New to the Shop: Candles!

This week has brought On Paper a beautiful new array of candles, each one prettier than the last. We couldn't help but proudly display them in the center of the shop; a shrine to the simple joy of twinkling lights and wafting fragrance. Read on to learn more about a few of our favorites!

The clean European elegance of the Grand Hotel de Paris and Le Grand Cafe candles (upper right and lower left, respectively) are beautifully balanced by their worldly-yet-nostalgic fragrances. Hotel de Paris is fresh but sweet, with a scent of Linen Water -- conjuring up images of airy hotel rooms high above the Seine. Le Grand Cafe is slightly more proletarian -- aiming to remind one of "summers spent picking blackberries in the French countryside." Though I can't claim to have done anything of the sort, if I close my eyes and inhale I might be convinced otherwise....

If you're drawn to a more rustic aesthetic, the sweet little tins or knobby jars wrapped with twine are sure to delight. Fragrances range from the sweet and floral (french violet, cherry blossom) to spicy and sultry (white tea ginger, cedar sage). Soy wax blended with essential oils burns clean and light, aided by their unique wooden wicks (only adding to the rustic charm).

Our regulars will recognize the striking silhouettes of Wicked's Negative Space collection, but our enthusiasm is renewed by the arrival of a fourth fragrance, the victrola featured bottom right. The collection is inspired by the psyches and struggles of provocative authors of the past. The four we carry represent (respectively, clockwise from upper left) Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde and Anais Nin. The melancholy concept alone (and their brilliant packaging) was enough to ensnare us, but the fragrances are truly bewitching. For instance, the Oscar Wilde victrola design that inspired today's fervor is an intoxicating blend of bergamot, warm oak, vanilla and patchouli, with a hint of cedar -- but the depth and complexity is truly indescribable, as though the luminary's essence were contained in the wax.

A word to the wise: if your curiosity is aroused, be sure to stop in! In the time it took me to compile this post, several of these lovely candles have found new homes, and I can only imagine the trend will continue with tomorrow's Gallery Hop. See you soon....

Valentines for Procrastinators

It seems 2013 is determined to fly by even faster than 2012; Valentine's Day is a week from today! That's right, folks... seven days left to find something sweet for your sweetheart. (And we're only open for five of them! Don't forget we're closed Sundays and Mondays.)

So today we're sharing a handful of our favorite Valentines still here in the shop. If you see one you love, stop in or give us a call -- we almost never stock more than 6 cards of each style, which means once they're gone, they're gone!

The four valentines below all use traditional language or motifs, but with a modern twist, whether in the typesetting, printing process or even the addition of three-dimensional elements.

The valentines below are fun, modern updates to the time-honored tradition. I love the use of gold foil, simple typesetting, or surprisingly sweet imagery to create romance in unexpected ways. 

Have you found a valentine for your Valentine yet? Don't delay....

Personalized Gifts for the Holidays

The holiday countdown has begun... Hanukkah starts a month from today, and Christmas is less than 50 days away! The time is nigh for custom holiday cards, but fret not -- simply upload a photo and personalize online to quickly create the perfect postal greeting for you and yours. 

[Be sure to take advantage of the 15% off deal by November 18th using the code below!]

Cross a few folks off your list with stylish iPhone cases and custom coasters. Rare is the gift that is trendy, useful, and thoughtful all in one -- but with a wide range of personalization options these two offerings pass the test with flying colors. 

Happy shopping!

New to the Shop: Christina Stankard Jewelry

 

Last week brought some delicate yet stunning new jewelry to the shop. Incorporating pearls, sapphires and chalcedony, Christina Stankard creates bright earrings and luminous necklaces. All pieces are handmade in her Brooklyn studio -- we imagine it must be filled with natural light, to inspire such ethereal pieces. To see a gallery of her work, check out her website. To adorn yourself with these gorgeous pieces, stop by the shop! I think any one of these pieces would be especially lovely as wedding jewelry....

