I've got two words for you. Paper nirvana. Like a lot of the other reviewers here, I'm a paper junkie. As my patient husband can attest, I can peruse a good paper store for hours. I first fell in love with Paper Source when we were living in Chicago, where Paper Source was born. When it came time to plan our wedding and choose invitations and stuff, Paper Source was at the top of my list. Since we'd moved back to California by then, we visited the Costa Mesa location. Like a lot of the other reviewers mentioned, the prices here can be a bit high. We saw an invitation we really liked but it was just too much money. It was a letterpress design (read: even more expensive) and also wasn't available in our colors. A very helpful consultant named Nicholas said we could get the same design in the colors we wanted if we went with flat printing, which is also cheaper. OK, great. The only problem was that then it would be considered a custom order, which jacked the price back up to the same level as the letterpress version. Damn. In the end, we snuck a photo of said invitation with a cell phone and sent it to my graphic designer brother, who was able to replicate the same design for much less. And since Paper Source even lists the fonts for all their designs right in the invitation book, he didn't even have to guess what they were. Although we didn't buy our invitations here (sorry, Nicholas), I did go back for a lot of my other wedding paper needs. The employees really know their stuff, and they're always willing to help. There are lots of great little DIY project displays throughout the store to inspire ideas, and there's a good selection of products to choose from. They had place cards, card stock, cute mini envelopes and more, all in the colors I needed, and for that stuff the prices were pretty reasonable. But by far my favorite purchase of all was a nifty little gizmo called the Tonic Studios 12" Trimmer. At just $19.50, this combo paper slicer and scorer was a huge help for a variety of wedding paper projects. Since we had our invites printed through one of my brother's vendors, we had to print far more than we actually needed. Rather than let all those invites go to waste, I used the trimmer to slice them up to create favor tags, wedding wish cards, table numbers and welcome gift tags. Our invitations had a nice icon on them, and this enabled me to carry that visual throughout, without any added printing costs. I also used the scoring attachment of the trimmer to score our wedding programs, which worked great. All in all, a great store, but take a cue from their DIY-mantra "Do Something Creative Every Day" and get crafty with your paper projects to keep costs down. read more

I'm a graduating graphic design major at Chapman University and I'm starting to get really into the look and feel of letterpress. With this said, I'm sure you can understand why this place is one of my favorite stores in Orange County! I came here and got some great cardstock and envelopes for my graduation announcements (how can I buy the pre-made ones when I'm a graphic design major?!). I love their projects for pillow envelopes and envelope liners and anything and everything else they have! They also have a lot of fun trinkets and randomosities that make great gifts. If you want to give someone a Christmas/Birthday/Thank You/Thinking About You/etc. greeting card that will knock their socks off, check out the rack here-- the stuff is great! And yeah, I agree with Kat-- embossing is really fun. Don't judge. read more

Found the coordinating A6 plum envelopes to go with our "wedding thank you/happy new year/have a photo of us with our slideshow website" recipe cards. Pricing here is only fifty cents more than the scrapbooking section of Target (and the selection a thousand times better). Curses to the husband for not allowing me to spend the additional $5.50 on something so I could use my SCP Premiere Club discount and receive a free gift. Doesn't he understand it's that much better when you can get more for your money? Exactly why it's not always the best idea to shop with a man. read more

This review is for the online service. I ordered online on a Wed. Paid $19 for 2-day shipping. Needed it for a Sat anniversary party. It's Mon & I STILL haven't received my paper. The gentleman on the phone said because we ordered on Wednesday they didn't process till Thursday! So the two day shipment is still valid since it's coming within two business days! That was NOT in writing! Bad business read more

Oh how I love this place. Expensive stamps and ink pads, but I LOVE it. Lots of variety of wrapping paper, ribbons, stamps, stickers, book making stuff. The staff is very helpful with all your questions. read more

Stopped in at Paper Source today to have an awkwardly shaped gift wrapped. I could not have had better service from Andria (store manager), Gretchen, and Reiko. They went above and beyond to provide excellent service and help me in my time of need. With beautiful products and extremely professional and helpful service, I 100% recommend stopping in!! read more

