All the stuff at P.S. is gold... Go check it out. So given the fact that I was enthusiastic enough to actually get on here and write such a rave review for a paper store with truly exceptional service, you're probably wondering why I didn't just go ahead and give them a perfect 5-Star rating... Well, the truth is, Maggie, the store's primary manager deserves five stars; and Lauren deserves five stars, (maybe even six). The store itself deserves it; and honestly, I would have given it five stars, that is... until I had the extreme displeasure of meeting somebody new to the staff who I will refer to from this point on as "Mr. S." Now apparently, Mr. S was 'brought in' from elsewhere and when we first "engaged" so to speak, none of the regulars I normally tend to deal with happened to be around, so I wasn't expecting anything beyond the normal retail employee etiquette. BUT, you would have thought this guy just walked out of a rectal exam, because this condescending, smug blow-hard was so rude, and weird, and unhelpful, and unwilling to assist me or look deeper into the two things I needed that I kind of just settled and left the store a bit unnerved and stunned. It hands down was the only time I ever had a bad experience ever in any P.S., let alone at Maggie's location. At one point in this super awkward and super uncomfortable situation, I politely asked Mr. S if I could have a piece of string off of a table of disorganized garbage that he had amassed in front of the other customers, but he declined my request. It was then that Mr. S. told me that he was the new manager and that he was just 'following all the rules' (Um, I'm pretty sure it's Paper Source, not Nuremberg 1939), and I thought to myself? "Are you for real? I've never met you? You're treating me like garbage. Where is Lauren and how is she not the 'Manager' instead of you? I want to go home and shower now. This is a store very much based on design, aesthetic and customer facing, yet your outfit makes you look a poorly upholstered couch from the bad period in the mid to late 1970s you incompetent nitwit. Perhaps a career as a telephone service agent for AT&T where nobody sees you and your job is to intentionally not be helpful at all would be a better fit..." Anyways, Paper Source Chicago Avenue is nothing short of fantastic. They have absolutely everything and there is no reason at all to go anywhere else for anything that they sell. I just hope that in a similar fashion to the Catholic Church's maneuvering when certain "really bad" decisions are made, that P.S. corporate decides to "rotate" or "transfer" Mr. S to whatever location they see fit,.. far, far, FAR away. In fact, I think the people of Anchorage Alaska are deserving of a Paper Source just as well as everybody else. Now it might not be part of the contiguous United States, but if the "Great State" is good enough for Sarah Palin, then it should be good enough for Mr. S too. He can go and open up new locations there forever. Cheers! read more

Paper Source - My 'Go-To' Wedding Card from Paper Source. Absolute GOLD. - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I normally patron the Armitage location in Lincoln Park and have always had a very warm welcoming experience. This location was close to my errands on Sunday, so I stopped in for a quick pick up of red envelopes for ( Chinese New Year ) upon entering none of the staff members greeted me or even acknowledged my presence. I'm used to having at least a staff member asking if they can help. At check out, the same. Cold and frigid customer service. Not a single thank you or appreciations of my business. I guess not all places carrying the same business name is created equal. I will stick to my Armitage peeps for my creative needs. As a business owner myself, I would never let my customers walk out feeling unappreciated. read more

The staff was incredibly friendly and the store had everything that I was looking for:)

Super friendly and always the best products. Pricey as duck but it's not a place I shop every day. Admittedly I always leave with something resembling an item I needed plus at least one (far more expensive) item I didn't know I needed until entering the store. Is it weird that I never see men in Paper Source shopping alone? read more

Terrible customer service. I spent $40 on balloons only to get home to see that the person who blew them up didn't tie ribbons to them.... then when I called they had an attitude about it and offered to add the strings if I brought them back. At first I said no but then I changed my mind and was going to ask for a refund or a heavy discount and i called the store 12 times and no one picked up- not counting the one time they did and then put me on hold for 10 minutes before I gave up and hung up. These people have no brain and are rude to their customers. I will not be returning. read more

Paper Source is my weakness. I can never leave here empty handed and $50 poorer. Basically, if they sell it here, I want it. Cards for all occasions on lovely card stock. Wrapping paper with robots. Blank cards with doughnuts. File folders with cute ostriches. Nautical bags. Juice glasses with owls. Christmas dog stickers. Happy birthday garland. I find the girls who work at this location to be particularly friendly and helpful. They help you out without being overly pushy, and are happy to talk about things like double-sided tape dispensers with you. Highly recommend checking out this location for your holiday card/wrapping needs. And for the rest of the year too - they have really fun seasonal stuff that changes throughout the year. read more

