Yep, this store is the bomb. Paper Source is a chain, but each store has its unique vibe, and this Paper Source is the best I've ever visited. I come here to shop for gifts and correspondence, to learn new maker techniques on the fly, and occasionally, to unwind in a workshop.
There's a big worktable in the front room and another, bigger one in back. This is where the staff members do product demos, help folks work out project techniques (how many different kinds of embossing powder have I toured there?), and hold workshops. Some of the one-session maker classes I've taken at this Paper Source include miniature letterpress debossing (and envelope-lining), monoprint making on a letterpress, bookbinding, holiday gift containers and labels, and paper flower-making. The groups are small and intimate, and they cover a LOT of projects in the class time.
In the front room, on the righthand side, there's a big collection of mostly-independently-designed/produced loose greeting cards, papercraft kits/refills, photo albums, paper décor, blank off-the-rack invitations, rubber stamps, letterpress supplies, cutting tools, stickers, and scrapbooking paper/supplies. Two big areas of specialty art paper - Japanese paper on one side of the registers, and other cool big sheets of paper on the other side - and a ribbon kiosk (by the yard and by the bolt) make up the left side of the store. The front window is mostly kids' items. The middle of the store is seasonal kits, office supplies, design-heavy toys, gifts, quirky home goods, a custom invitation center, and multi-packs of greeting cards (mostly Paper Source brand). Right now, they've got a ton of holiday ornaments and holiday cards. Their front display window is a big garden gnome.
They've got a whole back room of paperstock (a source of paper, if you will), folios, and envelopes in various colors and sizes that all go together in suites. Since they have such a broad range of shades, They've got fancy, slubby creams and bold, slick purples - and everything in between. I've been able to make a lot of cartes de visite for different purposes (serious, classy, fun, etc) on their premade business card stock packs.
My typical Paper Source visit looks like this:
1) Discover that I need a greeting card for a special person and purpose.
2) Go to Paper Source, look at the new kits.
3) Decide whether owls make a nice pattern for a paper flower. Or octopi. Pandas?
4) After grabbing octopi, panda, and owl paper and a fresh jar of PVA, remember that I need a greeting card.
5) Walk over to the - wait, is that a cupcake mold in the shape of a teacup?
6) Look through the rubber stamps for cupcake stamps.
7) CRAP. I need a greeting card!!!!!! How about I line the envelope with owls eating cupcakes? I like this thin balsa plywood card with the hydrangea on it. Hydrangea doesn't eat cupcakes.
So, if you've ever been to a Paper Source, you'll see their motto emblazoned on the window and inside: Do Something Creative Every Day. Like me, you're going to have to if you're ever going to keep up with all the cool ideas and techniques and projects you're going to want to implement. Most of which will involve a heat tool, an owl, and an opaque gel pen. read more