Paper Source is bright, cute shop on the situated on the lower level of once Crystal Court. The paper here is just gorgeous and they have beautiful, quality wrapping paper and an assortment of paper products like cards and journals. They even have DIY kits you can use to express your creativity. I bought a birthday card kit and it came with scrap pieces of nice paper and envelopes and you just cut and paste it to your liking. It also seems like a great place to shop for scrapbooking needs as they have rows of stamps, specialty markers, and little doo-dads. The store is brimming with ideas to help you with your next project, and their custom invitations are breathless. Occasionally, they have workshops, though I have yet to attend one. I agree with Shortbread and must hack off a star for the expensive prices. The wrapping paper on the wall is pre-cut into sheets and go for about $6-7 a pop. And you know what people do with the wrapping paper when it's all said and done. Waste, waste, waste. read more

I love the smell of fresh paper in the morning! I cannot get enough of Paper Source - they've got great project starters and also excellent greeting cards and blank cards. I'm a fan! read more

I came upon this store by accident and absolutely fell in love. You can't help but be inspired by all the paper and crafts around you. Plus, they have a great selection of fun and funky books and gifts. Yes, the store is expensive but you are buying quality. And it's a great experience. Like many, I'm a complete sucker for the shopping experience :) read more

Very disappointing hand lettering class. It was more like a "come and try these pens" class, rather than learning anything useful or having any actual instruction. It seemed to be expected that you could already hand letter in some way and just wanted to try out pens. At least three of us had no idea how to hand letter and one of the instructors seemed completely stumped by this and asked how we wrote "fancy". Well we don't know how to write "fancy", that's why we paid for the class. She also kept talking about cursive as if that was the same thing. I'm sure different schools teach cursive differently but to me it is simply joining the letters with a loop, it isn't the same as "fancy" style hand lettering in the slightest. (Additionally this instructor kept going on about how cursive isn't taught in schools anymore which must have been super annoying for the two grade school teachers in our group who repeatedly said it is on the California curriculum). Another point - it was way too cramped. There were around ten of us squashed onto the table. The class should have been smaller. This was really a waste of time and money. I wish I could have this two hours (and my money!) back and just look up tips online or something. Avoid. read more

5 stars- who do I compare them to... They have all the paper you could want and they made my fiancé happy, which makes me happy! We put some wedding invites together from here and sent them, my fiancé worked hard, but this store gave her all the tools! I would definitely come back here- they had a lot of chotchkes,all on 50% off too from the holidays... read more

Paper Source is surprisingly cool. I found EXACTLY what I was looking for and the service is fast and helpful. It's a big shop, far larger than I would have expected a place that sells nothing but paper could be, and you can be certain that if it's made out of paper, you can find it here. I was looking for stationary for a hand-written letter along with a matching envelope. I found the perfect slightly off-white textured paper to give my letter more character. They have everything from card-sized to novelty shaped to letter sized paper. The paper doesn't come cheap (I spent $11 for 10 pieces of paper with their matching envelopes) but then again a Hallmark Card is $5+ by itself. It gets a 4/5 for selection as it doesn't have the unique paper that Flax in Westwood has but is slightly less of a ripoff than Flax so it also gets 3-stars. read more

I love getting papers here so much that I'd find excuses to buy them. The Japanese papers are a bit expensive ($8-ish per sheet) but they are gorgeous. They sell Paddywax candles here and they smell amazing. read more

I am a huge Paper Source fan. I love their window/store display and everything they carry! I have not gone in and come out empty-handed (that would be a serious crime!) I actually wanted to do our wedding invitations here. But we didn't realize it takes months for the invites to be ready (unless you are prepared to pay a substantial expedite fee.) And since we were short on time and I'd say we were crafty, my hubby and I decided to do our invites ourselves. We bought everything from paper, envelopes, addy stickers, eyelets, tools, and wedding venue decor (oh we did our decor ourselves too!) The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable. They were extremely helpful in picking out colors and tools for us. So a big THANK YOU for making our wedding invites and venue sooo memorable~ And I have been getting their catalogues (which is extremely inspiring) which makes me want to buy the entire store! I've also taken a calligraphy class with them and had so much fun! I'm eyeing a book-binding class that looks awesome...mmm... I'll be back for more funky cards and crazily fun toys! read more