I am obsessed with Paper Source. They have a really great selection of DIY invitations and projects, if that is your thing. However, that is not my thing and I still manage to find unique and meaningful cards and gifts here. They have the absolute best calendars. The artwork on them is just beautiful. It honestly looks as though you are hanging some real art on the walls. Another benefit is that once the month is done, the pages of the calendar have dual purposes. There was a template on the last two years that allowed me to reuse the pages for gift boxes and file folders...such a cute idea. The staff is really helpful. They can point you in the right direction and help you with projects if needed. They also have really great classes for minimal fees to learn how to do stuff on your own. My only gripe about this location is that it is two levels and the stairs are just not stroller friendly. Other than that, this is an absolute must for me for all stationary needs. read more

Yeep! Customer service where are you? Non existent in here apparently! While across the street at Pearl we decided to go ahead and buy our paper and such for our wedding invites. We walk in to silence and went upstairs looking for paper...whoops, nope back downstairs and it's waaaay in the back. A tiny cramped room with empty and untidy shelves. There was a guy back there unboxing stuff at the long table who never looked up or said two words to us the entire time we were in there. Finally he left and we started spreading stuff out on the table. And the lighting is terrible! The colors looked different than when we looked at them before and not in a good way. Boy comes back through with (assuming) a new girl in tow talking about "here's this and here's that, and yeah it looks like shit, and won't change". Seriously? Finally we'd had enough of the rudeness, and pretty much knew what we wanted, but instead of giving this horrid sales staff our wedding funds, we took the Brown Line 2 more stops north to Armitage and bought our paper from there. You know, where people are nice and talk to you and stuff. Management needs to work on this location though and take notes from the others that are stellar. Get the frowns off your faces, really. It can't be that bad for all three of you ignoring us. read more

I don't know how many cards and paper products I've purchased from Paper Source over the years... Many. many. And they've all been awesome and/or cute. When you need a _______ card and you just don't feel like dealing with a Hallmark / Walgreens / CVS, and you want something a little more special, a little more unique, Paper Source is a sure bet. In addition to cards (what I usually stop in for), papers, stationary accessories, etc., they have some really great gift ideas: books, candles, tchotchkes galore, kids items, candy, and lots of other fun stuff. read more

This is my favorite Paper Source. I've been to three others, two in the city and one in the suburbs. I like the people who work here as well as the atmosphere of this particular spot. It is easily accessible from the brown line and is great for a quick stop on the way to a destination if you need to grab a card or small gift. I'm continuously surprised by the unique gifts in this store. I want everything in here! Some of the products remind me of Urban Outfitters gifts (and lots are available at both stores) but with less of an attitude--if that makes any sense. For people who like crafty things or books, letters, stationary in general, you will love this place. I also know that the staff at each individual store is in charge of things like interior design and window displays. The staff at this location is top notch. It seems like everyone here both likes what they do and then has fun with it every day. I will definitely make the trek back to this location whenever I feel like I need any special stationary, card, or cutesy gift. read more

I'm a fashion student who wants her walls to look chic but isn't really prepared to blow hundreds of dollars (that's a lot of fabric I could be buying) on wall art. Plus, the creativista fashionista side of me is all like, "It has to be SORT OF DIY." So I walk in and I buy gorgeous decorative paper. Birds, poppies, vintage-looking prints of the Eiffel Tower. Also purchased: six affordable plain black LP picture frames. The result? Clean and fun (when is anything EVER clean AND fun?) apartment decor that costs under $100 AND impresses your friends. Oh, and thank you to the lovely sales assistant who gushed about my dress AND gave me a free (albeit slightly ripped) sheet of paper with pretty little French desserts on it. Paper Source, you complete me. read more

Went in on a Saturday around noon to exchange an item I had a gift receipt for. This was my first time at the store and the place was decently filled with customers. The store was tight with space so it was difficult to walk throughout the store while people were looking at items and chatting while in the walk areas. A bit frustrating but the workers are very friendly and helpful so the crowd isn't a showstopper for me coming back. In one day I received great help from 3 employees within 20 minutes - I ended up leaving the store saying "they're really nice!" I've been back one time since and my review is still relevant. Parking: Street parking at about $2 for half an hour. Boo! read more