 

 

But I can't promise I won't claim one of these for myself, wedding or no. Hurry in, Columbus brides -- you've been warned! 

New Jewelry in the Shop!

We hope you're as hypnotized and delighted by these pieces as we are! They're as strange, beautiful and exhilarating as this absurd weather we've been having -- and what better way to welcome spring and summer than with bright jewelry that celebrates nature's bounty?

 

The Evolution of the Business Card

The business card is a stationery item so omnipresent that most people are unaware of its fascinating roots in European culture, or of its ongoing transformation. Today the exchange of one's card can be a purely professional act or a romantic overture, depending on the context. But in the 1600s, such distinctions were quite clear.

In 17th century England, trade cards became a popular form of advertising. Without reliable street numbering systems or any widespread advertising forums, the trade card -- a small card bearing the business' name and a map -- was an essential means to spreading the word to potential clients.

Calling Cards

Meanwhile, in the courts of Louis XIV, visiting cards were in vogue. Eventually the practice of exchanging these cards became extremely nuanced, dictated by the strict social guidelines of the Victorian Era in both Europe and America. The turning of one corner, the placement just so in the calling card tray, or the number of cards left behind all had varying significance to the lady of the house, and was an essential ritual to establishing oneself in society. It was at this time that the calling card case was invented -- an accessory that to this day delights the fashionable stationery lover.

Frank Lloyd Wright card case

In the twentieth century, the business card was ostensibly intended for professional exchange. But as we all know (whether from experience or, for those of us who came of business card age in the 21st century, from Hollywood), the line between business and calling card is blurry. How many leading ladies have you watched bite her lower lip while running a finger over the engraving of Mr. Right's business card, sighing at a silent phone?

Today the business card continues to transform, along with a workforce that is far more varied and transient. A modern calling card is often more about the individual than the business, especially as employment fluctuates often. It is increasingly common for one's card to include a personal website, and to incorporate more modern and eye-catching design elements -- a means of setting you apart from the rest, and making a lasting impression on your acquaintance.

Crane calling card

Even in today's virtual media saturated space, the business card is an indispensable marketing component for any serious business professional. In Japan it would be unheard of to make a business introduction without the presentation of a business card. And here in the U.S., it  continues to be a integral part of the branding package and a stationery essential. The business card reigns and is gaining, not losing relevance (professional or otherwise).

An up-trending popular variation is the "mommy card". Whether you're a full-time mom or balance work and motherhood, the mommy card is intended as a more personal means of exchanging contact information. Typically a personal email address, cell phone number and home phone number are included, in order to make communication quick and direct. Often these cards bear a photo of your child or fun whimsical designs, thus differentiating it from (typically more reserved) business cards. Intended to be distributed among friends, family, teachers, parents of classmates and playmates, babysitters -- these versatile cards are quickly becoming an essential for the 21st century mom.

Savvy mommy cards

Check out our range of quick and affordable business, calling, and "mommy" cards on our website here! Or stop by our shop to take a look at the beautiful paper options available for a more unique custom design -- we can incorporate your business' logo or custom art to achieve a look that is distinctly yours.

Designer's Fine Press letterpress business card

New Luv: Niven Morgan

We're luvin' Niven Morgan- and the Jean Baptiste 1717 Collection. Soap, hand lotion and an aromatic candle are perfectly packaged and couldn't be more suited to our shop. {note: sealing wax loveliness}

Here's what the creator says about this collection:

"A young but sophisticated fragrance, Jean Baptiste 1717 evokes the seductive soul of New Orleans: oak lined boulevards, jasmined air, distant song, sweet times, love lost and found. The scent: Water hyacinth, jasmine and tuberose floating through a sensual aura: wild rose and princess lily with subtle traces of caramel and creamy vanilla, and base notes of rich woods and warm patchouli.