This is the closest Paper Source to my house and my go-to place for anything paper/office supply related. This is the largest store around, so they have the biggest selection. But it's so popular, if you really want a certain item, you should get it right away because they will sell out. I'm crazy for this kind of thing, so this is my dream store. The items range from expensive (but amazing) wedding invitations and personalized items to moderately priced paper (and DIY invitation sets). The great part is they have all their stationary in every color! They carry a nice quirky collection of office supplies and knick knacks that you need to brighten up your cubicle/office. (and most of them are actually functional). read more

I always enjoy going into office supply stores or art supply stores, however the only thing I have a hard time doing is leaving. Lol. This is one of those stores. I became a fan of this place the first week it opened. I used to go to Sterling Art supply store in irvine until they unfortunately went out if business. Papersource pretty much has everything you need and more. Like literally. They carry everything from rubber stamps, card stock, small gift items to wrapping paper. Their staff is friendly and they'll hep you find anything and everything. They have mini craft sessions where they teach you how to emboss stamps or create a paper wreath for any holiday. They sell ready made cards that are cute and great for any occasion, calendars, books, kids toys etc. I love getting their rubber stamp pads to make my own stamps as well as their card stock paper to make my own cards for various occasions. They have a wall just full of fun colored cards and envelopes. Want to scrapbook get stuff here. They are a bit pricey but it's good quality. I find myself spending hours in here. It's so bad so if I have to go there for whatever reason, I always take one of my girlfriends with me to drag me out when it's time to go home or elsewhere. This place is too fun. read more

They have dinosaur fossil wrapping paper. What else can I say. Oh yeah they have a dinosaur Christmas wrapping paper too. If you want some creative wrapping paper for your gifts this is the place to go. read more

this store is my mothership, calling me home. seriously. i could spend days - DAYS! - here, staring at different colors of paper, deciding which mini inkpad i need to add to my ever-growing collection, and drooling over letterpressed paper scraps. talk about inspirational! i spent a good 15 minutes trying to decide which card kit i would buy, and ended up convincing myself that i could create my OWN cards without the kit! who was i kidding? i am not even close to being that creative. i finally tore myself away and went to the checkout line, where i had to seriously restrain myself from buying every single packet of paper that was displayed oh-so-cutely on the counter. i almost went back later that night to buy more things. sighhhhhh. if i ever win the lottery, i'm spending half of it here, just buying all the crafty crap that i so desperately want, but will probably never use. read more

For many years I've loved coming into this store as they have lovely paper goods and unusual items. The reason I'm only giving the store a 2 is because they have gone way off the charts in their political leanings. If you are going to promote one political party as strongly as they do common sense would suggest that they are going to alienate others with another political view, and that's what they've done to me. It's so in your face that I doubt very much I will ever go in to a Paper Source again. read more

I am a female and I love stationary. I love cute cards and pens and stickers and other similar items that I will probably never use more than once and keep in a box just to admire. I was previously a Papyrus devotee, but now that I've discovered Paper Source and signed up for the catalog and emails, my stationary obsession just turned a dark corner (for my wallet). I want to befriend a pen-pal so I have an excuse to buy and use all of these overpriced pieces of paper and other semi-useless knick-knacks! read more

Holy Bejebus. If you love paper, pretty colors, cards, pens, books, more paper, uh, you're pretty much gonna love this store. Unless you are poor, which in that case, you'll hate it cos you love it so much and can't buy anything to start that little craft project you've had planned in the back of your head. [That COULD just be me.] I want it. BAD. read more