Oh Paper Source. You helped me out at the last minute...well, sort of the last minute. I needed some cellophane gift bags and ribbon for party favors and already made like four trips to Michael's in a couple of weeks. Plus, I had other things to get done for a bridal shower that I couldn't take another trip. (By the by, I do love Michael's and can handle crafts. But there's only so much bridal items, bags, markers, and other crafty things I can take in a given time). Enter Paper Source. I've only shopped online for things and hadn't really had a chance to go to any of their locations. Weird, right? I'm glad I did though. They had so many cute things great for gifts or personal use: stationary, note pads, gift bags, ribbon (oh lots of it!), greeting cards, cute office supplies like magnets and paper clips (not your boring office ones), greeting cards, do-it-yourself invitations materials, and of course, paper. I was helped by a young gentleman whose name I cannot remember. He pointed me in the right direction and then let me loose browsing for a good 45 minutes...longer than I expected I'd be. Second floor had the ribbon I needed. I suggest taking a look at the website so you know what you're in for - sizes, color, and material. They also had a pretty decent sale selection upstairs too but nothing I needed at the time. I got what needed many, many cellophane bags and several colors of ribbon perfect to use for the bags. It was a nice long visit and would probably consider coming back should I need gifts, cards, etc. read more

The nicest team of associates... We were looking for our wedding invitations and walked in just to peruse, immediately felt welcomed and decided to schedule an appointment and place an order. Where some folks take up to 8 hours, in under 2 we decided and walked through the right wording for the perfect invite. Everyone was amazing. Invitations are EXPENSIVE. No fault of the store but "damn" industry... In won't have the need for another wedding invitation but I like the store and people so much I may upgrade my Mother's Day cards from now on. read more

This review is for their printing services, which quite frankly are sub bar. Do not go here for anything even remotely custom if you are trying to get things printed. They are inflexible, bratty, and obnoxious. We have a fabulously designed invitation suite and needed a quality printer to print them. The woman in the store refused to deal with us in an appropriate or respectful manner. Every time we asked for anything, she got a smug look and said, "We don't do that." Double sided printing? We don't do that. Fast orders? No, it takes THREE WEEKS and has to go through yet ANOTHER vendor. She couldn't even tell us what type of printing they do at their print facility. In short, inflexible and unhelpful. Get a grip and learn how to treat customers. read more

Tis the season to be cranking out Holiday Cheer! Right? Well, at least that's what I thought when I headed over to the Paper Source. I've been struggling to find holiday cards to send out this year. What better place to look. Unfortunately, not all of those behind the counter had received their holiday cheer this year. Oh well, I am on a mission. A mission to find the perfect holiday cards for all recipients on my list. No Scrooge behind the counter will ruin my delight in finding these treasures. Score! Buy 3 get 1 free I am all about it. Now the hard part begins. They do offer a wonderful selection of holiday cards flatpress, letterpress and cards from independent artist. I circled the table numerous times, but eventually walked away with four boxes of holiday cards that I am truly happy to give this year. read more

Although I nearly bought Porn for Women on sight, I did not come here to browse. I had paper needs, you see (thank-you cards! Business cards!), and I was on a tight schedule. Had I been in the mood for paper-and-kitschy-gifts/candy browsing, I'd have been in heaven. Seriously, cute stuff. This is a great hobby shop, staffed by ladies (until I see a chromosome to the contrary) who really know their stuff. It can be tough to flag dwn a sales associate at times, but once you do, boy are they helpful. The two-story layout threw me a bit, but it's pretty much like, lower floor: raw materials, upper floor: premade goodies. Spend $40 to get 20% off your next order. Or don't and you can get away pretty cheap. read more

Great cards, great wrapping paper, helpful service... I am giving 3 stars because they don't shovel their sidewalks and should be fined by the city. If I had a dime for every time I have almost slipped due to 2 week old snow/ice left over from the last storm, I'd be able to afford going to paper source a little more often. The worst was the February 2011 snowstorm... They didn't even try to help with the 2 feet of snow piled up on the sidewalk. Post long overdue. Do your part, Paper Source and shovel your sidewalk along Franklin. read more

When I'm here, I'm like a girl in a candy store! Actually, candy land! I love, love, love this store. The store manager was also so sweet, friendly and made me feel like home. This place has the best selection of stationary I could ever dream of. Made my day! They hold unique paper, boxes made out of those paper, cards, envelopes, decorative stuff, and anything you can think of that's made out of paper and fabric. Highly recommended for a stationary buff like me, and a true artist! read more