Niven Morgan’s Jean Baptiste 1717 celebrates New Orleans past and present and its founding father, Jean Baptiste le Moyne de Bienville, the aristocrat who established the city in 1717 as the capital of French Louisiana. His original settlement survives to this day as the Vieux Carré, or French Quarter."

Lather up your shopping list and add this as a go to gift this holiday season!

Just ordered and on the way...

Necklaces from Margaret Solow

We're so excited to have these new necklaces by
Margaret Solow!

They come to us via Collier West who has carried them for years. Now that they are moving to the Big Apple- Suzi has shared them with us! {thx Suzi- we miss u already!}

These "Grounding Series" necklaces are beautifully cut gem stones, hand strung on silk cord. Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Grey Quartz to name a few... each stone has healing properties that soothe the soul and add awareness to the daily grind.

NEW Home? Perfect adornments!

Just in- great new hand crafted adornments for the new (and not so new!) home...

Daily Quotes: A fresh bunch just arrived- an ON PAPER fave- these inspired quotes are a perpetual best seller! .75 each- printed on handmade paper... buy one or special order 365 in a box- one inspired thought per day!

These are what we feature on our "Quote of the Week" posts and we never tire of all the amazing words of wisdom.

"Love Makes the World Go Around"- Gaming wheel: A great rustic objet made of reclaimed and repurposed wood and bike tire. Very cool! $210.

"Every Day I Love You" Gaming Wheel: an actual calendar and a daily reminder to love and be loved. LUV this! ;)

Stencil Tin Signs: Stencil cut galvanized tin offer rustic wisdom. $55.

Also these great quotes not shown:
"KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE"
"EVERY EXIT IS AN ENTRANCE SOMEWHERE ELSE"

NEW Personalized Stationery options online!

We're pretty jazzed to have a new partnership with Embossed Graphics- our printer who makes our incredible quality/incredible value stationery for us. Now you can buy online through our website 24/7 - not only stationery, but wedding and party invitations, personalized napkins, guest towels, and lots more!

CLICK HERE Take a look and start shopping!

Valentine's Day's coming- don't forget!!

Have you shopped for Valentine cards yet???

Artwork: from a card by B Designs

What's New? Lots!

I heart scarves

All it takes is one windy day with a temperature below 90 to set my heart a flutter- Just received more scarves and this card buyer is in luv!!! ;)

Civilettes by Greer

It's SO fun when a fellow stationery creates a lovely little line and makes it available to other fellow stationers to sell. Such is the case with "Civilettes" designed by Chandra Greer from Greer stationers in Chicago.

Chandra has a beautiful, cool and On Paper sympatico stationery shop in Old Town. We love just about everything she sells (and sell much of the same!). Her clever Civilettes are a nod to random acts of kindness and encourage the user to give a kind word, an apropos apology, or a quick I love you via a mini card to a welcome recipient.

There are 10 miniature cards per pack, available in 4 sentiments: I love you, I'm sorry, Good Job and Thank You. Great price too: $6.50 per pack. We've already sold out of our first order- so these babies are popular! Just received more today--- so stop in and pick up a pack!

Buying Season!!!

Greetings! If your wondering why so few new posts of late- suffice it to say- I've been BUSY!!! Just returned from not one, but 3 buying trips! The shop is closed today (Monday) but I wanted to post a quick glimpse of some of the great new buys... and this is JUST from my trip to NY last week...

Old world stationery makes a come back with note packets imported from Italy- traditional Florentine patterns and solid colors, Recife pens- a twelve year fave, an entire new selection and presentation of picture frames (LUV!), luxe holiday ornaments- mini works of art and small art signs- quippy or sweet sayings and the like.

Amazing new handcrafted jewelry much vintage inspired and some with a bit more of a trendy edge.

More guest books from Rag & Bone Bindery and a frame made from linen rags!

Cool decorative pillows at incredibly affordable prices- wish I'd ordered more!

Last year handmade ornaments were such a hit that I ordered more- the detail work is intricate and defies the word patience!

More pix soon... Can't wait for you to see all of these in real time!!!