I realize that my reviews are waaaay long and rambly.. so let me see if I can keep this short and sweet. This store is bigger than the Pasadena one.. and it's in South Coast Plaza.. I love that mall! They seem to have more stuff than the Pasadena one.. but all I really care about is the wall 'o paper that the store has.. so the extra stuff Costa Mesa has hasn't really affected me much yet.. The people here are a little less helpful and a little less enthusiastic.. so that kinda sucks.. but maybe I just got them on an off night.. I enjoy this store.. I enjoy this paper heaven.. Short and sweet.. to the point.. I think this review is done! read more

Tonight Anna made all the difference. I've been to this Paper Source before, and was never all that impressed. Decent customer service, but the sheer amount of products available is more than a little overwhelming. Tonight everything was different. I called ahead and spoke with Anna, she said she'd be there till close so when I arrived I asked for her. Instantly she got the feel of my project and steered me in the perfect direction. Had it not been for her helpfulness and intuitive paper awesomeness I'd have probably left frustrated. We talked options and made the final selection; her finishing touches made the project go from "functional" to "gorgeous." She understood the feeling of the project and what it also needed to accomplish - the end result is amazing. If they had more CS peeps like her, I'd be there (buying) all the time. read more

Don't let the stuffy environment of South Coast Plaza fool you. This store is a breath of fresh air! It's pizazz and ambiance is quite comforting. The employees always greet customers with a genuine smile. If you're carrying armful of stuff around the store, they'll offer to take it and hold it up at the register until you're ready. And it's hard to walk out empty handed. Stocked full of cards, paper supplies, envelopes, rubber stamps, couture wrapping paper, Italian silk ribbon, kitchsy fun items, baby toys, adult-related items, great selection of crafty books. Walking in can be eye candy to the normal craft-ster. There's even a station for the once a month events that you can create the kit/or craft item of the month. Mentioning before that the employees are amazing was an understatement. If you have any questions about customizing invitations, any paper products you want to make yourself, or gift ideas, they go out of their way to make your visit an amazing, memorable one..going home with enough knowledge to teach your newly learned talent to anyone walking down the street. read more

Great selection of witty, unique, luxurious, and even off-color greeting cards, plus various paper products to ensure you throw a spectacular event. I've received excellent customer service here and at their Beverly Hills location. Friendly and attentive staff that were always willing to answer any questions. read more

Great, but pricey paper store. They have everything you need for nice correspondence, and a lovely new Indian paper line. This is also a great place to find Japanese writing papers and origami papers, but both are VERY expensive. Currently, they are offering their "spend $30 now, and get $10 off your next $30 purchase" deal. read more

After the perfect wrapping last Christmas, I returned again and received another "show quality" service. The pics speak for themselves. read more

Paper Source - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Found this place on YELP. Was immediately greeted by Grecia who immediately knew it was I who called earlier on the pone inquiring about gift wrapping services. She was tremendously friendly and helpful. Glad I came in. Thoroughly was pleased with the customer service and options she helped me choose. Will return. read more

artsy nerd who loves fine paper :) Helpful staff, beautiful stuff to help inspire my crazy! read more

LOVE Paper Source! Been going here for years. Recently I became even more impressed . . . my fiance and I are getting married in November, I took him to paper source to get inspired for making our own wedding invitations. And, it worked! We picked out everything we needed with the help of some staff. recently our invites were mailed and people are asking where I ordered them from! :) The staff is great! The products are fabulous! And the pricing is not bad. I had looked online for cheaper card stock, etc. But when it came down to shipping, etc. really Paper Source is not that expensive. read more

the perfect world according to my dear mother: used cars must go before new ones. but there's no such thing as perfect world. the used car (i'd prefer "old", which is me) wasn't always considered like this back in the days. it was test driven a few times and had it's share of fun although it was never purchased by someone (hence NOT used). the new car (my baby sister), on the other hand, met a dude who was willing to own it for the rest of his life. so there came the problem. my mom wanted to get rid of the old inventory first, and seriously did her best for a while. it was just that every time a potential buyer showed up, the car was acting up (blind dates are the worst, especially set by parents...hello we live in AMERICA!!!). eventually six month ago, my mother had to give up the idea of the perfect world, and agreed to let the new car off the lot first...so here's comes my baby sister entering the stage of bridezilla!!! she wanted to make her own invitation and i was like what the hell is her problem, but nevertheless tagged along for a ride. paper source was simply amazing. you can find anything that's related to paper craft. they even have classes and there are templates you can model after for invitations. we spent 3 hours...crazy, huh! some stuff were out of stock and they were nice enough to deliver them to our house at no extra charge. well, i can go on and on about the pain i went through helping my sister with her invitations (they had to be this and that and here and there...sh*t, harder than building a house), but i won't because payback is sweet when my time comes, sista!!! the used car now has one constant test driver and guess what? my mother sure is scheming her way to finally have him purchase the car. can someone please tell her that the used car still thinks she's brand spankin' new?! read more

I've been in Paper Source quite frequently using their Happy Returns service for Rothy's. Everyone that has helped me has been so kind and polite. Excellent customer service as well as great products! I purchased Easter gifts here that were a big hit with the recipients. I will definitely be back in the future! read more

Wow. Never knew that there were this many cool kinds of wrapping paper. Worth a stop to see this. It's like a museum.

I love coming here. I always get inspired to create or start a new project. I come out of here all happy and giddy. The employees really know their stuff and answers all my questions. I always learn something new here everytime that I come. I'm a stationary fanatic so I love this place. read more

putting together invitations for a party we are holding. Sasha was awesome in helping me converting my rough idea into reality. She also pointed out several DIY, more price efficient options that really helped me contain the budget. Customer service: 5 Star. Selection: 5 Star read more

This store has an AMAZING selection of beautiful wrapping papers and supplies. They are a bit on the pricier side but great quality and beautiful designs. They offer gift wrapping services for $10 and they do a great job. Perfect place to go get something wrapped for a special occasion such as a wedding. they presents end up so pretty the receiver won't want to open it! read more

I finally made it into the paper source. It's been on my to do list for like a year! I went in and bought my silhouette cameo, along with all the papers I need to make my own wedding invitations. The woman who helped me, was super friendly. I can't wait to go back!! read more

While I absolutely love paper source products, the service there has gone downhill in the last 6 months. I thought it may have just been a tough day in the store, but as I've continued to return to the store, I continue to run into unhelpful, unresponsive and rude employees. I hope they begin training the employees on great customer service, as I've been a long time customer and do not want to have to shop somewhere else. read more

Really neat place with little last-minute gifts and gift wrap. They also have a gift wrap service. One star deducted for how dang expensive they are. If you need something gift wrapped, be prepared to have to purchase a whole role of paper, a whole thing of ribbon, and then pay for the service in addition. read more

I enjoy a stroll through Paper Source and I usually find a few things I feel I can't live with out. Well, who am I kidding, I can't live without stationery. If you are looking for something cute, humorous and trendy you can usually find it here. Their personal line includes affordable letterpress. PS thank you cards have often saved me in a pinch, but don't limit yourself to Paper Source letterpress, there are some stellar letterpress companies out there. The two areas they are lacking in is: Merchandising and Customer Service. The Costa Mesa location had a lot of space that is unaccounted for, they could really do some amazing things with this space and it pains me that they don't. They also have too many items hidden. I don't mind searching, but you lose less committed customers if a search is needed. The customer service is spotty. Sometimes it's great, but most of the time the sales associates seem aloof, or careless. I recently purchased a few different types of their specialty papers; while sorting through them I found a few that were damaged and I brought them up to the counter and notified the sales associate. Just before she finished my transaction, she asked another staff member to put them back. I told her that I brought them up because they were damaged and her response was, "Someone will buy them." Okay, I was a bit taken aback by this. I was a manager and buyer of a Papyrus, several years ago, and this was something we could never pull off, nor would we want to. It's unfair, people that are going to buy these papers are doing so for either a special occasion or a project. In my experience these people are serious about their item /project and it's too bad you are not as serious about selling it in good condition. Also, it seems to me that if an item is damage it's a good time to salvage it for an in-house crafting project. It really bummed me out. I continue to shop at PS, but I am much more aware and selective about my purchases. read more